For Rangers center Jonny Brodzinski, it took a while to establish himself as a regular in the NHL. The 30-year-old veteran has been part of the organization for four years.

On Wednesday, he was rewarded by the Rangers with a well-deserved two-year, $1.575 million contract extension that’ll take him through 2025-26. It’s a one-way deal.

A former Kings 2013 fifth round pick who totaled 54 games over parts of three seasons (2016-17 thru 2018-19), most of his success came in the American Hockey League (AHL).

While with the Sharks, he played in three games. Brodzinski fared well for the San Jose Barracuda by tallying 14 goals with 16 assists for 30 points in 44 games during 2019-20.

When he signed with the Rangers, it was mostly as a depth forward who could help provide experience for the Hartford Wolf Pack. Since 2020-21, Brodzinski has totaled 56 goals and 73 assists for 129 points in 113 games for the Pack. He’s certainly been a good addition, helping prospects such as Will Cuylle and Brennan Othmann develop in the AHL.

He’s also filled in admirably when he’s been called up by the Rangers. After getting into 44 combined games over the last three seasons, Brodzinski has been a mainstay on the roster since December. In 37 games, he has four goals and 11 assists for 15 points this season.

He’s had recent success while centering the third line with Cuylle and Kaapo Kakko. A line Rangers coach Peter Laviolette put together before the All-Star break, they’ve become a cohesive unit that can forecheck effectively against opponents.

Since Jan. 27 when he posted a goal and an assist versus the Senators, Brodzinski has three goals and two assists for five points over the last eight games.

During that same stretch, Cuylle has two goals and three assists for five points. Kakko has three goals and three assists for six points, including a five-game point streak entering Thursday night.

By retaining Brodzinski, the Rangers have recognized his contributions to the lineup. His teammates were very happy for him yesterday at practice.

It’s a good thing for a hard-working player who’s persevered. He never gave up.