Now that the New York Rangers’ preseason has wrapped up, evaluations of the crew’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 essential audition, providing a glimpse of their potential and the place they presently stand in administration’s eyes.
Right here, we’ll take a better take 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 inside the Rangers group has develop into 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 taking part in seven video games for the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack. Coming into coaching camp, the expectation was that Mancini would doubtless spend one other 12 months honing his expertise in Hartford, whereas different gamers—comparable to Matthew Robertson, Othmann, and Berard—have been seen as the principle contenders for a roster spot. Nevertheless, Mancini’s sturdy efficiency all through the preseason has compelled Rangers administration, together with basic supervisor Chris Drury and head coach Peter Laviolette, to noticeably take into account him for a task on the principle roster.
Mancini made an announcement with two targets, showcasing his versatility by contributing on each the ability play and penalty kill. Most notably, he held his personal defensively, competing successfully towards NHL-level expertise in his personal zone. Now, with Ryan Lindgren sidelined resulting from an upper-body harm, Mancini seems poised to make his NHL debut on Wednesday, Oc.t 9 towards the Pittsburgh Penguins, a significant alternative that appeared unlikely only a few 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 a couple of key targets and positioning himself nicely heading into the offseason. With a give attention to 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 targets, 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 in entrance of opposing goaltenders. His capability 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 point out he has what it takes to stay with the crew all through the common season.
Brett Berard
At present, Berard is stepping in at observe for Mika Zibanejad, who’s sitting out for upkeep, in accordance with Vince Mercogliano. Though Berard recorded only one level—a single help—in the course of the preseason, his presence on the ice was exhausting to overlook. Certainly one of his standout moments got here throughout a breakaway try that was finally saved, however his relentless effort remained a defining facet of his sport. Berard’s continuous motor and dedication to remain concerned in each play set him aside, even when his manufacturing didn’t match his depth.
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That tenacity will be the motive Berard continues to be with the Rangers as a substitute 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 impression 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. On condition that he’s prone to be the final participant despatched all the way down to Hartford, it appears Berard is positioned as the primary call-up ought to the Rangers want an harm 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 sport, Othmann made his presence recognized with a couple of 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 formidable efficiency that included an help after a powerful forecheck and a breakaway objective following a key takeaway. But, his preseason was a combined bag, along with his moments of offensive spark being counterbalanced by turnovers and defensive lapses.
Regardless of the highs, the lows have been sufficient for the Rangers to ship Othmann again to Hartford to start the season. There isn’t any 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 inside 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 function of their future plans. Will he grow to be the top-six ahead they envisioned once they drafted him, or may he develop into a helpful commerce asset by the 2025 Commerce Deadline? Both means, this season could also be pivotal in figuring out whether or not Othmann lastly earns a sustained alternative to crack the NHL roster.
Ultimate Takeaways: Rising Shares and Unsure Futures for Rangers’ Younger Prospects
Because the Rangers head into the common season, the preseason has offered helpful perception into the event of their high 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 function. In the meantime, Berard and Othmann stay promising however inconsistent, with Berard prone to be the primary harm substitute and Othmann despatched all the way down to Hartford to additional refine his sport. The way forward for these younger gamers stays brilliant, however for now, solely time will inform how they’ll issue into the Rangers’ long-term plans.
