The New York Rangers have an important stretch coming up after the NHL's 4 Nations Faceoff comes to a conclusion. The Blueshirts are currently three points out of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, and every win — and point — will matter.
Another stroryline to follow for the Rangers is with one of their top prospects, Brennan Othmann, who has been playing his best hockey in the AHL. He has nine goals in his past 11 games and, alongside Brett Berard, has been the Hartford Wolfpack's best offensive line.
That's now 9 goals in 11 games for #NYR prospect Brennan Othmann (R1, 2021) and his 2nd multi-goal game of the week! pic.twitter.com/RHSGRkRuVV
— Stat Boy Steven 🇳🇱🇮🇪 (@StatBoy_Steven) February 16, 2025
Othmann was ranked as New York's best prospect by NHL.com at the start of the season, and he was given a chance to earn a roster spot for the Blueshirts out of training camp. Him failing to do so out of camp should not be surprising, as the Rangers have a crowded left-wing room with Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider and Will Cuylle.
Throughout the season, the Rangers have needed some players to fill in as the team dealt with various injuries, and while Othmann was a possible answer he has not gotten a call-up. New York opted for Berard, who had seven points in 19 games, along with Arthur Kaliyev to fill the wing positions.
But, with Othmann's recent play, a Rangers call-up might be a discussion down the line.
Does Othmann deserve a call-up?
The Rangers might look different in a few weeks. The NHL trade deadline is March 7, and with the position the Blueshirts are in, by the deadline they can be buyers or sellers. New York already made a huge trade by acquiring J.T. Miller from the Canucks.
There are a few more names that might thrown around in trade negotiations: Reilly Smith and Jimmy Vesey are both on expiring contracts and New York might look to get rid of them. If the Rangers do, Othmann's chances of a call-up are much better.
Right now, the Rangers have a bunch of permanent solutions on the wings. Othmann is naturally a left winger, and that's where Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider and Will Cuylle are. It's going to be hard for Othmann to become a left winger on this team down the stretch.
On the right side, Othmann can find his way in if the Rangers do depart from Smith and/or Vesey. But, New York opted for Berard over Othmann earlier on in the season and might again; New York has also put Mika Zibanejad on the right wing with Miller centering him and he's been better. Arthur Kaliyev has been an up-and-down addition, but he clearly isn't afraid to shoot the puck.
What does this mean for Othmann? If he is able to keep playing well in the AHL, he might be deserving of a call-up depending on where the Rangers are a month from now. If New York is out of the playoff race in a month and ships off some key players, that will open the door for players like Othmann as the focus shifts to the 2025-26 season.
But, if the Blueshirts find themselves in a position to make the postseason, they are going to go all-in. Players probably won't be shipped off and it becomes harder for younger players to get into the lineup.
Though, one thing that can for sure be taken from Othmann's play is he will have a chance to win a roster spot out of training camp. If he continues to perform well at the AHL level, he will get the attention of more people in the Rangers organization and can be a key piece for the Blueshirts for years to come.