Brennan Othmann’s path to securing a coveted spot on the New York Rangers’ opening-night roster is anything but straightforward. Yet, despite the mounting obstacles in his way, the opportunity is far from impossible. For a young forward who has spent years refining his game, absorbing systems, and elevating his skill set in junior and minor league levels, the dream of skating under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden is not only realistic—it’s attainable. But it’s going to take more than just talent. It’ll require maturity, consistency, timing, and perhaps most crucially, opportunity.
The 21-year-old winger has long been touted as one of the Rangers’ top prospects, praised for his offensive flair, fierce competitiveness, and willingness to play in the dirty areas of the ice. Drafted 16th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Othmann came into the organization with high expectations. Since then, he’s done little to dampen the enthusiasm surrounding his game. Whether it was tallying 97 points in 66 OHL games during the 2021-22 season or making a smooth transition to professional hockey with the Hartford Wolf Pack last year, his development trajectory has remained steep. His offensive instincts are elite, his shot is heavy and accurate, and his motor is always running. But as the Rangers head into training camp with a mix of veterans, established stars, and other hungry prospects, the question remains: Is there a realistic path for Othmann to make the final cut?
One of the primary challenges Othmann faces is the depth and experience currently present on the Rangers’ roster. At the NHL level, the top-six forward group appears mostly locked in, headlined by stars like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Chris Kreider. Add in key contributors like Vincent Trocheck and emerging young talent in Alexis Lafrenière and Kaapo Kakko, and suddenly the openings become more scarce. The bottom six, while slightly more flexible, is crowded with players who bring a blend of physicality, penalty killing, and veteran savvy—traits that Othmann, for all his upside, is still polishing.
But that’s where opportunity often disguises itself. Injuries are inevitable over the course of a long NHL season. Inefficiencies and inconsistency from other depth players can suddenly open a door. The Rangers’ new head coach, known for encouraging youth development and valuing work ethic and performance over pedigree, may also be more willing to give Othmann a legitimate look during preseason games and camp scrimmages. And in that regard, the ball will be squarely in Othmann’s court.
What separates Othmann from other prospects isn’t just his offensive skill set—it’s the edge he plays with. He’s feisty, he agitates, and he brings an intensity that tends to be contagious. That kind of energy can be invaluable to a team trying to find a spark in the early weeks of the season or looking to inject some enthusiasm into their lineup. If Othmann can show that he can be trusted in both ends of the ice—backchecking, staying disciplined without the puck, and making responsible reads—he could quickly prove too valuable to leave in the AHL.
It’s also important to consider how Othmann performed during his initial exposure to the professional game. In his first AHL season with Hartford, he posted a respectable 21 goals and 24 assists in 67 games, while showing clear signs of growth in his two-way game. He adjusted well to the speed and physicality of pro hockey, and his decision-making became quicker and more reliable as the season progressed. His playoff performance was particularly encouraging, as he raised his compete level and demonstrated an ability to impact games even when he wasn’t lighting the lamp. Those are the types of traits NHL teams covet when evaluating young players for roster spots.
Still, Othmann’s inclusion on the opening-night roster will hinge on more than his own merit. The salary cap landscape for the Rangers is tight, and that inevitably influences roster decisions. Players on entry-level contracts like Othmann are especially valuable because they offer cap flexibility. However, they’re also easy to move down to the AHL without waivers, which can work against them when roster crunches arise. That means Othmann could do everything right during camp and still start the season in Hartford simply due to logistical constraints.
Yet even that wouldn’t be a death knell for his season. Many young players have taken the “start in the AHL, end in the NHL” route successfully. Othmann could easily force his way up with a hot start, and if the Rangers run into early-season struggles or injuries, his name would likely be among the first called. In fact, some would argue that a few more weeks in the AHL might even benefit him, allowing him to play top-line minutes and special teams roles before making the jump.
Perhaps the most compelling reason to believe Othmann will make the roster—or at least appear in the NHL sooner than later—is the current philosophical shift in New York. The Rangers are a team that has long relied on veterans, but there’s been a recent and deliberate pivot toward youth. With players like Braden Schneider carving out full-time roles and the organization placing more trust in its development pipeline, Othmann is positioned well to capitalize. If he can complement his offense with responsible, aggressive play and prove he can handle NHL matchups, there’s every reason to believe the coaching staff will reward him.
He’ll also benefit from the chemistry he’s built with several Rangers prospects and current NHLers. Having familiarity with players like Will Cuylle, Zac Jones, and others in the system can ease his transition and enhance his confidence on the ice. These seemingly minor factors often play a significant role in helping young players adjust quickly, and Othmann’s locker room demeanor and competitiveness are attributes that tend to endear him to teammates.
Of course, the preseason will be pivotal. It’s not just about putting up points—though that certainly helps—it’s about showing you belong. If Othmann can be a difference-maker in exhibition games, whether it’s through a key goal, a big hit, or a disciplined two-way shift, he’ll make the decision harder for the coaching staff. They’ll be watching how he handles adversity, how he responds to mistakes, and how consistently he can execute the system. The mental side of the game becomes crucial here, and early indications from his time in Hartford suggest he’s progressing well in that area.
For Rangers fans, the excitement surrounding Othmann is both justified and familiar. Every few years, a new name emerges from the shadows of the prospect pool, and Othmann is next in line. But unlike some of his predecessors who flashed early and fizzled later, Othmann brings a level of grit, focus, and drive that could make him stick. His style of play seems tailor-made for the intensity of New York hockey—a city and franchise that thrives on passion, energy, and bold moments.
It won’t be easy. There are veterans ahead of him on the depth chart, the pressure is immense, and there’s very little room for error. But Brennan Othmann has never shied away from a challenge. He’s embraced every level of competition thus far and has evolved in the process. The next hurdle—the NHL—is the biggest yet. But he’s close. Very close.
If he seizes the moment, earns the trust of the coaching staff, and continues to elevate his game during training camp and the preseason, it’s entirely possible that Othmann will find himself donning a Rangers jersey on opening night. The path may be steep, but the door is open—and Othmann has both the talent and tenacity to walk right through it.
