When Brett Berard was sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack on January 10, many were unsure if the 22-year-old rookie would see NHL ice again this season.
With the Rangers pushing for a playoff spot, players such as Berard were not given the runway needed in order to adjust to the NHL level. Mistakes were unaffordable, and there was a shortage of available ice-time. With the team now seemingly waving the white flag by trading Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey on Saturday, the youth movement could be in swing on Broadway.
Berard celebrated his return to Madison Square Garden with yet another energetic performance. In just under eleven minutes of ice time against Nashville, he scored one goal, and added five shots. In his first taste of action earlier this season, he endeared himself to fans with his constant nose for the puck. Berard yearns to be near the play, and possesses a fire that the Rangers desperately need.
#NYR Jonny Brodzinski had some high praise about his former @WolfPackAHL teammates in Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard getting their shot with the @NYRangers pic.twitter.com/hX3C1z59KX
— Jonny Lazarus (@JLazzy23) March 3, 2025
While he might not be in the lineup consistently with the return of Chris Kreider looming on the horizon, the energy Berard and his fellow Wolf Pack call-ups Brennan Othmann and Matt Rempe have brought is palpable. While they might not fill the scoresheet, each player brings something important that the Rangers have been lacking: Berard's motor, Othmann's willingness to go to high-traffic areas, and Rempe's physicality. With an injection of new life, the Rangers might be able to stay in the mix long enough to give these young players experience in meaningful hockey games down the stretch.
Defenseman Zac Jones is also making the most of an increased role. After Adam Fox was placed on long-term injured reserve with what appeared to be a shoulder injury, the Virginia native has been thrust into the spotlight as the team's power play quarterback. He led the team in ice-time in Sunday's 4-0 shutout victory over the Nashville Predators, logging just over 22 minutes. Earlier this season, Jones wondered if a fresh start might be best for him. Now, he will almost certainly be given every opportunity to succeed as a Ranger.
Players such as Berard and Jones are the future of the team. Outside of Adam Fox, Alexis Lafreniere, and Igor Shesterkin, the only player under the age of 30 signed to a long-term contract is defenseman Will Borgen. There will likely be significant roster turnover in the coming seasons, as old players move on to new destinations or simply hang up the skates.
By providing young players the opportunity to play now, the team is well-equipped to sustain their success into the future.