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Ranking the top 31 Prospects in the 2020 NHL Draft: 31. Brendan Brisson

By Daniel Bruce |
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: The Toronto Maple Leafs management attend the 2019 NHL Draft at the Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA - JUNE 22: The Toronto Maple Leafs management attend the 2019 NHL Draft at the Rogers Arena on June 22, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The top-rated player out of the USHL, Brisson brings a ton of skill to the table

Brendan Brisson (C), Chicago (USHL)

H: 6’0″ W: 185 lbs

Brisson, the son of well-known NHL agent Pat Brisson, was one of the top scorers in the USHL this past season and was one of the biggest risers in the draft throughout the season.

2019-2020 Recap

GP: 45 G: 24 A: 34 P: 58 +/-: 17

Starting off his rookie season in the USHL strong, Brisson was invited to play in the World Junior A challenge where he was the best player in the tournament, leading all skaters in goals, assists and points. His 12 points in 6 games was impressive and contributed largely to his meteoric rise up draft boards.

Brisson finished the season 2nd in the league in points and led the USHL in power-play points with 24, he was the focal point of the Chicago Steel’s power-play. Playing on the best team in the USHL, Brisson was the main catalyst for all of their offensive success, as he produced the second-most points on his team.

Play Style

An offence first type of player, Brisson thrives as a playmaker, he is able to get the puck to his teammates by using his great speed and soft hands. The Hockey Writers believes Brisson can become a solid 200-foot player primarily due to his great effort on the defensive end:

“What he lacks in overall size and physicality, he makes up for with his constantly moving feet and his brain. Brisson plays at a high tempo and is always moving, keeping the pressure on the opponent regardless of what zone the puck is in. He has the tools to be a high-level, 200-foot player at the NHL level”

If Brisson can use his skating to his advantage while adding a few pounds to his frame, he could become a reliable two-way centre with significant upside.

Despite being thought of as more of a playmaker, Brisson has a wicked one-timer that he used quite often at the World Junior A Challenge and the USHL.

Brisson is a sneaky player, he does so many things well on the offensive end, he possesses soft hands, has great hockey sense, tremendous passing ability and has a solid shot, if his game keeps growing Brisson could be a top-six centre in the NHL.

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