Analyzing a rookie season is always fun for members of the National Hockey League staff and the media. Looking into New York Rangers' rookie Brett Berard debut campaign is no exception.
The former fifth-rounder was very impressive after taking his rookie lap and provided a nice spark to the Rangers with his energy in a year where the Blueshirts were severely lacking across multiple aspects of the ice. And while it would've been nice to see him get more time down the stretch, perhaps he’ll earn himself an extended role next season after the Rangers made NHL infamy in not making the playoffs the year after lifting the Presidents' Trophy
Back to the topic at hand, here's why Berard's future is bright with the Blueshirts as a result of his first year of league play.
Expectations
Looking at expectations, its always different when you're dealing with a rookie player. Our most recent report cards in the series have included Blueshirt veterans such as Alexis Lafrenière and Vincent Trocheck — whose expectations were obviously higher than that of a rookie like Berard would be.
That being said, The Athletic's Scott Wheeler did rank Berard as the Rangers’ No. 4 prospect earlier this year.
Performance
Overall, Berard was great. The Rhode Island native is a bit harder to judge than other players in that he was returned to the Hartford Wolf Pack to make room on the active roster for waiver claim Arthur Kaliyev back in February.
But, when he was with the Rangers roster, his production rate for 5-on-5 play was certainly more than decent. Additionally, Berard looked the part and he provided a nice spark with his high-energy, pesky play on both ends of the ice — finishing with six goals and four assists across 35 games played.
His first goal scored on November 27, 2024 was a beauty — as called by legendary now-former Rangers' broadcaster Sam Rosen — was on away ice against the Carolina Hurricanes. The left-hander tied things up at 2-2 before the Rangers lost momentum and fell by one, 4-3.
Berard's agility and speed are also no to be overlooked according to the coaching staff. Former Head Coach Peter Laviolette previously said that he "helps make a line very effective" through his forechecking and puck battles. What makes Berard's ability to get into puck battles so effectively is the fact that his speed has been a key component of his ability to attack the game.
His quickness and determination have made him a valuable asset on the Rangers' fourth line, contributing to the team's depth and energy
Bottom line: Berard is still developing with an average TOI of 11:12 per game but did not look out of place while playing at the NHL level.
His negatives? The game looked a little fast for him at points, and opponents outplayed the Rangers with him on the ice — though Berard cannot take all the blame for that.
Where They Go From Here
Standing at 5'9" and weighing only 175 pounds, Berard still manages to play with a tenacity and high motor that will make him an intriguing part of the franchise's future despite being one of the smaller guys on the roster.
Berard made enough of an impression to earn a spot on the American roster for this year's World Championships, but he unfortunately had to pull out. He’ll spend the summer training in the New York area. Next year he'll no longer be a rookie, and if he continue to bring his level of energy with a little bit more offensive consistency, her certainly could see more playing time as a Ranger.