Rangers’ Former First-Rounder Brennan Othmann Faces Camp Challenges as He Aims for Breakout Season
The New York Rangers are determined to bounce back from a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs after finishing the previous year with the best record in the NHL. As they gear up for a competitive training camp, the team has bolstered its roster with new depth. This has led to intense competition for key roster spots, with Brennan Othmann, a former first-round draft pick, among those vying for a place on the team.
Othmann’s Struggles in Camp
Despite his pedigree, the 22-year-old Othmann has faced challenges during training camp. Rangers insider Peter Baugh has expressed skepticism about his chances of making the roster, emphasizing that Othmann, now entering his third professional season, finds himself at a crucial juncture in his career.
Othmann’s performance has been inconsistent. Last year, he participated in 22 games but has yet to establish himself as a regular in the NHL. Baugh noted that Othmann struggled significantly in his opening game against the New Jersey Devils, although he has shown sporadic flashes of potential since then. However, these moments of brilliance have not translated into the level of consistency needed to secure a spot on the opening-night roster.
Defensive Responsibilities and Team Expectations
In a recent game against the Islanders, Othmann was paired with Laba, which required him to spend considerable time defending against the team’s top players. Unfortunately, he turned over the puck multiple times, highlighting the need for greater responsibility if he hopes to thrive as a consistent NHL player.
Selected 16th overall in the 2021 draft, Othmann has skated in 25 career games, accumulating just two assists without a goal. The pressure is mounting for him to take the next step and make a significant impact at the highest level. New head coach Mike Sullivan is keen to see more from the young prospect.
“I think he’s played a lot better since the first game,” Sullivan remarked. “He skates well and can get into the forecheck. One of the things we’ve been trying to encourage him to do is embrace the traffic. Don’t hide in the safe ice. If he does that, I think he has a good skill set to thrive in the chaos.”
Offseason Training Changes
With the aim of making the roster, Othmann made a notable shift in his offseason training. He began working with former NHL player Gary Roberts, training alongside elite talents such as Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Gabriel Landeskog.
“I just thought at this point it’s just time to kind of make a change,” Othmann explained. “They helped me gain my confidence back that I didn’t really have here towards the end of the year, so they did a great job.”
Othmann emphasized the importance of physical development during this training period. “You just want to put on as much size and muscle as you can, and then after that, once you stop growing, and that’s kind of your making, make and model. I had all the engines for the car, and Gary and his staff built the car.”
Looking Ahead
Othmann is optimistic about the impact of his offseason efforts and feels ready to make his mark at the NHL level. If he secures a position on the Rangers’ roster, he is likely to serve as a bottom-six forward, a role that could be pivotal for both his career and the team’s aspirations this season. As training camp unfolds, all eyes will be on Othmann to see if he can convert potential into performance and help the Rangers reclaim their playoff stature.
