The unknown of a prospect is all the time thrilling for the modern-day fan. Some have the upside of turning into stars, whereas others can develop into function gamers.
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However after all, except you’re Connor McDavid or Connor Bedard – there aren’t any ensures. For the Rangers, the power within the prospect pool lies totally on the wing. Nevertheless, they’ve prospects taking part in a mixture of positions which will solely have yet another season to make an impression earlier than it’s too late with the group.
Brennan Othmann
Earlier than the preseason started, if a prospect was going to make the roster – Brennan Othmann was seemingly the favourite to take action. However after a disappointing preseason, the place he posted only one aim and an anticipated targets fee of simply 41.98 p.c, based on Pure Stat Trick, the 2021 first-round choose did not open eyes.
The preseason efficiency was a step again from his strong 2023-24 marketing campaign within the American Hockey League (AHL), the place he recorded 49 factors in 67 video games. Additionally, Othmann earned a call-up to the Rangers in the midst of the season.
Whereas it’s not time to panic simply but, there’s trigger for a bit concern. Othmann must reset within the AHL and concentrate on constructing off the positives from final season. Ideally, the group would really like him to play at a 60-point tempo or higher. He has the potential to develop into a top-six ahead. For years, the Rangers have been looking for a long-term choice who can play subsequent to Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad. Othmann’s velocity coming down the wing and his skill to beat goaltenders clear along with his shot actually give him an opportunity going ahead.
However the clock is beginning to tick for Othmann. If he takes a step again, questions will come up about his future within the Massive Apple. Proper now he’s the Rangers’ second or third-best prospect behind at the very least Gabe Perreault.
Dyland Garand
Dylan Garand may simply be the goaltender within the Rangers’ system with the upside of turning into an NHL starter, as others like Olof Lindbom and Talyn Boyko haven’t been capable of get the job performed when referred to as on by the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Garand in every of the final two playoffs with the AHL affiliate has been sensational. In 2022-23, he posted a .935 save proportion (SV%) in eight postseason video games, adopted by a .922 SV% in 9 video games a 12 months later. The 2020 fourth-round choose’s play helped lead the Wolf Pack deep into the playoffs.
Nevertheless, the identical hasn’t translated to the common season. Garand in 71 video games has given the Wolf Pack sub .900 SV% play. Whereas it’s encouraging to see him at his finest throughout an important video games, he might want to put collectively extra constant performances through the common season. The 22-year-old has proven that he’s able to it. However 2024-25 might be vital. If all goes nicely, he may very nicely be within the dialog for the Rangers backup function for 2025-26, with Jonathan Fast and Igor Shesterkin set to develop into unrestricted free brokers on the finish of the season.
Matthew Robertson
For some time, it appeared like Matthew Robertson may need an opportunity to make the Rangers 2024-25 roster, with the harm to Ryan Lindgren. Whereas the Rangers lack a left-handed defenseman within the system, that doesn’t robotically assure him a spot within the NHL. Sadly, within the two preseason video games, he generated an xGF proportion of 29.99 and wasn’t capable of make an impression like Victor Mancini.
At one level, Robertson was thought-about a first-round expertise by many pundits together with in our rankings. It felt just like the Rangers have been getting nice worth when he fell to them within the second spherical of the 2019 NHL Draft. For his 6-foot-4 body, he was thought-about a robust skater. Nevertheless, now the 23-year-old might be going into his fourth season with the Wolf Pack. It’s honest to say that this might be his final crack with the Rangers group if he fails to point out progress by the top of the season.
For these three prospects, it received’t be a simple street forward. Even by impressing within the AHL, it nonetheless received’t assure an NHL future. However robust play may increase eyebrows and even earn a mid-season call-up. Robertson and Garand might be combating for one more contract, whereas Othmann will purpose to make his case that he could be part of the answer for the Rangers within the high 9 in some unspecified time in the future. Regardless, it will likely be a vital season for all three of them.
