The Philadelphia Flyers have lost their rights to prospect Bryce Brodzinski after failing to come to terms on an entry-level contract.
Although it’s a little disappointing, it was always believed that the two sides were not going to get a deal done as Daniel Brière alluded to back in April, and seemingly Brodzinski as well.
Brodzinski was drafted by the Flyers in the 7th round of the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. The Blaine, Minnesota, native spent his draft season with the Omaha Lancers, where he tallied 7 goals and 17 points in 19 contests. After being snatched by the Flyers in the final round, he then committed to the University of Minnesota, where he struggled mightily to start.
Brodzinski scored just 7 goals and 12 points in 2019-20 and followed that up with just 8 goals and 14 points in the following season. However, things turned around in 2021-22 after a 26-point campaign and he followed it up with a 19-goal season in 2022-23 and a career-high 36 points in 2023-24. The 24-year-old will now become an unrestricted free agent after his signing rights expired on the 15th of August.
With the Flyers nearing their roster limit and carrying more budding prospects, there simply wasn’t any room for Brodzinski, who just turned 24 years old last week as well.
The 6’0”, 200-pound right winger was a promising prospect but with the Flyers turning their attention elsewhere, it left them with almost no choice but to let Brodzinski walk into unrestricted free agency. However, it wouldn’t be shocking to see another team snatch his services for the upcoming season after finishing off his Minnesota tenure on a high note.
One team that could be in the loop are the Flyers’ divisional rivals in the New York Rangers who currently house his older brother, Jonny Brodzinski. Another club could be the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have his University of Minnesota teammate in Matthew Knies.
