Rangers recall top prospect from AHL Hartford amid Chris Kreider injury concern
Amid health concerns for veteran forward Chris Kreider and a pair of ugly performances overall this past weekend, the New York Rangers recalled Brennan Othmann from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Monday.
The 22-year-old forward was New York’s first-round pick (No. 16) in the 2021 NHL Draft and is one the top two prospects in the Rangers organization, along with Boston College forward Gabe Perreault, their top pick in 2023.
Othmann’s been on a heater with Hartford after missing more than two months because of an upper-body injury. He has nine goals and 12 points since Jan. 18, a span of 15 games. Othmann scored two goals on Feb. 12 against Bridgeport and another pair two games later against Charlotte.
Despite missing so many games, Othmann is fourth on the Wolf Pack with 12 goals and is tied for the team lead with five power-play goals. The power forward has 20 points in 27 games.
Othmann practiced last week with the Rangers when they added him, Brett Berard, Jake Leschyshyn and Matthew Robertson from Hartford to fill in for players who either participated in the 4 Nations Face-Off or who were set to play in that tournament’s championship game.
Rangers coach Peter Laviolette was asked if the red-hot Othmann was in line to be recalled for a role in New York at some point down the stretch.
“I’m going to avoid that question and just stay away from it,” Laviolette said, mentioning that it wasn’t fair to the three other Hartford players who also practiced with the Rangers..
“It’s good that he’s back and that he’s healthy and that now he’s contributing and scoring goals. I think all that are good signs and good steps for him.”
Related: Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly — Zac Jones immediate impact; Nathan Sucese steps up
Brennan Othmann could get Rangers opportunity if Chris Kreider injured
Othmann’s recall from Hartford coincides with Kreider being unable to play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Penguins after the 33-year-old participated in warmups. Kreider has battled back issues all season. Jimmy Vesey slotted into Kreider’s spot, scored the tying goal in the third period and assisted on Adam Fox’s game-winner in the 5-3 victory in Pittsburgh.
So, Othmann, who finished second on Hartford with 21 goals as a rookie pro last season, could play if Kreider is sidelined or replace Arthur Kaliyev in the rotation. Despite winning Sunday, the Rangers looked dreadful this weekend, which also included a blowout 8-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
Othmann appeared in three games with the Rangers last season, from Jan. 4-8, 2024. He was scoreless with six shots on goal, averaging under 10 minutes TOI per game.
The Rangers also recalled defenseman Zac Jones from his conditioning stint in Hartford. He played two games this past weekend for the Wolf Pack and scored a goal Saturday against Providence. In 28 games with the Rangers this season, the 24-year-old has eight points (one goal, seven assists).
Rookie defenseman Matthew Robertson was re-assigned to Hartford.
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