Brennan Othmann is determined to showcase his skills through rookie camp as he looks to become a regular NHL player.
The New York Rangers rookie camp started today and the most intriguing prospect there had to be Brennan Othmann.
Rookie camp is nothing new to Othmann as he’s attended it over the past couple of years, but there are higher stakes for him now more than ever.
The 2021 first round pick has a legitimate chance to make the Rangers' opening night roster and his play through rookie camp could help his case.
Othmann’s primary goal is to earn a spot with the Rangers.
“I’m just going to take it day-by-day to be honest to start off with,” Othmann said. “Obviously the end goal is to make the team and just try to be in on opening night, the first game that they play.”
This past season with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL, Othmann recorded 21 goals, 28 assists and 49 points in 67 games.
Throughout this summer, the 21-year-old worked on getting stronger, something that should certainly help his already explosive offensive game.
“Just getting bigger, putting on some weight,” Othmann said on what he focused on during the summer. “I weighed in at over just 190 here, so I’m pretty happy with that. The goal was kind of to get to 190, so I’m happy I was able to hit that goal.
“I’ve always set little goals during the year and in the offseason. That was one we were able to set and hit. Using that weight going forward, the way I play you kind of need that.”
Overall, Othmann had a strong day at the first practice of rookie camp. He used his body well as he said that he attended to while also putting his impressive shot on display.
The Rangers rookies play the Flyers rookies on Friday and Saturday. That will be a big test to truly find out where Othmann is at in his development compared to these other prospects and see if he can really take over this game.