Jonny Brodzinski Bio
Jonathan Brodzinski, known professionally as Jonny Brodzinski, is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a forward for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on June 19, 1993, in Blaine, Minnesota, Brodzinski was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round, 148th overall, of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He has built his professional career across multiple organizations, also representing the San Jose Sharks before joining the Rangers organization in 2020.
Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing approximately 216 pounds, Brodzinski has spent the majority of his professional career in the American Hockey League, where he has developed into a reliable scoring forward. Known for his goal-scoring touch and hockey IQ, he continues to contribute both at the NHL level and within the Rangers’ developmental system.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Brodzinski was born on June 19, 1993, in Blaine, Minnesota, a city with a strong youth hockey tradition in the Upper Midwest. He grew up in a family deeply connected to the sport, with several younger brothers who have also pursued competitive hockey careers. This familial immersion in the game provided a strong foundation for his development as a player from an early age.
Brodzinski attended Blaine High School, where he was teammates with Nick Bjugstad, who would later go on to play center for the Minnesota Wild. The two developed together in the same high school program before eventually crossing paths again in professional hockey circles. Following his high school graduation, Brodzinski spent two seasons in the United States Hockey League, the top junior league in the country, playing for the Fargo Force.
His time in the USHL allowed him to refine his offensive skills and attract the attention of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) programs. His performances in junior hockey ultimately set the stage for his collegiate career and eventual professional trajectory.
Path to Hockey
Following his two seasons in the USHL, Brodzinski enrolled at St. Cloud State University, where he played three seasons of Division I college hockey with the Huskies. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact by leading all NCAA freshmen with 22 goals, signaling his natural scoring ability at the next competitive level. He continued to develop his two-way game throughout his time with the program.
During his junior season in 2014–15, Brodzinski was recognized for his outstanding play with a selection to the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) All-Conference First Team. His collegiate production was consistent, finishing his career with 64 goals and 48 assists for 112 points across 120 games. These numbers caught the attention of NHL scouts and helped confirm his professional potential.
Brodzinski’s selection by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft came while he was still developing in the college ranks, offering him a long runway to grow within a competitive organization. His path from Blaine youth hockey to the NCAA established a clear developmental arc heading into his professional career.
Jonny Brodzinski Career
Early Career (2015–2017)
On April 1, 2015, the Los Angeles Kings signed Brodzinski to a two-year entry-level contract, officially launching his professional career. He was immediately assigned to the Kings’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign, where he would spend the majority of his first two professional seasons. He adapted quickly to the pace and physicality of pro hockey, posting solid offensive numbers and showing that his scoring ability translated from the college level.
On January 5, 2017, Brodzinski, along with teammate Vincent LoVerde, was selected to compete in the 2017 AHL All-Star Game, a recognition of his strong play in the minors during the 2016–17 season. His progression in the AHL positioned him as a candidate for an NHL opportunity later that same year.
NHL Breakthrough (2017–2019)
Brodzinski received his first NHL call-up on March 23, 2017, and made his NHL debut two days later on March 25 against the New York Rangers. When he took the ice, he became the first Los Angeles Kings player ever to wear the number 76, and the first member of the Kings’ 2013 draft class to appear in an NHL game. Although his debut did not produce a goal, the milestone marked the realization of his professional dream.
After spending additional time in the AHL, Brodzinski was recalled to the NHL again on November 16, 2017. Just two days later, on November 18, 2017, he scored his first NHL goal in a 4–0 win against the Florida Panthers, a defining moment in his young career. He experienced several additional call-ups and reassignments between the NHL and AHL during the 2017–18 season as the Kings managed their roster.
Following his entry-level contract, Brodzinski continued to shuttle between Los Angeles and the Ontario Reign. He remained with the Kings organization through the end of his contract, eventually becoming an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
San Jose Sharks Era (2019–2020)
On July 2, 2019, Brodzinski signed a one-year, two-way contract with the San Jose Sharks as a free agent, leaving the organization that had drafted him. He made the Sharks’ opening night roster for the 2019–20 season, appearing in three NHL games before being placed on waivers on October 11. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda.
With the Barracuda, Brodzinski enjoyed a strong offensive campaign, recording 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 44 games before the season was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. His consistent production at the AHL level made him an attractive depth signing for teams looking to bolster their forward ranks.
New York Rangers Era (2020–Present)
On October 9, 2020, Brodzinski signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers, moving to the East Coast. Since then, he has spent time both with the Rangers at the NHL level and with their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. His versatility and professional approach have made him a valuable depth piece within the organization.
On February 28, 2022, Brodzinski signed a two-year contract extension with the Rangers, signaling the organization’s confidence in his contributions. He then signed another two-year contract extension on February 21, 2024, further cementing his long-term role with the club. He continues to be a steady presence who can step in at the NHL level when called upon while also serving as a leader in Hartford.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the most notable milestones of Brodzinski’s career came on March 25, 2017, when he became the first Los Angeles Kings player to wear the number 76 in an NHL game. Another defining moment was his first NHL goal, scored on November 18, 2017, against the Florida Panthers. These achievements stand as signature moments from his journey through the professional ranks.
Jonny Brodzinski Career Wins
Jonny Brodzinski’s professional resume reflects a steady scorer at the AHL level and a depth contributor at the NHL level. While he has not been a primary offensive star in the NHL, his consistent production in the minors and his role as a reliable call-up have defined his career. His AHL totals reflect a forward capable of producing offense in a top-six role.
AHL Highlights
Brodzinski has recorded multiple productive AHL seasons, highlighted by a 30-point campaign in 44 games with the San Jose Barracuda during the pandemic-shortened 2019–20 season. He has also posted strong numbers with the Ontario Reign and the Hartford Wolf Pack. He was recognized as an AHL All-Star during the 2016–17 season with the Ontario Reign.
Other Wins & Performances
Brodzinski’s selection to the NCHC All-Conference First Team in 2014–15 represents one of the most prestigious individual honors of his playing career. His 22-goal freshman season at St. Cloud State also stands as a notable achievement, leading all NCAA freshmen that year.
Jonny Brodzinski Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hockey runs deep in the Brodzinski family, with several of Jonny’s younger brothers also pursuing competitive hockey careers. His brother Michael was selected just seven picks before him in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks, and the two faced each other in college as Michael played for the University of Minnesota.
Jonny also has two more younger brothers, Easton and Bryce. Easton has played for the Allen Americans of the ECHL after skating at St. Cloud State University, while Bryce was a seventh-round draft pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2019 and has played for the Ontario Reign of the AHL after a college career at the University of Minnesota. Bryce was also named 2019 Mr. Hockey for Minnesota High School Hockey, one of the highest individual honors in the state.
Personal Life
Off the ice, Brodzinski continues to play hockey in the off-season, competing in The Da Beauty League, a popular Minnesota-based summer league known for featuring NHL players and top amateur talent. He maintains strong ties to his Minnesota roots and his family, who remain deeply involved in the sport.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2025 season, Jonny Brodzinski remains a key depth forward in the New York Rangers organization, holding a contract that runs through the 2025–26 campaign. His role continues to balance NHL appearances with time spent leading the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, where he provides veteran scoring and leadership.
Through the early stages of the season, Brodzinski has continued to deliver steady production and a strong work ethic, reinforcing his value to the Rangers’ system. His ability to step into the NHL lineup when needed while maintaining his offensive game in the minors makes him an important organizational piece for New York’s forward depth.
Looking ahead, Brodzinski will look to remain a consistent contributor for the Rangers organization while continuing to support the development of prospects within the Hartford system. His longevity and professionalism suggest he will remain a steady presence in professional hockey for the foreseeable future.