Updates: The ups and downs of Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann’s rookie season

The first line of the New York Rangers is still missing a top-tier winger. The Blueshirts could try to find help within their own system, even though there are plenty of possibilities available through free agency or the trade market. The Rangers’ current top prospect, Brennan Othmann, made his NHL debut last year. Fans are beginning to question if he will be able to make the Blueshirts’ roster full-time this season, despite the fact that his initial stint with the team was limited. Many have wanted Othmann to play in the NHL, but his situation makes that improbable for at least the next couple of seasons.

Defensive concerns mean Brennan Othmann isn’t NHL ready just yet. Even though he’s only 21 years old, Othmann might need a little more time to establish himself as a regular with the Rangers in the NHL. With the Hartford Wolf Pack last season, he scored 49 points in 67 games, demonstrating a well-developed offensive game. Having said that, he has a lot of room to improve his defensive skills. Othmann had a -24 rating in 67 games played for Hartford last season. Even in the playoffs, he failed to improve, posting a -6 record after 10 games. Even though Othmann has been a target of defensive criticism ever since the Rangers drafted him, it would indicate that his play has not improved in recent years.

The last thing the Rangers need is for another forward who isn’t strong defensively. Top offensive players have seen their seasons cut short on multiple occasions due to poor defensive play, and adding Othmann to the mix would only make things worse. A more versatile skill set may be in his future, so Othmann may have to settle for Hartford for the time being.