Brennan Othmann’s Road To Making The Rangers' Opening-Night Roster Will Be Difficult, Yet Is Attainable

Brennan Othmann’s road to making the New York Rangers’ opening-night roster won’t be easy. 

During training camp last year, Othmann fought to make the team, but he ultimately was one of the final roster cuts as he was forced to start the season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League. 

Toward the beginning of the 2024-25 season, Othmann sustained an upper-body injury that kept him out for about two months. 

However, upon returning to the Wolf Pack’s lineup, the 22-year-old forward performed well and did not let the previous injury slow down his production. 

In 27 games for the Wolf Pack, Othmann recorded 12 goals, eight assists, and 20 points. 

He ultimately earned a spot with the Rangers later in the season, and while he tallied just two points in 22 games, Othmann’s presence was noticeable, and he seemed to improve as time went on.

The question now is if Othmann will be able to carry on his momentum from last season and earn a roster spot in October.

Yes, Othmann has made some strides in his game over the past couple of years, but that doesn't guarantee him anything.. 

In order to make the Rangers’ opening-night roster, Othmann will have to outperform either Adam Edström or Gabe Perreault at training camp. 

Edström was an important and consistent player for the Rangers before suffering a lower-body injury in February, and he just signed a two-year contract extension, so it’s almost a certainty he’ll be a shoo-in for the Blueshirts. 

Perreault has more buzz surrounding his name with many considering him to be the Rangers’ most offensively explosive prospects.

It’s unclear whether Perreault will be ready to step into an everyday role in New York though, and Othmann’s experience playing professional hockey at both the AHL and NHL levels could give him a slight upper edge over Perreault. 

Othmann’s fate will be determined by how he performs at training camp and the way Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan views him as a player. 

It will be a battle for Othmann, a battle that will be difficult, yet in his reach.