The New York Rangers need an offensive spark in their top six and are expected to pursue a veteran goal-scorer in the offseason. However, with limited salary cap space available for general manager Chris Drury, he could bank on one exciting young prospect to step into a larger role this season.
Could Brennan Othmann be a top-six player next season?
Brennan Othmann is one of the top prospects in the Rangers’ current pool. The 2021 first-round draft pick received some NHL playing time this season, but spent most of the year pocketing goals for the Hartford Wolf Pack.
In 67 games played in the AHL this season, Othmann tallied 49 total points (21 goals and 28 assists). He saw the NHL ice in only three games during the regular season, averaging 9:05 time on ice but failing to record a single point. He did, however, put six shots on goal across those three games.
Othmann is a 6-foot, 186-pound winger from Ontario, Canada. The 21-year-old spent his time developing in the AHL this season, but could be ready to make the jump to the NHL in 2024.
The Rangers could use more youth in their top six
Entering next season at only 22 years old, Othmann would immediately provide a youthful spark to the Rangers’ top six if he were to earn the first-line right wing role.
He would be joining Chris Kreider (33) and Mika Zibanejad (31) on the first line. Also in the top six are Artemi Panarin (32) and Vincent Trocheck (30). The only other top-six player under 30 years old is Alexis Lafrenier, who is 22 years old. The strategy of combining a youthful winger in Lafreniere with the second line’s veterans paid off in a major way this season. Perhaps Othmann could have a similar effect.
Granted, the Blueshirts are far more likely to acquire a veteran talent for their top six, but if money does become a problem, Othmann could become the unlikely solution.
