New York Rangers Need to Give Brett Berard and Brennan Othmann NHL Ice Time This Season – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are entering a critical “cup or bust” season, but their roster still has some glaring holes. Fortunately, they have two promising prospects who could potentially fill those voids. While the Rangers’ pool may not be the deepest in the league, it features elite players capable of making a significant impact at the NHL level. Among them, Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard stand out as the top five prospects in the program, who have the potential to make a significant contribution to the team’s success this season.

As Rangers look to strengthen their roster for 2024-25, the importance of giving these young players a chance to prove themselves cannot be overstated. Training camp and the preseason will be crucial times for both Othmann and Berard, giving them a chance to showcase their skills and earn a spot on the opening night roster. With their unique skills and competitive drive, whichever player performs best during this crucial testing period deserves to be on the ice when the puck drops on opening night.

However, it’s not just about choosing one over the other—both have the potential to add significant value to the Rangers throughout the season. By giving both of them NHL ice time, the Rangers can ensure they tap into their full potential while building a foundation for long-term success.

Who is Brett Berard?

Berard, 21, had an impressive career with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League last season, recording 48 points in 71 regular season games and adding six points in 10 playoff games. Notably, the left fielder’s production was equally strong, underscoring his effectiveness in five-on-five situations. Aside from his offensive contributions, Berard played a key role on the penalty kill, showing his defensive reliability and commitment to the two-way game.

One of Berard’s most important attributes is his pace, which consistently allows him to get past the opposition’s defense and create high scoring chances. His shooting is another important weapon, which would pair well with a playmaker like Artemi Panarin, potentially leading to a strong offensive partnership.

While Berard’s size — 5-foot-9 and 174 pounds — has raised concerns about his ability to compete at the NHL level, where physical fitness is paramount, his time in Hartford has proven that his condition is no obstacle. Berard compensates for his small frame with an aggressive, relentless style of play, often using his speed and toughness to overwhelm his larger opponents. His willingness to get involved physically and his willingness to fight for every inch on the ice made him a successful player, even against bigger and stronger competition.

Related: Brett Berard: From College Star to Top-5 Rangers Prospect

In addition, Berard’s versatility is a valuable asset. He is capable of playing center and midfield, giving the Rangers flexibility in how they fit him. This ability to switch between positions, combined with his skill set and offensive style, makes Berard a valuable player who can play a variety of roles within the Rangers’ lineup—whether it’s scoring from deep, playing a defensive role, or killing penalties.

Who is Brennan Othmann?

Othmann, also 21, had a strong season with the Wolf Pack last year, recording 49 points in 67 games and adding five points in 10 playoff contests. The winger’s strong performance earned him a brief call-up to the Rangers, where he played in three games, averaging 9:05 of ice time. While this experience has given him a taste of NHL action, there are still some areas of concern, especially regarding his point distribution. More than half of Othmann’s points came on the power play, raising questions about his ability to generate even power.

The Rangers boast a formidable power play unit, but often use one unit, meaning Othmann may struggle to secure consistent power play time. However, there is a good chance he will play a role, especially if the Rangers decide to give Alexis Lafrenière more opportunities on the power play, which could lead to a greater use of the second unit. Othmann is a leading scorer with an impressive shot, which can be helpful for a team that sometimes struggles to put pucks in the net.

However, Othmann’s game is not without flaws. His defensive awareness has been a concern, as he tends to focus more on the offensive side of the game. This could limit his effectiveness in the bottom six role, forcing him to be placed in the top nine where his attacking talents can be maximized. While Othmann addressed one of the Rangers’ problems—a reluctance to shoot the puck—his reliance on power play could hinder his ability to score if he isn’t given enough time on special teams. Balancing his offensive side with his need to improve defensively will be important for Othmann as he looks to earn a spot on the roster.

Comparing Othmann and Berard: Who Brings What to the Table?

Comparing Othmann and Berard, it’s clear that Rangers have two promising young players, each with unique strengths and challenges. Berard’s game is defined by his speed, toughness, and flexibility. He’s proven to be an efficient 5-on-5 player and a reliable killer, with the ability to play center and wing. Despite his small stature, Berard makes up for it with a relentless style of play, making him a solid and reliable option to fill a variety of roles on the roster.

Othmann, on the other hand, is an attack-oriented player, which is characterized by his first shot and special shooting. His production last season was good, though it depended on power play opportunities. Unlike Berard, who excels in a two-way game, Othmann is more focused on the 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 many situations, Othmann’s success may depend more on being placed in a top nine role where his offensive skills can be fully utilized.

Essentially, Berard offers a versatile and responsible defensive option, able to fill a variety of needs on the Rangers’ roster, while Othmann provides a powerful punch that can address the team’s need for more shooting. The key for Rangers will be balancing these qualities, which could give both players a chance to prove themselves in roles that best suit their strengths.

Enter Young Talent: The Case of Othmann and Berard

As the Rangers prepare for an important season, injecting young talents like Othmann and Berard into the lineup could be a game-changer. Both players bring unique skills that can address some of the team’s most pressing needs, as outlined above.

The decision of who makes the opening night roster shouldn’t be about choosing one prospect over another but 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” era, capitalizing on every resource available—including these promising young prospects—could be the difference between failure and hoisting the Stanley Cup.