The New York Rangers could look to trade former first-round pick Brennan Othmann, who could use a change of scenery.
Othmann has struggled to make the Rangers roster, and he failed to crack the opening night roster, which caused some teams to call New York on him. Although the Rangers did recall him on Friday, his name has continued to come up in trade talks.
If New York does look to move Othmann, Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed the Rangers’ asking price.
“When asked, the Rangers have requested good AHL prospects in exchange for Brennan Othmann,” Friedman wrote.
It is a bit of a surprise that the Rangers are looking for AHL prospects and not draft picks or NHL players who can help them out now. New York appears to be in a win-now window, so getting assets to help them win would make sense.
But it appears the Rangers are looking for prospects to help out for the future, as it could lead to a swap of young players who need a change of scenery.
Othmann was selected 16th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft by the Rangers. He’s skated in 25 career games, recording 0 goals and 2 assists.
Rangers Open to Trading Othmann
Othmann has struggled to be an every-game player in the NHL, and because of that, his name has come up in trade rumors.
Friedman reported on Oct. 16 that the Rangers are open to the idea of trading Othmann. The insider also reported that New York has gotten calls about him.
“It’s early and most teams try to wait until making moves, but there is at least one name gaining traction out there,” Friedman wrote. “That’s New York Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann. Othmann was sent down to AHL Hartford after failing to make the NHL team, and, since that occurred, there’s been conversations with other clubs about his future.
“The Rangers have a lot on the wings and it simply may be that he needs a fresh start elsewhere. We will see where things go, but there’s definitely discussion about the next steps of his career. Stay tuned.”
With Othmann getting recalled, he has a chance to prove he can be an NHL player with the Rangers. But if he fails to produce, perhaps a trade will happen in the near future.
J.T. Miller Calls Out Team
The Rangers are off to a slow start, and after a 6-5 loss to the San Jose Sharks, captain J.T. Miller called out the team.
Miller was frustrated with the team’s play, as the Sharks got their first win of the season. The captain felt like the identity of the team right now is not what the team wants.
“Just not good enough,” Miller said postgame. “Not the identity we’re trying to build here… Not ready to play. Didn’t really respect our opponent today.”
Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan, meanwhile, was also frustrated with the team’s performance.
“Very,” Sullivan said. “This is a good League and there’s good players on every team. If you don’t bring a certain diligence to your game every night you run the risk of getting beat and you more than likely will.”
New York will return to the ice on Sunday on the road to play the Calgary Flames.
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