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Rangers having ‘conversations’ about Brennan Othmann trade: report
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- Rangers having ‘conversations’ about Brennan Othmann trade: report
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NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported Thursday that the New York Rangers may be open to trading Brennan Othmann , who's one of their top prospects. He added that trade speculation regarding Othmann is "gaining traction" since the young forward failed to make the opening-night roster and is currently playing in the minors.
"Othmann was sent down to AHL Hartford after failing to make the NHL team, and, since that occurred, there's been conversations with other clubs about his future," Friedman reported.
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If true, it's not a complete surprise. There's plenty of disappointment that Othmann didn't have a better showing in training camp nor the preseason. Especially since there was a clear spot to be won as a third-line wing.
But the 2021 first-round draft pick was inconsistent offensively, and Rangers coach Mike Sullivan stressed to Othmann that he needed to improve defensively.
"A lot of the discussion we had just talked about conscientious play, attention to detail defensively, away from the puck. Playing within structure. Having some predictability and reliability and dependability around his game," Sullivan explained during training camp . "I think if he can add more detail around those things — and essentially that's what it boils down to, it's attention to detail in all zones on both sides of the puck, in particular the defensive side of the puck."
This is the third straight season since turning pro that Othmann starts out with Hartford in the American Hockey League. He scored 21 goals as a rookie pro with Hartford in 2023-24, and appeared set for big things last season, before he spent two months on the sidelines following an early-season upper-body injury.
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Othmann did play 22 games with the Rangers in 2024-25. However, he largely was limited to fourth-line minutes and managed only two assists. Since his calling card is his scoring prowess, it's notable that Othmann is without a goal in 25 NHL games (including three contests in 2023-24).
Brennan Othmann in Hartford, eyeing next opportunity with Rangers
Brennan Othmann — Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
There's still plenty to like about Othmann, who doesn't turn 23 until January. At his best, he's a physical forward, who plays with an edge, and has plenty of scoring ability. Othmann poured in 50 goals over 66 OHL games with Flint in 2021-22. He's considered a hard worker with considerable leadership skills, as well.
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His confidence ebbs and flows, though. That was apparent again this preseason. He was a dominant force during two rookie games against Philadelphia Flyers prospects, but not nearly as effective against more experienced opponents during the preseason.
However, if Sullivan, in his first season as Rangers coach, and/or management don't believe Othmann will reach his potential for whatever reason, it's incumbent on general manager Chris Drury to find out what he might fetch on the trade market.
"The Rangers have a lot on the wings and it simply may be that he needs a fresh start elsewhere," Friedman suggested. "We will see where things go, but there's definitely discussion about the next steps of his career. Stay tuned."
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For now, Othmann is in Hartford, where he picked up an assist in a season-opening 2-1 loss to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton last weekend. He'll play heavy minutes in all game situations for Hartford, and try to put himself in position for an NHL recall should the need arise in New York.
That is if the Rangers don't move on from him. As Friedman stated, stay tuned.
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