Rangers’ 1st-Round Pick Faces Make-or-Break Year
The New York Rangers have a relatively shallow pool of high-end prospects, but one player who stands out for his potential is former first-round pick Brennan Othmann.
Drafted 16th overall by the Rangers in the 2021 NHL Draft, Othmann was expected to develop into a top-six forward. However, nearly five years later, he has yet to fully fulfill those expectations.
Last season, Othmann spent 27 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, recording 12 goals and 8 assists for 20 points. While not a terrible stat line, it wasn’t exactly eye-popping either. In his 22 NHL appearances, the 22-year-old managed just two assists, showing that he has not yet made the leap to the next level.
With his entry-level contract set to expire, Othmann now faces a crucial year in his development. It’s time for him to prove he can be a consistent NHL contributor, or his future with the Rangers may be in jeopardy.
Although it seems unlikely that Othmann will become a top-tier scorer, the hope is that he can carve out a role as a middle-six forward. His physicality, size, and strong shot make him a tough player to contend with. If he can refine his game and bring all these traits together, he could become a reliable third-line forward for the Rangers, adding offensive upside and grit.
The Rangers Need Depth in Their Lineup
While the Rangers boast a star-studded top-six, they are in need of reliable depth throughout the lineup, especially in their bottom-six forward group. That’s where Othmann comes in. At 22, there’s still time for him to develop further, but the Rangers will need him to show that he can be a consistent contributor. If Othmann can replicate the form that saw him score 49 points with the Wolf Pack in 2023-24, it will be a positive step forward for both him and the team.
However, last season was a disappointment for many players, Othmann included, so his underwhelming performance could be forgiven. If he can prove he has what it takes to handle a middle-six role, he will earn another chance to stick with the Rangers.
Rangers Could Move On If Othmann Doesn’t Take the Next Step
If Othmann fails to take that next step in his development, the Rangers may decide to move on from him. While he still holds potential as a solid NHL player, it might be with another team. The Rangers have other promising prospects like Gabe Perreault and Carey Terrance, meaning Othmann’s time in New York could be running out as the team looks to bolster its roster with internal options.
No Comment! Be the first one.