The New York Rangers have agreed to terms with their top draft pick and will sign Brennan Othmann to a three-year entry-level contract. The young forward was selected 16th overall last month and spent this year playing in Switzerland.
Othmann, 18, wasn’t in Switzerland at random. His father played more than a decade of pro hockey there and his uncle played 16 years, only retiring in 2016. The young Othmann went to ECH Olten alongside fellow top prospect and OHL forward Mason McTavish, who was actually born in Switzerland when his own father was playing there. The pair also suited up together for the U18 World Junior tournament, winning gold.
While McTavish went third overall to the Anaheim Ducks, Othmann would have to wait a few more picks before coming off the board. He eventually went to the Rangers, where he joins a deep group of forward prospects (especially wingers) that are trying to turn the New York fortunes around.
There’s little chance that he makes the NHL this season, meaning the first year of Othmann’s contract will not be burned. Instead, he’ll likely return to the OHL to play for the Flint Firebirds and continue his development as a top-line scoring threat. Othmann’s speed is his biggest weapon, something that will only serve him well at the next level.
At best he would slot into the third line, but very unlikely. Best for him to get another year under his belt.