Bryce Brodinski, Univ. of Minnesota (Photo: Renée Jones Schneider - Star Tribune)
The Philadelphia Flyers still have one contract spot available for the 2023-24 season, and 2019 seventh-round draft pick (196th overall) Bryce Brodzinski out of the University of Minnesota will not be filling that slot, opting to test free agency on August 15, 2024.
Bryce Brodzinski, 23, played his final college hockey game with the University of Minnesota after No. 2 Boston University eliminated the Gophers from the NCAA tournament. After spending an extended five-year period in Minnesota with another year after the COVID-19 pandemic, Brodzinski will continue his ascent into the NHL, but not with the club that drafted the Blaine, Minnesota native.
The Philadelphia Flyers still hold Brodzinski’s rights until August 15, 2024. After that period, if not signed to an entry-level contract, he will become a free agent and can sign with any team offering a contract.
The Flyers 2019 draft pick will likely test free agency over signing with the club, despite being the property of the orange and black until he can become a free agent this summer, according to Jess Myers of The Rink Live.
Things have been quiet between both parties since the 2019 draft, with Brodzinski having gone through three general managers since being in the system. It is unknown when the decision was made not to sign, but it comes down to it being his last year as a Minnesota Gopher. Contract talks were never negotiated, with nothing being drawn up.
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In his extended senior year, he posted 14 goals, 22 assists and 36 points in 39 games, new career highs in assists and points with a +21 plus-minus, an impressive increase from previous seasons. The 2019 seventh-round pick finished his NCAA career with 60 goals, 59 assists, and 119 points through 185 games while honouring the captaincy in his last season.
No matter the destination, the new college graduate will not play in the NHL next season. He will spend time in the American Hockey League (AHL) after posting consistent numbers in the Big Teen of the NCAA.
