3 Forwards on the Roster Bubble as the Rangers head into the 2024-25 Season

Matt Rempe

Matt Rempe erupted onto the scene last year in style, fighting on his very first shift in the Rangers' Stadium Series game vs. the Islanders. From that moment, with his massive hits and fighting spirit, he quickly became a fan favorite. Every time he stepped onto the ice, Madison Square Garden echoed with "REMPE" chants. Although his physicality was adored by both the fanbase and coaching staff, his lack of skill and skating ability limited his playing time throughout the season, particularly during the playoffs. In 11 playoff games, he recorded 1 goal and averaged 6:07 of ice time.

Rempe has only played 17 regular-season games in the NHL and is just 22 years old, so he still has time to grow his hockey skills and improve his skating. So far, in the preseason game he played, he actually looked like one of the better Rangers players, and it seems like he could solidify himself as a regular on the Rangers' fourth line. Only time will tell how much more he can develop, but if Rempe wants to become a full-time NHL player for the Rangers, he needs to improve in several areas and be able to log more ice time, especially in the playoffs.

Brennan Othmann

The next player looking to crack the opening night lineup for New York is former 2021 first-round pick Brennan Othmann. Othmann has been one of the Rangers' highly touted prospects over the last couple of seasons but has been blocked from securing a spot in their top nine. Now, going into his fourth year since being drafted, it is essential for him to make the roster. His offensive skillset and ability to play a rugged game could provide a much-needed boost to the Rangers' forward group. If he can showcase consistency throughout the preseason, Othmann has a real chance to cement his place in the lineup.

Othmann had a decent season last year in Hartford, scoring 21 goals and 28 assists for 49 points in 67 games. He’s a player with snarl in his game and can play gritty, playoff-style hockey, along with providing offensive upside. However, the knock on Othmann has been his skating and decision-making. He has played in all three of the Rangers' preseason games and recently had his best performance against the Bruins, where he was noticeable and even scored a nice breakaway goal. As the Rangers begin making roster decisions, I think Othmann is in the running for the last spot on the fourth line for the 2024-25 season.

Adam Edstrom

The final player battling for the last spot on the Rangers' opening night roster is Adam Edstrom. Edstrom may have looked the best out of the three players mentioned. He has scored in every game he's played so far, including the rookie showcase games and the last two preseason games. Edstrom has 2 goals and 1 assist for 3 points in the Rangers' preseason. In addition to his scoring production, he has been very noticeable defensively and has used his big size effectively on the forecheck.

Edstrom was able to get into NHL action last year for the Rangers, playing in 11 games where he registered 2 goals and had a +2 rating in plus/minus. Out of the three players, I believe he is the best skater and, like Rempe, can slide into the center position, which could be a deciding factor when the Rangers fill out their fourth line for opening night. Standing at a towering 6'7", Edstrom brings physicality that the Rangers will appreciate for their fourth line. He’s also quite well-rounded, and if I had to choose one of these three players for the last spot, I’d say Edstrom is currently the frontrunner. Only time will tell who ultimately fills that last spot for the Rangers, and it could be any of these three players.