Brett Berard has been sidelined the majority of the postseason due to an injury that thankfully didn't require surgery. But he would miss a shot at playing in the World Championships, and taking a shot at a Gold Medal, now the 5th-round draft pick in 2020 could crack the opening night lineup, if he's healthy enough? Will he stand out enough for Mike Sullivan?![Brett berard]()
The former 5th-round pick turned heads in the AHL after his 2023-24 season, which saw him score 48 points (25-23). He'd soon earn a call-up in the NHL next season which he posting 10 points (6-4) in 35 games with the Rangers.
More than enough to justify him a spot in the bottom-six of the Rangers lineup, where he'd remain as a fixture while other players were out on injury.
Now, as he's been recovering this postseason, the question remains whether he will be healthy enough when training camp rolls around to make the NHL lineup.
«Yeah, summer's been good. Tore my labrum in the season, so just been rehabbing that,» Berard said in his intro at the Shoulder Check Showcase charity event last week in Stamford, CT.
The injury occurred on November 30th, and he'd have to wear a brace the rest of the season, which could've seriously affected his performance, which, by all means, for a rookie was exceptional.
«That happened (on Nov. 30) against Montreal, right when I got called up Just kind of lingered all year, wore a brace all year. It was good to kind of get that situated,» Berard explained. «It feels good, it feels strong. So just trying to get it all better, but we feel a lot better now.»
Berard was one of the bright spots for the Rangers in 2024-25, and if Mike Sullivan has an idea of the way the wind is blowing, he'll keep an eye on Berard during training camp.
He was one player who stood out as someone who dared not give up during the team's darkest times in 2024. His performance against the Carolina Hurricanes on November 27th stands out particularly, where he dragged a team down 2-1 out of the hole with his first NHL goal.
His performance against the St. Louis Blues, outmanned on December 15th, gave the Rangers some breathing room as he scored a goal on Joel Hofer, making it 3-1, despite the opposition.
Berard will likely have to compete with Brennan Othmann and Gabe Perreault for a spot in the lineup, while, unlike the latter two players, he has production in the NHL to back him up.
He'll have some good competition in Connor Sheary, who has arrived on PTO and will be competing for a spot too.
Berard will have his work cut out for him.
It's just a good thing he'll be 100% healthy, and has been working out in Connecticut with fellow Rangers and former Rangers like Matt Rempe, Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, and Jonathan Quick to help his game progress.
