New York Rangers Preseason Check-in: Mancini & Edstrom Stocks Soar, Othmann & Berard Inconsistency – Hockey Writers – New York Rangers

Now that the New York Rangers’ preseason has wrapped, the evaluation of the team’s prospects has come into sharper focus, revealing a number of games that could impact their future roles. For young players hoping to make it to the NHL, the preseason serves as a critical interview, providing a glimpse of their strengths and where they currently stand in the eyes of management.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at four prospects whose preseason outings have produced mixed results: Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, Adam Edstrom, and Victor Mancini. Each entered the camp with different expectations, and their performance highlighted their strengths and areas for growth. With the Rangers’ regular season right around the corner, it’s time to check in on where they stand and what lies ahead for each of them. Whether their stock has risen, leveled, or just happened, the future of these players within the Rangers organization is becoming more clear.

Victor Mancini

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Rangers, Mancini has spent the past two seasons developing at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, with a short stint at the end of last season playing seven games for Hartford of the American Hockey League. The Wolf Pack. Heading into training camp, it was expected that Mancini would spend another year honing his skills in Hartford, while other players like Matthew Robertson, Othmann, and Berard — were seen as front-runners for a roster spot. However, Mancini’s performance over the past season has forced Rangers management, including general manager Chris Drury and coach Peter Laviolette, to seriously consider him for a role in the lineup.

Mancini made a statement with two goals, showing his versatility by contributing on both the power play and penalty kill. Most notably, he held his own defensively, effectively competing against NHL-level talent at his position. Now, with Ryan Lindgren sidelined with a physical injury, Mancini appears ready to make his NHL debut on Wednesday, Oc.t 9 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, a huge opportunity that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago.

Adam Edstrom

Edstrom, a towering 6-foot-7 winger, made his NHL debut with the Rangers last season, appearing in 11 games. However, despite his size and presence, Edstrom found himself enveloped in the chaos surrounding trusty Matt Rempe. Quietly, Edstrom was able to put together a solid game, score a few key goals and position himself well heading into the offseason. Focusing on improvement, Edstrom entered the preseason determined to make a strong impression, and he kept quiet.

In four preseason games, Edstrom recorded three points, including two goals, showing an improved offensive touch. His growth on the defensive end was equally evident, as he became more adept at using his large frame to separate opponents with the puck. Additionally, Edstrom excelled on the penalty kill, using his size and reach to disrupt passing lanes, while proving to be a formidable screen in front of goaltenders. His ability to make life difficult for the owners of the valuable networks Rangers cannot ignore.

With his preseason performance, Edstrom has earned his spot on the roster and made a strong case for a role on the fourth line. Now, he is ready to show that he has what it takes to stick with the team through the regular season.

Brett Berard

Today, Berard enters the trials of Mika Zibanejad, who is sitting out for maintenance, according to Vince Mercogliano. Although Berard recorded just one point — one assist — during the season opener, his presence on the ice was hard to miss. One of his best moments came during a breakaway attempt that was saved, but his relentless effort has always been a defining feature of his game. Berard’s relentless drive and willingness to stay involved every game makes him stand out, even if his production doesn’t match his intensity.

Related: 3 Final Takeaways From Rangers’ 2024-25 Preseason

That tenacity could be the reason Berard is still with the Rangers instead of going back to Hartford. Despite his inconsistent play during the preseason, Berard’s power kept him in the mix. While his chance to make an impact at the NHL level may not come anytime soon, his work ethic and ability to get noticed on the ice suggest he’s not far away. Given that he is likely to be the last player sent to Hartford, it seems that Berard is positioned as the first call if the Rangers need an injury replacement this season.

Brennan Othmann

Othmann was the only Ranger to appear in all six preseason games, recording four points and showing flashes of brilliance throughout. However, his game was consistently marked. In the first game, Othmann made his presence known with a few big hits, but little else stood out. By the time the Rangers faced off against the Boston Bruins in their second preseason game, Othmann was on the ice, doing an impressive job that included an assist behind some solid soccer and a breakaway goal. However, his preseason was a mixed bag, his moments of offensive spark contradicted by turnovers and defensive failures.

Despite the upside, the slump was enough for the Rangers to send Othmann to Hartford to start the season. There’s no denying that an NHL-caliber player exists within him, but his inconsistency remains an obstacle to sealing a permanent roster spot. Three years after being selected in the first round, Othmann has played just three games in the NHL, and his standing in the organization is now uncertain. The timing of his demotion also raises the question of whether the Rangers see more confidence in Berard, who has kept him in camp for a long time.

As the season progresses, the Rangers will need to evaluate Othmann’s role in their future plans. Will he develop into the top-six forward they envisioned when they drafted him, or could he be a valuable trade asset at the 2025 Trade Deadline? Either way, this season could be crucial in determining whether Othmann finally gets a continued chance to crack an NHL roster.

Last Take: Rising Stocks and Uncertain Futures for Rangers Young Prospects

As the Rangers head into the regular season, the preseason has provided valuable insight into the development of their top prospects. Mancini and Edstrom have seen their stock rise, with Mancini coming off his NHL debut and Edstrom making a strong case for a fourth-line role. Meanwhile, Berard and Othmann remain promising but inconsistent, with Berard likely to be the first to replace an injury and Othmann sent to Hartford to continue to refine his game. The future of these young players is still bright, but for now we have yet to say how they will fit into the Rangers’ long-term plans.