Now that the New York Rangers’ preseason has wrapped up, evaluations of the workforce’s prospects have come into sharper focus, revealing a spread of performances that might affect their future roles. For younger gamers hoping to interrupt into the NHL, the preseason serves as a vital audition, providing a glimpse of their potential and the place they at the moment stand in administration’s eyes.
Right here, we’ll take a better have a look at 4 prospects whose preseason outings have yielded various outcomes: Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard, Adam Edstrom, and Victor Mancini. Every entered camp with completely different expectations, and their performances have highlighted each their strengths and areas for development. With the Rangers’ common season across the nook, it’s time to evaluate the place they stand and what lies forward for every of them. Whether or not their inventory has risen, levelled out, or taken a success, the way forward for these gamers throughout the Rangers group has grow to be clearer.
Victor Mancini
Drafted within the fifth spherical of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft by the Rangers, Mancini has spent the final two seasons creating on the College of Nebraska-Omaha, with a short stint on the finish of final season enjoying seven video games for the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack. Coming into coaching camp, the expectation was that Mancini would seemingly spend one other yr honing his expertise in Hartford, whereas different gamers—similar to Matthew Robertson, Othmann, and Berard—had been seen as the primary contenders for a roster spot. Nevertheless, Mancini’s robust efficiency all through the preseason has compelled Rangers administration, together with common supervisor Chris Drury and head coach Peter Laviolette, to noticeably take into account him for a task on the primary roster.
Mancini made an announcement with two objectives, showcasing his versatility by contributing on each the facility play and penalty kill. Most notably, he held his personal defensively, competing successfully in opposition to NHL-level expertise in his personal zone. Now, with Ryan Lindgren sidelined because of an upper-body damage, Mancini seems poised to make his NHL debut on Wednesday, Oc.t 9 in opposition to the Pittsburgh Penguins, a serious alternative that appeared unlikely just some weeks in the past.
Adam Edstrom
Edstrom, the towering 6-foot-7 winger, made his NHL debut with the Rangers final season, showing in 11 video games. Nevertheless, regardless of his dimension and presence, Edstrom discovered himself considerably overshadowed by the thrill surrounding fellow prospect Matt Rempe. Quietly, Edstrom managed to place collectively a strong efficiency, scoring just a few key objectives and positioning himself properly heading into the offseason. With a concentrate on enchancment, Edstrom entered the preseason decided to make a stronger impression, and he delivered.
In 4 preseason video games, Edstrom recorded three factors, together with two objectives, demonstrating an improved offensive contact. His development within the defensive zone was equally evident, as he turned extra assertive in utilizing his huge body to separate opponents from the puck. Moreover, Edstrom excelled on the penalty kill, utilizing his dimension and attain to disrupt passing lanes, whereas additionally proving to be a formidable display screen in entrance of opposing goaltenders. His capacity to persistently make life troublesome for netminders is an asset the Rangers can’t overlook.
By means of his preseason efficiency, Edstrom has earned his spot on the roster and has made a powerful case for a task on the fourth line. Now, he’s poised to indicate he has what it takes to stay with the workforce all through the common season.
Brett Berard
In the present day, Berard is stepping in at follow for Mika Zibanejad, who’s sitting out for upkeep, in response to Vince Mercogliano. Though Berard recorded only one level—a single help—in the course of the preseason, his presence on the ice was onerous to overlook. One among his standout moments got here throughout a breakaway try that was finally saved, however his relentless effort remained a defining facet of his recreation. Berard’s continuous motor and dedication to remain concerned in each play set him aside, even when his manufacturing didn’t match his depth.
Associated: 3 Remaining Takeaways From Rangers’ 2024-25 Preseason
That tenacity will be the motive Berard continues to be with the Rangers as an alternative of heading again to Hartford. Regardless of his inconsistent play in the course of the preseason, Berard’s potential has stored him within the combine. Although his alternative to make an influence on the NHL degree may not come instantly, his work ethic and talent to get seen on the ice counsel he’s not far off. Provided that he’s more likely to be the final participant despatched right down to Hartford, it appears Berard is positioned as the primary call-up ought to the Rangers want an damage substitute this season.
Brennan Othmann
Othmann was the one Ranger to look in all six preseason video games, recording 4 factors and showcasing flashes of brilliance all through. Nevertheless, his play was marked by inconsistency. Within the first recreation, Othmann made his presence recognized with just a few massive hits, however little else stood out. By the point the Rangers confronted the Boston Bruins of their second preseason matchup, Othmann was all around the ice, delivering a powerful efficiency that included an help after a powerful forecheck and a breakaway aim following a key takeaway. But, his preseason was a blended bag, together with his moments of offensive spark being counterbalanced by turnovers and defensive lapses.
Regardless of the highs, the lows had been sufficient for the Rangers to ship Othmann again to Hartford to start the season. There isn’t a denying that an NHL-caliber participant exists inside him, however his inconsistency stays a barrier to locking down a everlasting roster spot. Three years after being chosen within the first spherical, Othmann has solely performed three video games within the NHL, and his standing throughout the group is now unsure. The timing of his demotion additionally raises the query of whether or not the Rangers see extra reliability in Berard, who they retained longer in camp.
Because the season unfolds, the Rangers might want to consider Othmann’s position of their future plans. Will he grow to be the top-six ahead they envisioned after they drafted him, or may he grow to be a useful commerce asset by the 2025 Commerce Deadline? Both method, this season could also be pivotal in figuring out whether or not Othmann lastly earns a sustained alternative to crack the NHL roster.
Remaining Takeaways: Rising Shares and Unsure Futures for Rangers’ Younger Prospects
Because the Rangers head into the common season, the preseason has offered useful perception into the event of their prime prospects. Mancini and Edstrom have seen their inventory rise, with Mancini on the verge of his NHL debut and Edstrom making a powerful case for a fourth-line position. In the meantime, Berard and Othmann stay promising however inconsistent, with Berard more likely to be the primary damage substitute and Othmann despatched right down to Hartford to additional refine his recreation. The way forward for these younger gamers stays vibrant, however for now, solely time will inform how they are going to issue into the Rangers’ long-term plans.
