New York Rangers Top Prospect Set To Receive A Significant Promotion Heading Into The 2025-26 Season
Photo credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Brett Berard has been a revelation for Chris Drury and the New York Rangers. The former fifth-round pick has been a stellar player in the AHL with the Hartford Wolfpack and is coming into his own in the NHL. The former 2020 NHL Draft pick is on the rise.
The New York Rangers, since he 2019-20 season, have been rebuilding. The rebuild has been moderately successful, as they've seen recent play in the postseason until last year.
But in the AHL is where the promise lies for the team, as Drury deconstructs it in an ongoing process.
The deconstruction has given guys like Brett Berard a chance to shine in the NHL after scoring in 2023-24. He scored 48 points (25-23) and earned a call-up to the big leagues.
With the Blueshirts, he'd have a chance to show he's been developed properly, scoring 10 points (4-6) in 35 games with the team. While it is a small sample size, it is promising for his future in the league.
Berard, a Rhode Island native, carved out his path through a combination of high-end competitiveness and versatility.
What stood out during the left wing's collegiate career was his eagerness to play in all situations - across the penalty kill, power play and late-game scenarios.
Brett Berard's Value to the Rangers
Berard's career has blossomed after finding a niche in college and contributing to Team USA's gold-medal bid in 2021.
He's benefited from playing against a higher level of competition from those in his age group. His wheels have given him the ability to drive offense and play in all scenarios on the ice.
The kind of skills a head coach loves.
More importantly, he has demonstrated the maturity and consistency the Rangers want in a prospect which is why they made the move to give him a look at the NHL level so young (22 years old) in his career.
Berard is proof that a 134th overall selection in the NHL Draft can become a key piece in any NHL team's lineup, including an Original Six squad like the Rangers.
His ability to work through big game experiences and adapt has shone on the ice in Madison Square Garden.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 28 | 101 ANSWERS New York Rangers Top Prospect Set To Receive A Significant Promotion Heading Into The 2025-26 Season Do you think forward Brett Berard will make the New York Rangers lineup out of training camp? | ||
| Yes | 81 | 80.2 % |
| No | 20 | 19.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
