The New York Rangers are facing a crucial “Cup or bust” season, but there are still some clear gaps in their roster. Luckily, they have two promising prospects who could potentially step up to fill those needs. Although the Rangers’ prospect pool might not be the deepest, it includes standout players capable of making a significant impact at the NHL level. Among them, Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard rank among the top five prospects in the system, with the potential to play key roles in the team’s success this season.
As the Rangers aim to solidify their roster for the 2024-25 season, it’s crucial to give these young players a chance to prove themselves. Training camp and preseason will be vital periods for both Othmann and Berard, offering them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and earn a spot on the opening-night roster. With their unique talents and competitive spirit, whichever player excels during this critical evaluation period deserves to be on the ice when the season begins. However, it’s not just about picking one over the other—both players have the potential to contribute significantly to the Rangers throughout the season. By giving them both NHL ice time, the Rangers can fully tap into their prospects’ potential while also building a foundation for long-term success.
Who Is Brett Berard?
Brett Berard, 21, had an impressive season with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack last year, posting 48 points in 71 regular-season games and adding six points in 10 playoff games. Most of his production came at even strength, highlighting his effectiveness in five-on-five situations. Beyond his offensive contributions, Berard played a key role on the penalty kill, showcasing his defensive reliability and commitment to a two-way game.
One of Berard’s most significant strengths is his speed, which consistently allows him to get behind opposing defenses and create high-quality scoring chances. His shot is another valuable asset that could pair well with a playmaker like Artemi Panarin, potentially forming a dynamic offensive duo.
Despite concerns about Berard’s size—he stands at 5-foot-9 and weighs 174 pounds—his performance in Hartford has proven that his stature is not a hindrance. Berard compensates for his smaller frame with a relentless, pesky style of play, often using his speed and tenacity to win battles against larger opponents. His willingness to engage physically and his determination to fight for every inch on the ice have made him effective, even against bigger competition. Additionally, Berard’s versatility is a significant asset, as he can play both center and wing, offering the Rangers flexibility in how they deploy him. This ability to shift between positions, combined with his skill set and gritty style, makes Berard a valuable player who could slot into various roles within the Rangers’ lineup—whether providing depth scoring, playing a defensive role, or killing penalties.
Who Is Brennan Othmann?
Brennan Othmann, also 21, also had a strong season with the Wolf Pack last year, recording 49 points in 67 games and adding five points in 10 playoff contests. His solid performance earned him a brief call-up to the Rangers, where he played three games, averaging 9:05 of ice time. While this experience gave him a taste of NHL action, there are still some concerns, particularly regarding the distribution of his scoring. More than half of Othmann’s points came on the power play, raising questions about his ability to produce at even strength.
The Rangers have a formidable power-play unit, but they typically rely on a single unit, which means Othmann may struggle to secure consistent power-play time. However, there is potential for him to carve out a role, especially if the Rangers give Alexis Lafrenière more opportunities on the power play, possibly leading to greater utilization of the second unit. Othmann is a shoot-first player with an outstanding shot, which could be an asset to a team that sometimes struggles to put pucks on net.
However, Othmann’s game is not without its flaws. His defensive awareness has been a concern, as he tends to focus more on the offensive side. This could limit his effectiveness in a bottom-six role, making it crucial for him to be placed in a top-nine position where his offensive talents can be maximized. While Othmann addresses one of the Rangers’ issues—hesitancy to shoot the puck—his reliance on power-play production could hinder his ability to score if he isn’t given ample time on special teams. Balancing his offensive upside with his need to improve defensively will be key for Othmann as he aims to secure a spot in the lineup.
Comparing Othmann and Berard: What Each Brings to the Table
When comparing Othmann and Berard, it’s clear the Rangers have two promising young players, each with distinct strengths and challenges. Berard’s game is characterized by his speed, tenacity, and versatility. He has proven to be an effective five-on-five player and a reliable penalty killer, with the ability to play both center and wing. Despite his smaller stature, Berard compensates with a relentless style of play, making him a gritty and dependable option who can contribute across various roles in the lineup.
In contrast, Othmann is more offensively inclined, defined by his shoot-first mentality and exceptional shot. His production last season was impressive, though somewhat dependent on power-play opportunities. Unlike Berard, who excels in a two-way game, Othmann’s focus is primarily on offense, which could limit his role in the bottom six unless he improves defensively. While Berard’s skill set allows him to adapt and play in multiple situations, Othmann’s success may depend more on being placed in a top-nine role where his offensive abilities can be fully utilized. In essence, Berard offers a more versatile and defensively responsible option, capable of filling various needs in the Rangers’ lineup, while Othmann provides a potent offensive punch that could address the team’s need for more shooting. The key for the Rangers will be to balance these attributes, potentially giving both players opportunities to prove themselves in roles that best suit their strengths.
Brett Berard and Brennan Othmann
Tapping into Young Talent: The Case for Othmann and Berard
As the Rangers gear up for a pivotal season, injecting young talent like Othmann and Berard into the lineup could be a game-changer. Both players bring unique skills that could address some of the team’s most pressing needs.
The decision on who makes the opening-night roster shouldn’t be about choosing one prospect over the other but rather about maximizing the potential impact of both. By giving Othmann and Berard the NHL ice time they deserve, the Rangers will not only strengthen their current roster but also invest in their future. In a “Cup or bust” season, tapping into every available resource—including these promising young prospects—could be the difference between falling short and winning the Stanley Cup.
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