Can an Othmann-Laba-Perreault line actually work for the Rangers retool

At this point the New York Rangers' season is all about development. With them being in last place in the Eastern Conference and trading away several key players like Artemi Panarin, the playoffs are a pipe dream. Instead, they should begin identifying players to reshape the roster around and who could be part of the next competitive core. Give the young players on the roster a chance to prove themselves.

In the first practice since the Olympics ended, the Rangers seemed to be doing just that. Sullivan has penciled Gabe Perreault, Noah Laba, and Brennan Othmann on the second line. Now it's unlikely they will be on the second line with Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller returning, but they probably will be together on the third line. Regardless of what line they are on, having these three together will be a great opportunity to prove themselves. But what upside does this line have?

We could be looking at "The Kid Line" 2.0

This is not the first time the Rangers have put their promising forwards on the same line. Back in the 2021-22 season, the Rangers put Alexis Lafrenière, Filip Chytil, and Kappo Kakko on the same line for the playoffs. The three of them became the most effective line during the playoffs, and the legend of the kid line was born. Now, the Othmann-Laba-Perreault line will not be as effective as that line, but it will still make an impact. They could become a decent shutdown line with some offensive upside.

Laba and Othmann playing together will do the most to benefit their game. Both forwards play a more physical defensive style of hockey. The kind that can help create a shutdown line, which has become important in the modern era of hockey. In fact, these two have played on the same line and produced decent results. According to Moneypuck, lines that have these two have an xGoals Against of 2.5 and an xGoals Against per 60 Minutes of 2.55.

Having Perreault on the line could also improve the offensive production of Laba and Othmann. Throughout his career, Perreault has been a tremendous playmaker. He always seems to get the most out of the players around him. This could unlock the offense that both Laba and Othmann have been missing in their games. Sure, it's not good enough to turn them into top-line forwards. But it could help them become solid middle-six forwards.

With their offensive and defensive upside, this line has the potential to be the best coming down the stretch. With the three trying to be part of the Rangers ' long-term plans, they will be hungry to prove themselves. This will cause them to play with a style of speed, grit, and intensity that has been missing from this team for years. It will be a breath of fresh air for this team and give the fanbase something to watch down the stretch.

While this might not be where these three play in the future, putting these three on the same line will do wonders for their development. The three will be able to match each other's intensity and play a style of hockey fans have been begging for.