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Rangers and Brett Berard appear headed for a necessary summer divorce

A frustrating year under Mike Sullivan means the Rangers and young forward Brett Berard explains why a split is likely coming.
Dec 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Rangers left wing Brett Berard (65) and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic (72) go for the puck during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Dec 10, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Rangers left wing Brett Berard (65) and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Alex Vlasic (72) go for the puck during the first period at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

As the New York Rangers enter their first offseason of the "Letter 2.0" era, it is time to look at one of their more interesting prospects. For Brett Berard, it might be the end of the road for him at the draft, and a reputable hockey insider has already started the rumblings.

Kevin Weekes, former Rangers goaltender and now one of the most pivotal hockey resources in the league, named Berard as a potential player to be moved soon. Here is why it makes complete sense to follow through with that notion.

End of the road makes a ton of sense

This situation with Berard is starting to look awfully familiar to the debacle with Brennan Othmann. A small sample size that had gotten smaller under the watch of head coach Mike Sullivan, then ultimately pushed aside for another team to cater to.

Berard, who only suited up for 13 games last season and did not make any bit of impact whatsoever, really hit a decline from his emergence in 2024-25. As players like Liam Greentree and Nathan Aspinall will be making their way to Hartford, and potentially the Rangers in 2025-26, No. 65 might be blocking the way on the wing. He also hasn't shown anything of note to justify giving him another shot, as players like him are essentially available all the time on waivers.

Berard showed what he can do, and for a while, it was enough. But, with a fifth-overall pick and the names listed above shortly making their way up the ladder, there are only so many spots. Plus, the Rangers could use some draft help following this upcoming selection process at the end of June, as the 2027 draft has holes in the second and fourth rounds.

Berard could be used to gain some picks in one of those spots, barring how well Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury can boast. If that is the case, it may be for the best to move on.

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