The Vegas Golden Knights had high hopes for Brendan Brisson heading into the 2024-25 season. They were banking on him to fill the third-line void this season and add more scoring. That's what two goals and six assists in 15 games will get you. Surely, he wouldn't turn out like the other first-round picks before him and be dealt, right?
Life had other plans for the Manhattan Beach native. It started with a tumultuous preseason where he underachieved with the team. Tripping Macklin Celebrini out the gate doesn't resonate well with scouts and coaches. In turn, he was sent down to the Henderson Silver Knights, where he scored five goals and 14 assists in 45 games.
He did get some time in the NHL by playing nine games. However, no points were registered and it added more fuel to the fire. It seemed like his destination was being another former first-round pick from Vegas being traded. There was no escaping his fate.
That's exactly what happened on Thursday as Kelly McCrimmon swapped No. 19's. He brought home Reilly Smith from the New York Rangers for Brisson and a 2025 third-round pick (which was from San Jose and went to Vancouver). The ending was tragic, like putting down a beloved pet with a terminal illness. The only difference? The forward is 23 years old and McCrimmon doesn't mind making deals to send former first-rounders out of town.
Where did it all go wrong?
One thing that stands out with the University of Michigan alum was his decision-making. He wasn't the most astute at making solid choices on the ice. Sometimes, he would make errant passes to oncoming defenders. Other times, he would be called for a terrible penalty. It proved the prospect needed more seasoning with the Henderson Silver Knights with a demotion in the cards.
Mind you, this is a team that prides itself on disciplined hockey with the fewest penalty minutes in the league (338). No bone-headed plays or trying to do too much. Bruce Cassidy believes in playing fundamentally sound hockey, right down to the skating. That's something that has hurt the 23-year-old on his development journey. He's gotten caught up in his fair share of scrums and bad penalties, leading to him getting the boot.
There's also a certain style that the Vegas Golden Knights play that doesn't fit with Brendan Brisson. They play a big game and get their sticks out at every moment. Add in numerous two-way forwards and it makes life harder for opponents. He's barely 6'0" and weighs 192 lbs., making him a slight liability on the ice.
What could've been with Brendan Brisson
Let's say Brisson worked on his blind spots and developed into a viable forward for the Golden Knights. He makes smarter decisions and does a better job of caring for the puck. Would he have lasted longer and shattered the stigma surrounding former first-round picks for Vegas? Well...
Here's the thing. The franchise has never stopped trading said first-round picks to win hockey games. They've used prospects like David Edstrom, Nick Suzuki, and Zach Dean to go all-in on their Stanley Cup window. What makes you think that philosophy will die soon?
It's also worked, fetching talented stars such as Tomas Hertl, Ivan Barbashev, and Mark Stone. These players have been the cornerstone of Golden Knights hockey. You don't compete for a Stanley Cup without them, after all. In fact, the only plausible argument for not trading a first-round draft pick is Suzuki (127 goals and 224 assists in six seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, an 82-game average of 24 goals and 42 assists).
Will Brisson work out with the New York Rangers? Who knows? He might have a similar story to Suzuki and be on the Rangers' top line in the future. But as it stands, there was no hope for a prospect who didn't pan out with the Golden Knights and Silver Knights. Fans will remember him as simply another trivia answer for years to come.