The New York Rangers are not exactly overflowing with high-end prospects. But one prospect that has stood out due to his potential is former first-round pick Brennan Othmann.
The Blue Shirts took Othmann 16th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. The hope was that he could become a top-six forward at some point down the road. But it’s been nearly five seasons since the Rangers took a shot on Othmann, and he’s yet to deliver on his promise.
Last season, he played 27 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, scoring 12 goals and adding eight assists for 20 points. The totals were not bad, but not exactly impressive, either. In 22 games at the NHL level, the 22-year-old mustered just two assists.
As Othmann enters the final year of his entry-level deal, he faces a sink-or-swim moment. He’ll have to prove he belongs in the NHL. Otherwise, his time with the Rangers may be winding down.
At this point, it would be unrealistic to believe that Othamnn could turn into a top-tier scorer. But the hope would be that he could parlay his skills into a middle-six role. His grit and physicality, along with his relative size, make him a tough customer. His above-average shot and hands give him a good edge.
If he can put everything together, Othmann could turn into a solid third-line forward. He could provide some offensive upside while delivering gutsy minutes. That’s the sort of work ethic the Rangers would like to see from this former first-round pick.
Rangers Need Plenty of Lineup Depth
The Rangers are a top-heavy team. They have top-notch stars that can carry any team forward. However, they need all the depth they can muster. Like virtually every contending club, the Blue Shirts need to find as much consistency in their bottom six as possible.
That’s what Othmann can bring to the table at this point. Yes, he’s still 22 and could develop into something more, but one step at a time. The Rangers hope that Othmann can resemble more like the 49-point scorer he was with the Wolf Pack in 2023-24. That season left the Rangers with plenty of hope that Othamnn can leap into the NHL.
However, his campaign last season was largely disappointing. Well, just about everyone had a down year last season. So, his unspectacular showing could be chalked up to that. But as long as Othmann can show he’s capable of a middle-six role, he’ll get one more shot at the NHL.
New York Could Move on from Othmann If He Fails to Take Next Step
So, what happens if Brennan Othmann is unable to take the next step? There’s a good chance the Rangers cut their losses and move on. Sure, Othmann could still be a solid NHLer, but he’ll likely need a fresh start elsewhere.
The Rangers have other promising players in the pipeline, like Gabe Perreault and Carey Terrance. As a result, Othmann’s days could be numbered as New York looks to improve its lineup through internal options.
Rangers 1st-Rounder Faces Sink or Swim Moment