The calendar flips to September next week, meaning New York Rangers training camp is right around the corner. And as the Rangers figure out their roster for 2024-25, there will also be a slew of storylines for their American Hockey League affiliate, Hartford Wolf Pack.
This will be the Wolf Pack’s 28th season in the AHL, and they’re coming off consecutive playoff runs to the Atlantic Division Semifinals. There’s a new coach in Hartford, Grant Potulny, and former Rangers defenseman Paul Mara has been added to the staff as an assistant.
Top Rangers prospects like Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard will be sized up by the Rangers at training camp. And there are several other players who’ll be on Chris Drury’s radar this Fall. Remember, Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe and Zac Jones are recent Hartford alums who’ve graduated successfully to the NHL with the Rangers.
3 storylines about Rangers prospects with Hartford Wolf Pack in 2024-25
Let’s take an early look at three key storylines regarding Rangers prospects and Wolf Pack players ahead of training camp next month.
Will Brennan Othmann make Rangers out of camp or start season in Hartford?
Brennan Othmann is going to get a long look in training camp this September. But if the 21-year-old forward doesn’t crack the Rangers opening-night lineup, it’s probably a safe bet he’ll be recalled at some point this season.
New York’s first-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft registered 49 points (21 goals, 28 assists) in 67 games as a rookie pro with the Wolf Pack last season. He was second on the team in goals and fourth among all AHL rookies in scoring. His 10 power-play goals led the Wolf Pack and were tied for 11th most in the AHL. There’s a feeling that Othmann is simply scratching the surface offensively for what he will eventually be as a scorer.
Othmann is a “rink rat” and is passionate about the game. He plays with an edge and has a definite chip on his shoulder, aiming to prove doubters wrong at every turn. He’s also an emerging leader among the prospects, taking on that role during development camp in July.
Above all else, Othmann is a team player, who heavily influenced Wolf Pack games a year ago. One instance was his willingness to drop the gloves against Springfield on Feb. 3 when Hartford trailed 3-0. He sparked the Wolf Pack, who scored three consecutive goals.
His time is coming. Whether it’s right out of the gate after training camp or more down the road, the Rangers have themselves a player in Othmann.
Which Rangers prospect will have breakout season with Wolf Pack?
Returning for his second season in the organization, 19-year old forward Adam Sykora is a player to watch. While he is not a big-time offensive threat with 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) as a rookie pro last season, Sykora should grow into being an adequate scorer, especially in the AHL.
However, Sykora is already very reliable defensively, especially in situations when Hartford is facing pressure from opponents in their own end. He’s strong, smart and his speed can push the club to transition from defense to offense quickly. His strong discipline is another asset — he was penalized twice in 66 regular-season games. Plus he’s a solid penalty killer.
As he grows and matures, Sykora becomes an intriguing prospect for the Rangers, quite possibly a bottom-six option should they need help in that area later this season.
Other potential candidates to break out this season with Hartford? Keep an eye on defenseman Victor Mancini, goalie Dylan Garand and center Bryce McConnell-Barker.
Can Matthew Robertson rebound?
Matthew Robertson — Photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack
Entering his fourth AHL season, 23-year-old defenseman Matthew Robertson is looking to regain his footing as an important prospect in the Rangers organization. The 2019 second-round pick has yet to play an NHL game, and was passed over last season by Connor Mackey and Brandon Scanlin when a call-up was needed in New York.
A shoulder injury in 2022-23 didn’t help his development, and could’ve led to being an early cut during training camp last September. Robertson had 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in 68 AHL games last season, but was a minus-11. Despite his troubles, the Rangers elected to re-sign the defenseman for another year, and this could be Robertson’s make-or-break season with the organization.
His biggest focus will need to be puck management since he had numerous turnovers in 2023-24. And his overall defensive play was inconsistent. Rediscovering his scoring touch — he did score 13 goals in the WHL back in 2019-20 — would certainly help his standing within the organization, too. Robertson is still young enough to figure things out. But there’s no doubt this is an important season for him.
