2024 Jonny Brodzinski report card

Who thought that I’d be doing a 2024 Jonny Brodzinski report card when last season started? If your hand is raised, feel free to put it back down. Many things needed to happen for Brodzinski to become a regular in the lineup, and almost none of it had to do with his play in the AHL. Brodzinski became a full time Ranger thanks to multiple injuries to Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, plus Nick Bonino falling off a cliff. It wasn’t until it was clear Bonino wasn’t an answer that Brodzinski became a regular.

Still, Brodzinski had to outperform “veterans” like Jake Leschyshyn, Tyler Pitlick and Adam Belzile in the AHL. He also had to keep pushes from Matt Rempe, Adam Edstrom, and possibly Brennan Othmann at bay. He did just that, earning his call up and performing surprisingly well. Remember, the expectations for Brodzinski were very low as the team’s 15F, but he did fine in his role given his expectations.

In a primarily bottom six role, Brodzinski put up a respectable line of 6-13-19 (5-12-17 at 5v5) in 57 games while averaging 11 minutes a night. Not bad for a 15F who wasn’t expected to even get a call up, let alone play 57 games. Brodzinski’s TOI with teammates is all over the place, but the majority of his time was spent with Will Cuylle and Kaapo Kakok in a third line role, thus the over 50% offensive zone starts, which was a tad surprising.

Brodzinski’s possession numbers started off great with solid defensive numbers, but came back down to Earth the more he played. Remember, Brodzinski was a 15F for this team who played his way into the 12F role pre-deadline, then remained as a 13F following the deadline. He was near replacement level, which was all you could expect from him.

Keeping in mind Brodzinski’s role and expectations, it’s hard to call this season anything short of a massive success for the 31 year old tweener. He earned himself an extra two year deal at NHL minimum, which is a one-way deal so he will earn that money in the AHL as well. Brodzinski isn’t likely to be a regular down the road, especially with players like Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom already showing they are NHL ready for a bottom six role. Brett Berard is likely to pass Brodzinski as well.

Brodzinski’s future is likely tied to how well Sam Carrick plays the next two seasons. At best, Brodzinski is the 4C in a likely rotation with Carrick. At worst, he’s still the captain of the Hartford Wolf Pack making an NHL salary in the AHL.

2024 Jonny Brodzinski report card grade: B