Which New York Rookie Will Leave the Biggest Impact Next Season?
Unsurprisingly, New York Rangers fans made it quite clear last season that several youngsters should be given the time on ice they deserve. While plenty of young players had their moments in an overall abysmal season, plenty believe the veterans were taking too much of the spotlight. Though the season was a big failure, the young players did, however, show a glimpse of what was to come from them in the future, leaving something for the fans to feel pleasant about. Young players like Will Cuylle and Adam Edström managed to leave a good impression on the crowd in MSG, and they are two key players to keep an eye on going forward. Young players aside, it’s those rookies the fans will certainly have their eyes on in what looks to be a season of retooling. Looking beyond the top six, the bottom six look to be filled with some promising rookies, a few who may just leave quite an impact throughout the season. Though each rookie looks to be as promising as the other, which one is to leave the biggest impact?
From how next season's lineup is projected to be, it would seem there is a choice of three rookies, some of whom may not yet join the roster to start the season. First, we have Brennan Othmann, who made his debut on January 3rd, 2024, against Chicago. Selected 16th overall in the first round of 2021, the 22-year-old continues his search for his first NHL goal, looking to at last find it with some more time on ice to start the season. Next, there's Brett Berard, drafted 134th overall in the fifth round of the 2020 draft. The 22-year-old was brought in on November 25th, 2024, and made the most of it, scoring six goals throughout 35 games played, which just might earn him that spot in the Fall. Lastly, we have the prospect fans are looking forward to the most, 20-year-old Gabe Perreault. Drafted 23rd overall in the first round in 2023, Perrault was brought up late last season to play five games, and still has yet to earn his first NHL point and prove he’s ready for the next step. One year of his contract may have been wasted, but he hopes to use those five games of experience to earn himself a spot, perhaps playing in Hartford to begin the season. All three are promising players that fans want to see more on the ice, but which is looking the most likely to earn a spot and make an impact?
It’s a long season, meaning all three of these rookies are most likely to have their chance in MSG at some point, but it's all about who leaves the biggest impact. To the disappointment of most fans, Perreault may be the most obvious choice to wait for a spot due to his inexperience, with only five games. Still, Perreault's time in Hartford will do nothing but bring him up to speed in the NHL, and there's no doubt he’ll prove he has what it takes to get back on the ice in MSG; these things just take time. Berard or Othmann is the question in the end, and judging by the numbers, Berard looks to be the most obvious overall. If there's anything fans know about a potential rebuild, it's the wonders it does on developing players like these three, players who are this team's future. All three of these players have plenty to offer for this Rangers team, meaning all three have the chance next season to leave their impact, an even better reason to leave next season as a retool instead of a run. As the offseason ticks away, these three youngsters train away, with the mindset that they will return to the ice to start next season, hoping to leave their impact as the future of the New York Rangers.
