Brennan Othmann Ready To Show He Belongs In The NHL

Some New York Rangers fans may be wondering, what’s going on with Brennan Othmann? 

The 2021 first-round pick was competing to make the Rangers’ opening-night roster, but he was ultimately sent down to the Hartford Wolf Pack to continue his development.

Since then Othmann has flown under the radar in the American Hockey League. That doesn't mean his impact hasn't been felt though. 

Othmann’s season was quickly halted when he suffered an upper-body injury that kept him sidelined for 10 weeks. 

Upon returning, Othmann had to overcome some obstacles. 

“Got hurt and was injured there for 10 weeks,” Othmann said. “That was kind of the low point and the downside. After that when I came back, it took me about two to three weeks to get into the swing of things. You kind of get out of a routine and then in those weeks you get back, you kind of get into it. Now I’m in a full routine everyday and the routine stays the exact same.”

The 22-year-old has been making his presence known with the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 26 games, he’s recorded 12 goals, seven assists and 19 points. 

From just a few months ago, Othmann feels himself growing in confidence as he continues to make strides in his development. 

“I would say I feel more confident,” Othmann said. “I would say I feel more confident, especially with the puck. That’s kind of what the American League is about, just getting confidence with the puck. I have enough skill where I think I can move the puck at this level… My game has been where I want it to be at.”

Over the past few weeks, there’s been a growing speculation Othmann could be called up. He joined the team on a temporary basis this week at practice while multiple Rangers players were participating in the 4 Nations Face-Off. 

It’s really when he will be called up, not if. When that time does eventually come, Othmann is fully confident he’ll be able to hang around with the best hockey players in the world. 

“I think I play pretty heavy, I play physically,” Othmann said. “At the same time I could put the puck in the back of the net as well. I’m obviously willing to come up here at any given point. It’s a privilege to play for this organization. 

“Whenever that time is, if that time is, I’m going to grab it by the horns and run with it, play my game and show that I belong at this level.”