Jonathan Brodzinski Bio
Jonathan Brodzinski is an American professional ice hockey player who serves as a forward for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Blaine, Minnesota, on June 19, 1993, Brodzinski has built a reputation as a versatile two-way forward capable of contributing on both ends of the ice. He was selected by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round with the 148th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft before embarking on a professional career that has spanned multiple NHL organizations. Brodzinski wears jersey number 76 and shoots right, bringing consistency and reliability to every lineup he joins.
Early Life and Background
Brodzinski grew up in Blaine, Minnesota, where he attended Blaine High School and developed his hockey skills alongside future NHL center Nick Bjugstad. Playing in Minnesota’s rich hockey culture provided Brodzinski with excellent development opportunities and fierce competition that prepared him well for the next level. His high school career laid the foundation for the competitive drive that would characterize his professional journey.
After graduating from high school, Brodzinski advanced to the United States Hockey League (USHL), playing two seasons with the Fargo Force. The USHL served as a crucial stepping stone, allowing him to refine his game against older, more experienced competition while attracting attention from college programs. His performance in the USHL demonstrated his potential as a scoring threat and playmaker.
Path to Professional Hockey
Brodzinski continued his development at St. Cloud State University, where he played three seasons with the Huskies from 2012 to 2015. As a freshman, he made an immediate impact by leading all NCAA freshmen with 22 goals, showcasing his goal-scoring ability at the collegiate level. His outstanding junior season earned him recognition on the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) All-Conference First Team during the 2014-15 campaign. Throughout his college career, Brodzinski accumulated 64 goals and 48 assists for 112 points across 120 games played.
His success at St. Cloud State caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The Kings identified his combination of scoring ability, hockey sense, and work ethic as qualities they wanted to develop within their organization. Following his college career, Brodzinski transitioned to professional hockey, signing his first NHL contract and beginning his journey toward becoming an everyday NHL player.
Jonathan Brodzinski Career
Los Angeles Kings (2015–2019)
On April 1, 2015, Brodzinski signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings and was assigned to their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Ontario Reign. He spent the majority of his first professional season adapting to the increased speed and physicality of pro hockey while continuing to develop his two-way game. His strong AHL performance earned him recognition, and on January 5, 2017, he and teammate Vincent LoVerde were selected to compete in the 2017 AHL All-Star Game.
Brodzinski received his first NHL call-up on March 23, 2017, and made his NHL debut on March 25 against the New York Rangers. When he debuted, he became the first Los Angeles Kings player to wear jersey number 76 and the first player from the Kings’ 2013 draft class to appear in an NHL game. Brodzinski was recalled to the NHL again on November 16, 2017, and scored his first career NHL goal on November 18 in a 4-0 victory against the Florida Panthers. The 2017-18 season saw him bounce between the NHL and AHL as the Kings evaluated his readiness for full-time NHL duty.
San Jose Sharks (2019–2020)
After four seasons within the Kings organization, Brodzinski became a free agent and signed a one-year, two-way contract with the San Jose Sharks on July 2, 2019. He made the Sharks’ opening night roster for the 2019-20 season and appeared in three games before being placed on waivers on October 11. He was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda, the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, where he recorded 14 goals and 16 assists for 30 points in 44 games. The season was ultimately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, cutting his time with the Barracuda short.
New York Rangers (2020–Present)
On October 9, 2020, Brodzinski signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers, leaving the West Coast for a new opportunity in the Eastern Conference. He immediately became a valuable depth piece for the Rangers, contributing his versatility and reliability on the fourth line while providing offensive production when called upon. On February 28, 2022, he signed a two-year contract extension, demonstrating the organization’s confidence in his abilities.
Brodzinski has continued to split time between the Rangers and their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, serving as an experienced veteran who can step in and perform when needed at the NHL level. On February 21, 2024, the Rangers signed him to another two-year contract extension, securing his services through the 2025-26 season. His consistent performance and professional approach have made him a trusted asset within the Rangers’ organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Brodzinski is known for his reliable two-way play, combining solid defensive positioning with timely offensive contributions. His game is built on consistency, hockey intelligence, and strong work ethic rather than flashy plays. He adapts well to different roles within a lineup, whether serving as a energy-line winger or providing secondary scoring depth. His experience across multiple organizations has helped him develop into a versatile forward capable of contributing in various situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his career highlights, Brodzinski’s NHL debut stands out as a significant milestone, particularly because he became the first player from the Kings’ 2013 draft class to reach the NHL and the first to wear the number 76 for Los Angeles. Scoring his first NHL goal against the Florida Panthers in a shutout victory represented another key moment in his professional journey. His AHL All-Star selection in 2017 validated his strong play at the minor league level during his development years.
Jonathan Brodzinski Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Brodzinski comes from a family with deep hockey roots. His younger brother, Michael Brodzinski, was drafted by the San Jose Sharks just seven selections after Jonathan in the same 2013 NHL Draft. The brothers faced each other multiple times during college when Michael played for the University of Minnesota, creating memorable sibling rivalries at the collegiate level.
Jonathan has two additional younger brothers who have also pursued professional hockey careers. Easton Brodzinski played college hockey at St. Cloud State University—the same program as his brother Jonathan—and currently competes for the Allen Americans of the ECHL. Bryce Brodzinski, the youngest brother, was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the seventh round of the 2019 NHL Draft and plays for the Ontario Reign of the AHL after his college career at the University of Minnesota. Bryce was named 2019 Mr. Hockey, recognizing him as the top high school hockey player in Minnesota, highlighting the family’s exceptional hockey lineage.
Personal Life
Beyond his professional commitments, Brodzinski stays active during the offseason by participating in the Da Beauty League, a summer hockey league featuring former and current professional players. The league provides an opportunity for players to maintain their conditioning and sharpen their skills while enjoying the game in a more relaxed setting.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 NHL season saw Brodzinski continue his established role with the New York Rangers as a dependable depth forward. His ability to move between the NHL and AHL levels has proven valuable for the organization, allowing the Rangers to manage their roster flexibility while maintaining an experienced option who can step in during injuries or when additional depth is needed.
Brodzinski’s work ethic and professional approach have kept him in good standing within the Rangers’ locker room. His mentorship of younger players and willingness to accept any role assigned to him by coaching staff demonstrate his team-first mentality. The Rangers’ coaching staff has relied on him for his consistency and ability to execute defensive assignments while contributing when opportunities arise.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the 2025 calendar year, Brodzinski remains a steady presence in the Rangers’ organization. With his contract running through 2025-26, he provides organizational stability and veteran experience for a team that continues to push for playoff contention. His journey from Minnesota high school hockey to becoming a reliable NHL professional exemplifies the value of persistence and continuous development in a competitive league.