Brett Berard’s offseason has been anything but quiet, and that’s exactly how he wants it. The 21-year-old winger has made it clear that this training camp is a golden opportunity, and he’s not about to let it slip through his fingers. With a new head coach behind the bench for the New York Rangers and at least one forward spot seemingly up for grabs, Berard is entering camp with a sense of urgency, determination, and the kind of competitive edge that coaches can’t ignore. His story is one of persistence and preparation, and now he’s looking to translate years of hard work into an NHL roster spot. For Berard, this moment isn’t just another preseason—it’s a potential turning point in his career.
The Rangers’ decision to bring in a new head coach has created an atmosphere of change, and with change comes opportunity. Every player on the roster is being evaluated with fresh eyes, and Berard knows that his reputation in the organization will only get him so far. This is his chance to define himself in front of someone who doesn’t yet have years of preconceived opinions about him. Coaches tend to remember the players who stand out when the slate is wiped clean, and Berard is determined to be one of those players. He’s coming into camp in peak condition, having spent the summer not only refining his skill set but also studying the Rangers’ system and the tendencies of his potential competition for a spot in the lineup.
What makes Berard such a compelling figure in this roster battle is his style of play. He’s not the biggest guy on the ice, but his energy level is relentless, his forechecking is disruptive, and his willingness to go to the dirty areas is exactly the kind of attribute that can earn a coach’s trust. In a league where speed and tenacity are increasingly valuable commodities, Berard brings both in spades. He has the kind of motor that doesn’t just keep running—it forces opposing players into mistakes. Over the last few years in the Rangers’ system, he has shown flashes of the skill that made him an intriguing prospect, but the challenge now is to bring that level of play consistently against NHL-caliber competition.
Training camp battles are rarely won in a single practice or preseason game. They’re won through a body of work—by showing that you can be counted on day in and day out. Berard understands this and is approaching camp with the mindset that every drill, every shift, and every scrimmage is a chance to reinforce his value. In his own words, it’s about stacking good days on top of each other until there’s no doubt left in the coach’s mind. He knows that the NHL isn’t a place where chances come often, so when one presents itself, it has to be seized with both hands.
The Rangers have been clear about what they want from their bottom-six forwards: speed, physical engagement, and the ability to chip in offensively when the opportunity arises. Berard fits that description, but he also brings an added layer of creativity in transition. His ability to turn a defensive play into an offensive chance in just a few strides has been one of his calling cards since his college days. It’s a skill that could give him an edge over other candidates vying for the same role. If he can combine that with defensive reliability and the willingness to play whatever role the team asks, his case for making the team becomes even stronger.
The timing of this opportunity is also significant. The Rangers are in a phase where they’re blending veteran experience with youthful energy. Players like Berard represent the next wave, and teams in that position often look for young, hungry players to push the veterans and create internal competition. A strong camp from Berard doesn’t just help his own chances—it also sends a message to the rest of the roster that nothing is guaranteed. This kind of competitive environment is exactly what new coaches look to create, and Berard is perfectly positioned to take advantage of it.
Berard’s preparation for this moment hasn’t been limited to on-ice training. He’s also been working on the mental side of the game. Making an NHL roster isn’t just about skill—it’s about confidence, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure. Berard has spoken openly about learning to keep his focus narrow, controlling what he can control, and not letting the highs get too high or the lows get too low. That kind of mental discipline can be the difference between sticking in the league and spending another year in the minors.
In preseason games, Berard knows that every shift will be under the microscope. Coaches will be looking not only at what he does with the puck, but also how he plays without it—his positioning, his backchecking, his ability to make quick decisions in tight spaces. Those little details often separate the players who get cut from those who stick around. Berard’s goal is to make himself indispensable in those areas, so even if he’s not on the scoresheet every night, he’s still making an impact that’s hard to ignore.
For the fans, Berard is something of an underdog story, and those stories have a way of resonating in New York. The city appreciates players who work for every inch they get, who show up ready to battle every night. Berard’s gritty style and all-out effort could make him a fan favorite if he can secure a regular role. In a market where every move is analyzed and every performance scrutinized, having the crowd on your side can be a valuable intangible.
The Rangers’ depth chart is fluid at this stage, and injuries, preseason performances, and even line chemistry experiments could all play a role in determining where Berard stands when the dust settles. But what’s clear is that he’s not approaching camp as just another year in the system—this is his chance to prove that he belongs on Broadway full-time. If he can show that he’s not only ready to compete but ready to contribute, it’s going to be very hard for the coaching staff to send him back down.
As the preseason unfolds, the focus will be on who steps up when opportunity knocks. For Brett Berard, that opportunity is right in front of him, and he’s doing everything in his power to answer the call. His energy, work ethic, and determination are exactly what a new coach wants to see, and if he can translate those qualities into consistent on-ice results, this could be the moment that launches his NHL career for good.
If Berard succeeds, it won’t just be because he was in the right place at the right time—it will be because he prepared himself for this moment in every way possible. That’s the thing about these training camp battles: they might look like a few weeks of competition, but in reality, they’re the culmination of years of grinding, improving, and waiting for the door to open. Now the door is open, and it’s up to Berard to walk through it. The Rangers are watching. The fans are watching. And Brett Berard is ready to make his mark.
