Tristan Broz

July 2023 – Tristan Broz had an improved sophomore year after transferring from the University of Minnesota to the University of Denver. Broz finished the season with 28 points in 40 games more than doubling his point output. The former second-round pick was a highly talented playmaker in the USHL when the Penguins selected him. Consistency has alluded Broz
because he tends to be more of a perimeter player circling the outside of the ice instead of attacking the slot. In his best games, Broz is attacking the slot and a force in tight scoring off of
good passing plays from his linemates. If Broz can take a jump in his junior year and find more consistency in getting to those high-danger areas of the ice his potential impact could increase immensely. For now, Broz projects as a depth NHL forward who would work best with a center who can take the majority of the transition responsibilities and is more of a shoot-first center. This would allow Broz to focus on his playmaking skills and bring out what he does best. This year will be a crucial point in Broz’s development as he will need to put up a good statistical season to restore the ceiling that once was so promising for the former second-round pick. Tyler Ball

July 2021 – Broz was selected in the second round, 58th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2021 NHL Draft. Nick Richard

February 2021 – One of the older players in the 2021 NHL draft class, Broz has been leading the offensive charge for Fargo in the USHL this season. His 14 goals and 19 assists in 34 games lead the Force in scoring and he appears to be gaining steam as the year progresses. It will be interesting to see how his game translates to the NCAA next season when he begins his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota.

Broz isn’t an overly flashy player but he consistently generates offense for his team by processing his surroundings quickly and making smart, straightforward plays with the puck. He identifies his options early and has the ability to complete crisp, accurate passes through seams in defensive coverages but his shot is also a weapon. Broz can rifle one-timers from the half wall but he also has an accurate wrist shot that he can get off quickly to beat goaltenders from distance. He scores his fair share of goals from in tight as well, displaying a willingness to pay the price in front of the opposition’s net as he deflects shots and digs for loose pucks around the blue paint. Though his skating isn’t exactly a standout attribute, he gets around the rink pretty well with decent stride mechanics despite being a bit too upright in his stance at times. He takes intelligent routes in transition, carrying the puck with his head up and scanning the play to identify the best point of attack but he doesn’t have the dynamic puck skills to consistently beat defenders one on one. Broz’s intelligence and understanding of his defensive responsibilities are evident as he regularly patrols up high in the offensive zone, able to cover for a pinching point man or jump into the slot and receive a pass when his teammates establish possession. This season, he has been trusted by his coach to kill penalties and he is often out there in the dying moments when Fargo is defending a lead. He isn’t a bone-crushing hitter but he doesn’t shy away from the physical game and will take a hit to make a play or finish his man on the forecheck to disrupt a breakout. Though he may never replicate his offensive output from the USHL, Broz is a well-rounded player that could eventually grow into a two-way option who provides secondary scoring at the NHL level. Nick Richard