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    What Rangers best-case scenario may be with Brennan Othmann in training camp

    By Jim Cerny,

    2 days ago
    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1SHq7I_0uqUPOQW00
    Hartford Wolf Pack

    Outside of blowing everyone away and securing a spot in the top six during training camp, is it possible the best-case scenario for the New York Rangers with Brennan Othmann is that the 21-year-old doesn’t even make the opening-night roster?

    The answer to that question is yes, though does deserve an explanation.

    Let’s start with this, the Rangers would be thrilled if Othmann forces their hand to keep him because he’s so good, so consistent. Especially if he finds a fit on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider.

    Really, that’s the dream scenario for the Rangers. Fill that top-line void on right wing with their 2021 first-round pick who is on his entry-level contract. Then, perhaps, slide Reilly Smith to the third line and Will Cuylle to the fourth line. In that scenario, the Rangers are a deeper team, and creating more competition for Matt Rempe to beat out either Jimmy Vesey or Cuylle for playing time.

    All of that is certainly a good thing.

    “I’m always excited to throw on a Ranger jersey, whether it’s for practice or for games,” Othmann said at prospects development camp in July. “I want to play for the fans, I want to play for the city. It’s an amazing city to play for. I was here watching the playoffs, and it’s just an unbelievable atmosphere. Who wouldn’t want to play here, right? To make the team, that’s my goal this summer and moving forward.”

    But it’s a long shot. Othmann, who scored 21 goals as a rookie pro with Hartford in the American Hockey League last season, needs to be a dominant force right from Day One of camp. Then he must continue that high level of play each day for the entirety of training camp and in each preseason game, while also helping elevate the play of Zibanejad and Kreider.

    Then Peter Laviolette and the Rangers brass must make that huge decision after a three-week sample size.

    It’s not impossible. But it is improbable.

    So, what’s the next-best scenario for the Rangers and their key prospect?

    Related: Why Matt Gilroy believes ‘future is bright’ for Rangers top pick EJ Emery

    Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann to get long look in training camp

    https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2ubUOb_0uqUPOQW00

    Brennan Othmann — Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

    It can be argued that the next best thing would be for Othmann to have a good camp and earn a spot on the third line. Of course, that likely means either Cuylle or Kaapo Kakko didn’t have a good camp and failed to hold onto his spot in the lineup. In this scenario, Cuylle, as stated earlier, could be a fourth-line fit. However, Kakko needs to be a top-nine forward. So, if he gets beaten out for a spot there, the Rangers would have to find a way to trade him. That’s not an easy thing to do after teams have solidified their rosters and salary cap situations to start the season.

    So, that’s not exactly an all-around best-case scenario.

    But if Othmann, who played three games with the Rangers in January and also had a strong showing in training camp, plays well and the other top-nine forwards do as well during the preseason, that means there’s no weakness to start the season. The core of that 2023-24 Presidents’ Trophy winners are ready to go. That’s a good thing. Othmann made a strong impression but is sent back to Hartford to start the season. That’s also a good thing.

    Because, we can all agree, that it makes zero sense to keep Othmann on the NHL roster to be the 13th forward. Nor should he be on the fourth line just to reward him for a good camp.

    In Hartford, Othman can continue to get top-six minutes, hone his game and be the top option should the Rangers need to bring up a forward. And the Blueshirts could recall Othmann with confidence because he was knocking on the door at camp. Othmann seizes the opportunity with confidence because he showed he could play with the big boys in camp.

    From a team perspective, having the top line, Filip Chytil, Smith, Kakko, Cuylle, Othmann — really everyone — healthy and playing well is the best-case scenario for the Rangers. Even if it means Othmann looks ready, but begins the season in the minors.

    Odds are that Othmann will get his chance this season, whether it’s right out of the gate or at some other point. There’ll be injuries, struggles, maybe Kakko does get traded midseason. Or perhaps Othmann makes it impossible to keep him off the roster. Remember, that wasn’t the case last season. The kid was good, not great and there’s room for growth here. If that means he marinades a bit more in the AHL, so be it. As long as the Rangers are firing on all cylinders in the NHL, that’s what’s most important.

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