Rangers: Brennan Othmann hasn't made the lineup, and has been assigned to Hartford
Photo credit: NY Post
The New York Rangers have made the tough decision to reassign former 1st round pick Brennan Othmann to the AHL.
He will be joining the Hartford Wolfpack after he made a good effort this preseason to make the NHL roster, but obviously, it wasn't good enough.
While this could mean positive news for Artemi Panarin's health and his eventual return to the roster, what does that mean for Othmann?
The Othmann move could mean that the Rangers are confident Artemi Panarin will play in the regular-season opener Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Othmann skated in Panarin's place on a line with Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere in a 5-2 loss to the Islanders on Friday because Panarin is dealing with a lower-body injury
Othmann was afforded a good amount of time in the lineup to see how he'd perform and arguably he did well. Posting 4 points( 1 G, 3 A) in 6 games he tied for fourth on the team in points and didn't disappoint.
While it was thought he might be a shoo-in for the bottom-six position, it seems that Peter Laviolette and the Rangers saw fit for him to play top minutes in the AHL.
Instead of playing limited minutes on the bottom six, he will continue to develop, as the Rangers lineup was set before the end of camp.
And the Rangers know that the 21-year-old forward is better-served playing top-line minutes in Hartford than he would be in a bottom-six role, or as a healthy scratch, in New York. So, if Panarin is healthy, it makes sense that Othmann heads to Hartford, where he scored 21 goals last season.
In Hartford, he scored 49 points( 21 G, 28 A) in 68 games for the Wolfpack and can continue his tear this season, while the Rangers continue to fight for a Stanley Cup.
It is most unfortunate he will not be a part of the squad that could make a Stanley Cup run, but Othmann is the Ranger's future.
Limited playing time could stunt his growth and the Rangers are managing their assets the best they can.
Then again, if this lineup doesn't finish the job, make Othmann could make the lineup as soon as next season?
Source: Forever Blueshirts
Rangers assign Brennan Othmann to AHL Hartford, place Connor Mackey on waivers
Rangers assign Brennan Othmann to AHL Hartford, place Connor Mackey on waivers
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