The New York Rangers are looking to return to the playoffs after last season’s disappointment.
The Rangers missed the playoffs a year after having the best record in the NHL. New York did add more depth to the roster as the team is having a camp competition for some roster spots.
One player competing for a roster spot is Brennan Othmann, a former first-round pick. The 22-year-old, however, has struggled in camp, and Rangers insider Peter Baugh of The Athletic doubts he will make the roster.
“Now 22 and entering his third professional season, Othmann is at an interesting point in his career,” Baugh wrote. He has yet to show he can be an NHL regular, though he played in 22 games last year, and the Rangers probably need to get clarity on his potential soon. He had a difficult first game against the New Jersey Devils but has shown flashes since, just not the consistency needed to make a strong case to be on the opening-night roster…
“Othmann was on a line with Laba on Monday, so he also spent significant time in the defensive zone against the Islanders’ top players,” Baugh added. “He also turned over the puck on multiple occasions. If he’s going to make it as a consistent NHLer, he needs to play more responsibly.”
Othmann was selected 16th overall in 2021 by the Rangers. He’s skated in 25 career games, recording 0 goals and 2 assists.
Rangers Coach Wants More From Othmann
Othmann has struggled to take the next step and make an impact at the NHL level.
However, entering camp, Othmann was hoping to make the roster, but the new coach, Mike Sullivan, wanted to see more from the prospect.
“I think he’s played a lot better (since the first game),” Sullivan said. “He skates well, he can get into the forecheck. One of the things we’ve been trying to encourage him to do is embrace the traffic. Don’t hide in the safe ice. … If he does that, I think he has a good skill set to thrive in the chaos.”
Othmann skated in 22 games last season, recording 2 assists. If he does make the Rangers roster, he would be a bottom-six forward for New York.
Othmann Made Change Ahead of Training Camp
As Othmann was looking to earn a roster spot, he made a change to his offseason training.
Othmann started to train with former NHLer Gary Roberts, as he trained alongside the likes of Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Gabriel Landeskog, among other NHL stars.
“I just thought at this point it’s just time to kind of make a change,” Othmann said. “They helped me gain my confidence back that I didn’t really have here towards the end of the year, so they did a great job…
“You just want to put on as much size and muscle as you can, and then after that, once you stop growing, and that’s kind of your making, make and model,” Othmann added. “I had all the engines for the car, and Gary and his staff built the car.”
Othmann believes the offseason training has helped him, as he’s confident he can make an impact at the NHL level.
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