Brendan Brisson had an interesting stint with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. He played on the top line and flourished, even putting away a game-winning goal on January 20 against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He's looked smooth playing with players like Ivan Barbashev and Alex Pietrangelo, fitting in with his offensive instincts and puckhandling skills.
Now, he's projected to play alongside William Karlsson on the third line for the upcoming season. The Golden Knights will look to him to fill a void left behind by players like Chandler Stephenson and Michael Amadio. These forwards provided scoring depth on the middle lines, making Vegas more well-rounded. That's especially true with the team's injury issues, where they've lost key components such as Mark Stone and Jack Eichel.
With Brisson projected to step into the Golden Knights lineup, he's expected to become a regular contributor. That means building off his successes from 2023-24, where he shined in limited time. Scoring two goals and six assists in 15 games set the framework for the former Michigan Wolverine to be successful. Now, he'll have a stable unit around him, where he can thrive with established veterans. So what does the new hockey year hold for the former first-round pick as he steps onto the NHL ice?
What to expect from Brendan Brisson in his rookie season with the Vegas Golden Knights
One thing that will determine the 2023-24 season for Brendan Brisson is how he adjusts to the NHL's pace. He must pick up his pace in the big leagues, especially since it has more skill and speed than the AHL. He scored 39 goals and 44 assists in 117 games, showing he could thrive professionally. However, adapting to a better play will help him become a key piece for the Vegas Golden Knights.
This also includes how he plays with veterans like William Karlsson. Will he learn from their ways and sharpen his game? He's also projected to play alongside the newest Golden Knight, Alexander Holtz. The former New Jersey Devil will bring a hard shot and prowess in the slot, making him an undervalued piece. How will Brisson do with him on the other side?
These are questions that will circle the Michigan Wolverines alumnus in his rookie season. If he adapts to his expected role on the third line, he'll have no problems adjusting to the NHL. That starts with leaning on Karlsson and picking his brain about playing in the league. That way, he can make necessary adjustments as needed and improve his game.
So what will happen with Brisson in the new hockey year? We'll assume he plays 75 games with Vegas, where he'll get plenty of time as the left wing. Some injuries will happen, albeit they'll cause him to miss some time. This season, he'll score 11 goals and 17 assists in his first full campaign. It's tempting to say he'll score 20+ assists based on how he looked in the offense last season. That could also happen! However, it's about taking baby steps for Brisson, where he'll thrive in the future.