Brennan Othmann navigates Rangers roster battle as patience shapes development

Brennan Othmann is in the middle of a crowded Rangers roster battle this fall, a storyline shaped by the franchise’s long and uneven history with developing first‑round picks. Selected 16th overall in 2021, the 22‑year‑old winger has yet to establish himself as a regular NHL contributor three full seasons after his draft year. That lag has amplified the noise around his progress, particularly in a market where the organization has not historically produced a steady stream of young stars from high picks. Still, Othmann has learned to tune out the chatter and pursue a development path that suits his pace, a stance he says is reinforced by a famous example in his representation circle. The Rangers have emphasized patience with prospects before, and Othmann’s approach reflects a belief that growth is not a uniform race to the NHL.

Othmann says he has learned to ignore that noise and lean on a development path that can be slow and steady. He noted that his agent uses Brad Marchand as a reference point—an example of a star who arrived after a lengthy American League apprenticeship. "My agent has Brad Marchand as a client and he played over 100 games in the American League before he made his mark," Othmann told The Post in advance of Tuesday’s Garden preseason match against the Bruins. He added that Marchand’s eventual breakout underscores that progress can come on a different timetable for different players. Represented by Newport Sports, Othmann said the model helps him stay focused on refining his game and seizing opportunities when they arise rather than chasing a timetable imposed from outside.

The context for Othmann’s comments is larger than one preseason game. The Rangers’ history with first‑round picks has added a layer to the conversation around his development. In a franchise that has not consistently accelerated every high‑draft pick into an NHL mainstay, there is heightened attention on how a player who arrived with high expectations will handle the pace. The dynamic shapes the internal discussions about role, minutes, and progression, even as the organization remains committed to letting promising young players grow into their NHL identities at a pace that suits each individual.

Othmann’s patience is paired with a practical focus on what he can control—the daily preparation, the refinement of his skating, decision‑making under pressure, and the ability to contribute within a team system. He has spoken about how a gradual climb can yield a sustainable NHL career, a concept that resonates with the Rangers’ broader development philosophy in recent years. The preseason environment provides a live setting to test that approach, with coaches evaluating how he competes against veteran competition, how quickly he absorbs coaching, and how effectively he translates practice work into game-ready habits.

The image of Othmann in practice and camp scenes serves to illustrate the moment: a young player navigating a challenging roster landscape, absorbing guidance from staff, and trying to make the most of every opportunity in a year that could determine whether he becomes a long‑term piece of the Rangers’ core. Fans and observers will watch not just the results of the preseason games but the tangible signs of growth—improved pace, more decisive reads, and the ability to contribute in different roles as the season approaches. For Othmann, the objective remains clear: earn a regular spot by proving progress at his own pace, aided by the lessons of a path that many players traverse before reaching their NHL ceilings.