The 2021 first-round draft selection is shifting out of old habits to earn a roster spot on the A team.
Tarrytown, N.Y- The New York Rangers 2021 first-round draft selection Brennan Othmann skated with Vincent Trocheck and Kaapo Kakko on Tuesday night.
The trio was the most dynamic line for the Rangers, generating chances off the rush, bringing a physical edge, and making quick decisions with the puck.
He was excited to play with Trocheck (10 NHL seasons) and Kakko (4 NHL seasons) on Tuesday night, "Yeah, it was a lot of fun I've never played with guys of that caliber before."
The Rangers prospect also skated with Blake Wheeler and Kakko on a power-play unit on Thursday morning.
Othmann spoke about applying past experiences to his latest audition, "Just more confidence with the puck. It's my third preseason now and my third time around the club...It's more confidence carrying the puck."
Physicality is his forte and a hit on Sebastian Aho early in Tuesday's game exhibited the winger's mix of skill and brawn.
The Scarborough native acknowledged his physical play following Tuesday's 4-2 victory, "Create that physicality aspect and enjoy it...You don't know how long you're going to be up for."
Peter Laviolette spoke about the 20-year-old's experience at training camp following his second consecutive game group practice, "He's working and trying to put himself in a position to show what he can do offensively, I noticed physicality the other night, trying to work hard and make an impact."
He added," I understand his past and what he's done. There's a process that goes with becoming an NHL player and he's in that process right now. He's getting opportunities and he'll continue to get opportunities for sure."
Brennan Othmann earned himself prime looks from the Rangers brass as he pushes to earn a roster spot with the A team. If not this season, his improvements are a testament to the learning experiences he garners at training camp, a good sign for the young talents' NHL development.