Justin Brazeau has signed a two-year, one-way contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, carrying an average annual value of $1.5 million. The deal marks another chapter in Brazeau’s professional hockey career, which began when Kyle Dubas signed him to his first AHL-only contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2019.
Brazeau, 27, has played in both the ECHL and AHL before advancing to the NHL with stints at Boston and Minnesota. He made his NHL debut for the Boston Bruins on February 19, 2024, scoring in his first game. Later that year, he secured a spot on Boston’s opening-night roster and played alongside veteran players such as Brad Marchand.
“With every game, every day in the NHL, I think my confidence has kind of started to build and grow, getting adjusted to the speed of the game and the timings and stuff like that,” Brazeau said. “So, I don’t think it’s any one thing in particular. I think it’s just kind of that confidence and knowing that you belong in this league and you can be a good player.”
During last season’s trade deadline, Marchand was traded to Florida while Brazeau moved to Minnesota. Over 76 games last season, Brazeau tallied 11 goals and 11 assists for a total of 22 points.
Brazeau said he shares expectations with the Penguins for this season: continue playing his style and find a role on the team. Known for his size—6-foot-6 and 227 pounds—Brazeau aims to help make Pittsburgh more competitive offensively.
“I’m a really good player at establishing that net-front,” Brazeau said. “I’m not going to be flying through the neutral zone, making a ton of plays off the rush and stuff like that. I think I’m more of a simple player in that sense.
“But once we get in that zone, (it’s about) extending possessions off rebounds or winning battles off that initial forecheck and stuff. So, I think that’s something in my game that I do really well.”
Brazeau noted his comfort level is higher due to familiarity with Dubas and some staff members from previous organizations. He will also reunite with former Boston teammates Danton Heinen and Parker Wotherspoon.
Off the ice, Brazeau has relocated to Pittsburgh with his fiancée Madison as they prepare for their wedding and await their first child due in October.
“I got here last week, so just trying to set up the new place and the living situations and kind of get the lay of the land,” Brazeau said. “Just to try and make as much of it a little easier once the season starts, and not have to be running around as much.
“Obviously, it’s going to be a bit of a crazy start to the year… but I’m excited.”
