Brandon Mashinter

History

2005-06: Hulking left winger Brandon Mashinter made his debut with the Sarnia Sting(OHL). In 65 games Mashinter managed just 7 points. Far from point per game in scoring, Mashinter focussed on his physical game, picking up 65 PIMs in his rookie season.

2006-07: In Mashinter's second season with the Sarnia Sting(OHL) he more than doubled his point production, notching 15 points. He also played a more disciplined game, picking up just 49 PIMs. Mashinter also saw some playoff time, notching 2 points in 4 playoff games with the Sting.

2007-08: Mashinter found a new home with the Kitchener Rangers(OHL) this season. In 62 games the budding power-forward picked up 20 points and 84 PIMs.

2008-09: The undrafted forward played for the defending champion Kitchener Rangers. In 21 games with Kitchener, Mashinter scored 14 goals and 12 assists. Then, after being traded to the Belleville Bulls in December, he added another 20 goals and 12 assists. In all, bringing his season total to 34 goals and 24 assists, representing a major spike in production for a player noted previously for his physicality.

2009-10: After Mashinter’s break-out junior season in 2008-2009, he turned pro and joined the Worcester Sharks(AHL). His style of play translated well to the pro game as Mashinter set a career high in points and PIMs. He finished with 22 goals and 15 assists, good for 37 points. His 117 PIMs were also a sign that Mashinter was developing into not only a good scorer at the pro level, but a physical force as well.

2010-11: Mashinter made his NHL debut in late December and appeared in 13 games for the Sharks while shuttling between San Jose and their AHL affiliate Worcester. He had no points and was -2, racking up 17 penalties, including three majors in just over six minutes of ice time per game. In 62 games with Worcester he was second on the team with 96 PMs and chipped in offensively with 14 goals and 19 assists and a -2 plus/minus. Worcester finished three points out of the final playoff spot.

2011-12: Mashinter wasn't able to get a chance to be called-up to the NHL this season and played 65 games putting up similar offensive numbers to the 2010-11 season. He scored 16 goals (four on the power play) along with 17 assists and a poor minus 11 rating while taking 67 PIMs (seven fighting majors) in 65 AHL games. The third year player started to pick up his offensive game late in the season when the team was fighting for an AHL playoff spot.

2012-13: Mashinter appeared in four games for the Rangers after being acquired by New York in a trade with San Jose in January 2013. Called up by the Rangers in February, he was -2 with no points or penalty minutes; averaging just under six minutes of ice time. Mashinter spent most of the season in the AHL – first with the Worcester Sharks and then with Rangers' affiliate Connecticut following the trade. He scored 2 goals with 3 assists and was -11 with 44 penalty minutes in 30 games with Worcester. Playing for the Whale he scored 10 goals with 9 assists and was -2 with 52 penalty minutes. Connecticut missed the AHL playoffs by two points despite finishing second in the Northeast Division. Mashinter re-joined the Rangers for the NHL playoffs but did not appear in any games. He was re-signed to a one-year contract by New York in August, 2013.

Talent Analysis

Mashinter plays with physicality and grit while working the boards well down low but has to drive the front of the opposition's net more often. The hulking winger needs improvement in his skating stride and defensive game to develop into a power forward but needs to get in the high traffic areas to score not trying to be a shooter or a sniper. He projects as a third or fourth line checking forward if he gets to the NHL.

Future

Mashinter could compete for a fourth line position in the NHL but will probably be returned to the AHL for another season. If he can improve his overall game then the big winger may see a call-up as an injury replacement.

Mashinter has been dealt to the New York Rangers in a deal that sends Tommy Grant to the San Jose Sharks.