Rangers reward Jonny Brodzinski with 2-year contract extension ahead of trade deadline
The New York Rangers may have their sights set on acquiring another center ahead of the trade deadline March 8, but it’s clear they’re happy with what Jonny Brodzinski has been giving them at the position this season.
Brodzinski agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Rangers on Wednesday, roughly two weeks before the trade deadline. Financial terms were not disclosed by the team.
The 30-year-old center has established NHL career-highs across the board this season with four goals, 11 assists, 15 points and 37 games played. He’s averaging 11:27 in ice time and has won 52.1 percent of his faceoffs.
“We signed it right after the game,” Brodzinski said. “Can’t wait to be back for another two years. It’s stability for me and the family. The biggest thing is not giving up.”
Update: Per CapFriendly, it’s a one-way deal with an AAV of $787,500.
Related: Blake Wheeler injury should remove Kaapo Kakko from trade rumors
Jonny Brodzinski receives contract extension from Rangers after filling void for injured Filip Chytil
Brodzinski was the leading scorer with Hartford of the American Hockey League (11 goals and 25 points in 16 games) before landing a regular spot on Broadway. Brodzinski effectively replaced injured center Filip Chytil and has most recently been a part of a solid third line with wings Kaapo Kakko and Will Cuylle.
“Everybody brings a little something different [to the line],” Brodzinski explained recently. “[Cuylle] is a hard-nosed, go-to-the-net kind of player. Kaapo has a lot skill but also has that puck protection. I consider myself more of a shooter. So, we all bring something different which I think makes a good line.”
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette has praised Brodzinski repeatedly for his strong two-way play. Laviolette has pointed out that the Minnesota native has added speed and grit to the lineup, along with an offensive touch.
Since Jan. 27, Brodzinski has six points (three goals, three assists) in eight games, including an assist on Erik Gustafsson’s game-opening goal outdoors in the Stadium Series on Sunday against the Islanders.
The contract announcement comes at a time when the Rangers are rumored to have interest in veteran centers Adam Henrique (Anaheim Ducks) and Alexander Wennberg (Seattle Kraken).
A deal for either wouldn’t necessarily knock Brodzinski out of the lineup. He could drop to the fourth line to either play center or on the wing, if Barclay Goodrow remained in the middle.
Brodzinski, who could’ve been an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, has 32 points (13 goals, 19 assists) in 138 NHL games with the Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks.
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