Rangers Recall Brennan Othmann After Rempe’s Injury in Fight

The New York Rangers have announced the recall of forward Brennan Othmann from their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. This decision follows an upper-body injury sustained by Matt Rempe during a fight with veteran forward Ryan Reaves of the San Jose Sharks in the team’s recent 6-5 overtime loss at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2023. The Rangers are set to embark on a four-game road trip through Western Canada and into Seattle, making the addition of an extra forward a strategic move for injury protection.

Othmann’s recall is somewhat unexpected. The 22-year-old was previously among three notable winger prospects cut during training camp last month, indicating he had fallen behind teammates Brett Berard and Gabe Perreault in the Rangers’ depth chart. Following his camp dismissal, the Rangers reportedly began considering trade offers for Othmann, the 2021 first-round pick. While no formal request for a trade was made, there was a mutual understanding that a fresh start could benefit both parties.

Othmann’s Performance and Future Prospects

The Rangers’ choice to promote Othmann over Berard, who was the last player cut from camp, and Perreault, regarded as the organization’s top prospect, raises questions about the team’s strategy. Othmann stands at 6 feet and weighs 192 pounds, and he has recorded one assist with seven shots on goal in four games with Hartford, maintaining an even plus-minus rating. In contrast, Berard has yet to score and has a team-worst minus-five rating, while Perreault is tied for the Wolf Pack lead with two points and a plus-one rating.

Despite his struggles in the NHL, where Othmann has played 25 games and amassed only two assists without scoring a goal, he could be poised for an opportunity to showcase his talents. The Rangers are currently navigating a challenging stretch, having lost five of their last six games, and they are facing a significant gap in their top six forwards due to the absence of Vincent Trocheck. Trocheck is on long-term injured reserve following an upper-body injury and is not expected to return until at least November 1, 2023.

As the Rangers prepare for their next game against the Calgary Flames on October 29, 2023, they will practice on Saturday, with Othmann likely in contention for a spot in the lineup. His potential inclusion could provide the youthful energy the team needs to turn their season around.