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With the OHL season continuously delayed and then never even starting Flint Firebirds forward and 2021 NHL Draft Prospect Brennan Othmann went to Switzerland. He was loaned to EHC Olten in the Swiss League. Playing against men in the second division of the Swiss League, Othmann put up seven goals and nine assists for 16 points in 34 games. He also added a goal and an assist in four playoff games. Following the conclusion of the Swiss season, Othmann joined Team Canada for the IIHF Under-20 World Championships. In seven tournament games, he scored three goals and three assists. Othmann came home from Texas with a gold medal.
The second overall pick in the 2019 OHL Draft, Othmann had a strong rookie season for the Firebirds in 2019-20. He scored 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points in 55 games. Othmann was named to the OHL All-Rookie Team. He also played for Team Canada Black at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. Othmann scored three goals and three assists for six points in five tournament games. In 2019, he led the Don Mills Flyers to the OHL Cup with 14 points in seven games.
Brennan Othmann Scouting Report
Left Wing — shoots Left
Born January 5th, 2003 — Pickering, Ontario
Height 6’0″ — Weight 174 lbs [183 cm / 79 kg]
Skating
Othmann can use some work on this aspect of his game. He has a bit of a clunky stride which robs him of both speed and acceleration. While he is able to keep up with the play due to smart positioning and high hockey IQ, Othmann is not really a threat to blow past defenders. He also could work on his edgework and acceleration. He loses speed in his turns and needs work on his crossovers. Othmann could also stand work on his stops and his first few steps. He really needs to work with a good skating coach in the coming years. Othmann has a strong lower body though. He is very tough to knock off the puck and fights through checks. Othmann wins battles in front of the net as well as along the boards.
Offensive Game
Othmann has an outstanding arsenal of shots. It is amongst the best in this draft class. His wrist shot and snapshot are both powerful and accurate. He can also get them off very quickly with an excellent release. His quick hands help him to change angles on the release and fools goaltenders. Othmann also has an excellent slap shot and one-timer. He has a real knack for getting open without the puck, leaving himself able to take a pass and fire it on the net. He also does a good job of driving the net both with and without the net. Othmann is dangerous in tight, with his quick hands and good hand-eye coordination. He can pounce on rebounds, one-time short passes, and get deflections.
Othmann is mainly a goal scorer but has a decent playmaking game as well. He controls and protects the puck along the boards, keeping the puck in the cycle and making smart passes to teammates. He is also able to make a quick pass through a tight passing lane if he sees a teammate get open. Othmann is aggressive on the forecheck, forcing defencemen to move the puck quickly and causing turnovers.
Defensive Game
Othmann’s defensive game is good but there is still some room for improvement. He is an aggressive, physical player willing to battle in all three zones. He supports the defence down low and also provides back pressure against the rush. Othmann is smart positionally however he can sometimes have a tough time containing his man away from the puck due to his lack of explosiveness. He can be beaten if his man makes a quick move into open space. Still his instincts are good and he reads the play well. This helps him to still cut some of these plays out even with his slower feet. If he can improve his footwork, he will become an even better defensive player.
Projection and Comparison
Othmann is a smart and physical player, with a high-end work ethic. He has the type of makeup that coaches will love and will be given every opportunity to develop into a top-six forward in time. However, he needs to work on his skating if he wants to really make an impact at the NHL level. He’s a bit of a safe pick though, as Othmann will likely be able to carve out a career on the bottom lines if he doesn’t hit his ceiling. If he does, he will be an outstanding complimentary piece, doing the dirty work for his line. Othmann’s game is reminiscent of Zach Hyman, but this is a stylistic comparison only and not one based on skill and ability.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Brennan Othmann that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for our latest NHL Draft Article.
Brennan Othmann Scouting Report Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
FRISCO, TEXAS – MAY 06: Brennan Othmann #7 of Canada puts a shot on goal against Sergei Ivanov #29 of Russia in the first period during the 2021 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship Gold Medal Game at Comerica Center on May 06, 2021, in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
