3 Rangers Prospects for Upcoming Make-or-Break Seasons – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers
The unknown of hope is always exciting for modern fans. Some have the potential to be stars, while others can be role players.
Related: 3 Takeaways from Rangers’ First Two Games of 2024-25 Season
However, unless you are Connor McDavid or Connor Bedard – there are no guarantees. For the Rangers, the strength of the prospect pool lies heavily on the wing. However, they have a chance to play a combination of positions that may only last one season to make a splash before it’s too late for the organization.
Brennan Othmann
Before the season started, if there was going to be a list – Brennan Othmann might have been the favorite to make it. But after a disappointing preseason, in which he scored one goal and had an expected goal rate of just 41.98 percent, according to Natural Stat Trick, the 2021 first-rounder failed to impress.
The preseason performance was a step back from his strong 2023-24 campaign in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he recorded 49 points in 67 games. Also, Othmann got a call from the Rangers in the middle of the season.
While it’s not time to panic just yet, there is reason to be a little worried. Othmann needs to reset in the AHL and focus on last season’s great build. Ideally, the organization would like him to play at a pace of 60 points or better. He has a chance to be a top six hitter. For years, the Rangers have been looking for a long-term option to play alongside Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. Othmann’s pace down the wing and his ability to beat goal scorers cleanly with his shot certainly gives him a chance going forward.
But the clock is ticking for Othmann. If he steps down, questions will arise about his future in the Big Apple. He is currently second or third on the Rangers behind at least Gabe Perreault.
Dylan Garand
Dylan Garand may be the goaltender in the Rangers’ young program to become an NHL starter, as others such as Olof Lindbom and Talyn Boyko were unable to get the job done when they were called up by the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Garand in the last of the last two games with the AHL franchise has been fantastic. In 2022-23, he posted a .935 save percentage (SV%) in eight postseason games, followed by a .922 SV% in nine games a year later. The 2020 fourth-round pick helped lead the Wolf Pack deep into the playoffs.
However, the same did not translate to the regular season. Garand in 71 games gave the Wolf Pack a game under .900 SV%. While it is encouraging to see him at his best during the most important games, he will need to put together consistent performances during the regular season. This 22-year-old player has already shown that he can do it. But 2024-25 will be critical. If all goes well, he could be in the conversation for the Rangers’ backup role for 2025-26, when Jonathan Quick and Igor Shesterkin will become unrestricted free agents at the end of the season.
Matthew Robertson
For a while, it looks like Matthew Robertson may have a chance to make the Rangers’ 2024-25 roster, with Ryan Lindgren injured. While the Rangers don’t have a left defenseman on the roster, that doesn’t automatically guarantee him a spot in the NHL. Unfortunately, in two preseason games, he produced a 29.99 xGF percentage and couldn’t make as much impact as Victor Mancini.
At one point, Robertson was considered a first-round talent by many analysts including our ranking. It looked like the Rangers got a great deal when they landed in the second round of the 2019 NHL Draft. With his 6-foot-4 frame, he was considered a strong skater. However, the 23-year-old is now entering his fourth season with the Wolf Pack. It can be said that this will be his last break with the Rangers organization if he fails to show progress at the end of the season.
For these three prospects, it will not be an easy road. Even by impressing in the AHL, it won’t guarantee an NHL future. But solid play can raise eyebrows and even earn a midseason call-up. Robertson and Garand will be fighting for another contract, while Othmann will aim to prove he can be part of Rangers’ top nine solution at some point. Still, it will be a critical season for all three.
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