The New York Rangers have finished their preseason and are now preparing for the regular season, which kicks off on October 9th. However, they still have some roster decisions to finalize before opening night. In a surprising move on Saturday afternoon, the Rangers sent their top prospect down to the AHL ahead of the season opener.
Will Othmann play for the Rangers at any point this season?
Although Othmann didn’t make the opening night roster, it’s likely he’ll don number 78 for the Rangers at some point this season. While there isn’t currently a spot in the lineup, injuries and other factors will inevitably create opportunities. When a gap in the forward group arises, Othmann is the most suitable option to fill it.
Starting the season in the AHL could also benefit Othmann, allowing him to regain his form with a familiar team. After a long offseason, adjusting to a new city and team might slow his progress. Letting Othmann ease into things in Hartford and bringing him up to New York when the timing is right makes sense.
Othmann will start the season with the Hartford Wolf Pack
On Saturday afternoon, the Rangers announced they had assigned Brennan Othmann to the Hartford Wolf Pack. At 21, Othmann is New York’s most NHL-ready prospect. Drafted in 2021, he has been in the spotlight but has only appeared in three NHL games so far.
In those three games, Othmann didn’t register a point, though it’s not entirely his fault. Coach Peter Laviolette placed him on the fourth line, and with the team content with their top-nine forwards, they didn’t want to disrupt their chemistry. This is likely why Othmann won’t start the season in the NHL.
Though Othmann is ready for NHL action, the Rangers don’t currently need him, as their forward lineup is already full.
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