The New York Rangers have signed their first-round pick from the 2021 Draft, forward Brennan Othmann, to an entry-level contract. The deal is for three years with an annual cap hit of $925 thousand. The team announced the signing Thursday morning.
Signed and sealed. 🔐
Congrats @BOthmann78 on inking your entry-level contract with #NYR! pic.twitter.com/K2wAHk570s
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 12, 2021
Rangers Sign Brennan Othmann
Othmann, like many amateurs, went overseas for the 2020-21 season. He skated for Olten in Switzerland’s SL. There he posted seven goals and 16 points in 34 games while playing in a much different environment compared to his time in the Ontario League. Othmann also appeared for Canada’s under-18 team where he collected three goals and six points in seven games. It is vital to remember that the past year was so odd for many players. We can’t draw strong conclusions from anything we saw during the pandemic.
Othmann has some strong qualities in his game, but he needs work in several areas. Last Word on Hockey’s own scouting details a player that needs some serious work on his skating ability. His current stride works against him at the moment and undercuts what is an enticing offensive player with a plethora of strong shots. The good thing is that he can take him time to improve and develop into a quality middle or top-six threat.
What To Expect
It could be at least two seasons before we think of Othmann has an option at the NHL level. He was already considered a reach at the draft considering where his game is at and the odd 2020-21 seasoned certainly couldn’t have helped. Expect some hefty seasoning in the Rangers system to improve his skating and overall physique.
The good thing is that New York has one of the strongest prospect systems in the league. Their numerous high draft selections in the past few seasons gives them ample opportunity to take things slow with their newest draftee. However, we could always see Othmann as soon as 2022-23 if some of the team’s other depth fails to produce and he improves more quickly than anticipated.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
