New York Rangers top prospect set to return to the organization following major development
Photo credit: AHL.com
The New York Rangers will need to consider all scenarios in order to find a way to earn a wild card spot in the playoffs. While GM Chris Drury figures how to create the best lineup to win a Stanley Cup, one of their best options remains in Hartford, Brennan Othmann.
Brennan Othmann was another Rangers prospect we thought would crack the regular lineup this season.
He'd be sent back down to the AHL by Head Coach Peter Laviolette, as he felt Othmann needed more time to mature in Hartford.
The 22-year-old was selected 16th overall, in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers.
He's suited up for three NHL games last season and has found his groove with the Wolfpack this year scoring 17 points (10 G, 7 A) in 23 games.
While this kind of production is uncharacteristic of Othmann, where we saw him score 49 points (21 G, 28 A) last season he's had to deal with an injury that kept him out of the lineup for a significant amount of time.
Those FAs in question are Reilly Smith and Jimmy Vesey, both players that haven't had the best seasons in their careers.
If the New York Rangers do make major moves ahead of March, dealing free agents like Jimmy Vesey, or Reilly Smith it seems there could be a chance for him to finally get a longer look in the big league.
Moving Smith, and Vesey could save considerable cap space and give the team flexibility to move younger players like Othmann, and Berard back into the roster.
Two players who could easily inject a spark into the Rangers lineup that has been missing it lately.
Where could Othmann slot into the lineup should GM Chris Drury rearrange the lineup?
And even if he doesn't find a spot on this season's roster, there's always next season, where he'd most likely be a solid 3rd or 4th liner, and he'd replace either Vesey or fellow top free agent Chris Kreider. It wouldn't be smart to put him in the latter's skates so soon, though.
Honestly, the Rangers need to examine the forward core and find the players who aren't contributing and give them a fresh start so hungry players like Othmann can get a chance in the NHL they deserve.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 15 | 1306 ANSWERS New York Rangers top prospect set to return to the organization following major development Would you trade forward Reilly Smith or forward Jimmy Vesey of the New York Rangers to bring up forward Brennan Othmann? | ||
| Yes | 1071 | 82 % |
| No | 235 | 18 % |
| List of polls | ||
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