2020 Draft Profile: C Brendan Brisson

It’s hard to ignore the fact that Brendan is the son of super-agent Pat Brisson, whose star-studded client list is a who’s who of current NHL royalty. Although Brisson’s background has been the elephant in the room for some scouts, there are several good reasons – at least in terms of player evaluation — that renders his last name as nothing more than a footnote. You see, not only did Brisson destroy the USHL in his draft year to win Rookie of the Year honors, but he also led an impressive field at the under-20 World Junior “A” Challenge in scoring. Additionally, Brisson was a top player on a loaded Chicago squad which had five of USHL’s seven-best scorers, and he most certainly had a role in his teammates’ success.

Brisson was essentially the Steel’s top-line center and a key figure on a power play, which operated at a league-best 24.6 percent. He was confident on the puck and was able to initiate and complete breakouts that directly led to quality scoring chances. A superior puck handler who enters the zone cleanly regardless of the situation or his rate of speed, Brisson throughout the season had visible chemistry with a collection of linemates that included fellow 2020 draft prospects Sean Farrell and Mathieu De St. Phalle.

Brisson possesses an elite shot and it is one of the more respected weapons in his arsenal. He is very accurate with his slapper and isn’t afraid to use it, and Chicago designed set plays on the power play and off faceoffs specifically for Brisson to hammer the puck on net. But Brisson also fulfills additional critical requirements assigned to him by his coaching staff. He can be as good a playmaker as he is a sniper, and he is willing to do the dirty work along the boards to either maintain possession or take it away from opponents. He’s pulled off multiple highlight-reel plays this season either individually or by incorporating his star-studded support group.

Mobility and quickness play a key role in Brisson’s ability to create time and space. He likes to be on the puck a lot and will gravitate towards it regardless of which side is in possession. Part of the reasons why Brisson gets to so many free pucks is his anticipation and awareness, but he also outpaced several quick-footed defensemen at the WJAC without needed much of a head start. He is very strong on the puck and can change directions rapidly while cradling the puck away from his closest opponents. Brisson is also a competent penalty killer and a neutral-zone shark. He consistently hounds opposing puck carriers and gets a fair number of stick-lift takeaways.