Johnny Brozinski Aiming for Rangers Roster Spot

Johnny Brozinski, a seasoned forward who has been part of the Rangers family over the last five years, finds himself in a familiar position as he competes for a spot on the team’s roster out of training camp.

After a challenging past season, Brozinski expressed his hopes of picking up where he left off after Saturday’s practice. “I was really looking forward to starting strong this year,” he shared. “But I think I need to push a bit harder to reach that same point… that feeling I had during my last 35-40 games last season when I scored 10 goals. I feel good about my play and just want to keep building on that.”

In his nine-year career, Brozinski had one of his most consistent performances under former coach Peter Laviolette, appearing in over 50 consecutive games. The 32-year-old had a bit of a rollercoaster last season, yet he managed to be part of 31 of the last 32 games in the regular season.

It was a tough year overall, as the Rangers missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Still, Brozinski reflects on that period as a rewarding aspect of his career after years of shifting between the AHL and NHL.

“He contributed positively to the team,” praised new head coach Mike Sullivan. “His reliability is noticeable. Every time he steps onto the ice, it’s with effort, and that sort of player is incredibly valuable to the team.” Sullivan emphasized the importance of having depth in every position, mentioning how Brozinski could play a key role.

Brozinski seems to be vying for a spot on either the third or 13th forward line, showcasing versatility as he can play both wing and center, filling gaps in the lineup as needed. There’s also the reality that if any of the younger forwards make the final cut, the Rangers may face decisions regarding their roster—whether to sign Conner Cearly or send Brozinski to Hartford.

To stay on the team, Brozinski needs to pass through waivers, which risks losing a dependable player. Players like Berard and Perreault are currently exempt and can be called up at any time, possibly allowing the Rangers to avoid loss.

Unless a new development occurs, there’s uncertainty about Brozinski’s place on the team. Sheary, who has previously won two championships with Sullivan in Pittsburgh, might take Brozinski’s spot due to his offensive skills, even if he lacks Brozinski’s versatility.

As the 2025-26 season approaches, this year serves as yet another opportunity for Brozinski to prove himself in what has been a pattern throughout his career. “It often feels like a repeating cycle,” Brozinski noted, reflecting on his journey. “We make a strong impression early on, but if we don’t land a spot initially, we have to keep showing what we’re capable of throughout the year.”