The New York Rangers selected Brennan Othmann with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and have taken a patient approach with his development. Once viewed as the organization’s top prospect, Othmann may now find himself as a potential trade asset as the team eyes contention in the upcoming season.
Othmann, a 6-foot, 181-pound winger, plays with energy and grit. He built a strong reputation in the OHL as a prolific goal scorer and has shown he’s a cut above the AHL level. At just 22 years old, however, his time with the Rangers might be running out.
2023-24 Expectations and Performance
Othmann only appeared in three NHL games during the 2023-24 season, receiving limited ice time, which made it difficult to evaluate his potential. He spent most of the year with the Hartford Wolf Pack, registering 21 goals and 28 assists over 67 games, plus five points in 10 playoff contests. The hope had been for him to make the Rangers’ roster out of training camp and contribute in a bottom-six role.
Unfortunately, he didn’t make the opening night lineup and suffered an injury early in the AHL season, limiting him to just 27 games, where he scored 12 goals and 8 assists. He was later called up for 22 games with the Rangers but only averaged 9:52 of ice time and notched two assists. Despite limited opportunities and tough injury luck, his underlying analytics showed promise, including a 70.06 GF%, 53.51 CF%, and 51.69 xGF% at 5v5 in 214 minutes of play. Still, he needs to convert potential into tangible production.
Outlook for 2024-25: Grade C
With new head coach Mike Sullivan stepping in, the offseason will be a period of evaluation for the Rangers’ roster. Othmann has tools that could fit in Sullivan’s system, but competition will be fierce. Prospects like Gabe Perreault may be prioritized, and top-six spots are likely filled by players like J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, Artemi Panarin, and Alexis Lafrenière. Will Cuylle, Chris Kreider, or a new acquisition could round out that group.
Othmann doesn’t project as a fourth-liner, so a crowded depth chart could leave him without a clear role, especially as the Rangers pursue additional pieces to boost their Stanley Cup hopes.
Though still young and with some prospect shine, his value as a trade chip might outweigh his current on-ice contributions. If he doesn’t carve out a roster spot by training camp, Othmann could very well be part of a significant trade package this offseason. The Rangers must decide whether his future lies in New York or if he’s more valuable helping the team in a deal.