The New York Rangers announced this evening that forward Brennan Othmann has been recalled from AHL Hartford. With Adam Fox landing on long term injured reserve yesterday, the club had an open spot, and no corresponding move was needed. However, Adam Edstrom left practice today and is thought to be day-to-day with a lower body injury, per Colin Stephenson of Newsday Sports, so Othmann offers insurance if Edstrom cannot go tomorrow versus Dallas.
Othmann, drafted 16th overall in 2021 by New York, has been in Hartford since a one game stint with the big club in late October. Having been unable to reach expectations thus far, his name has floated around in rumors already this season. Although the Ontario native will turn just 23 in January, his AHL performance has not inspired much confidence of late. Othmann put up an impressive 49 points in 67 games in his first professional season, but after being hampered by injury in 2024-25, he has just one goal, seven points in 15 AHL games, a step below expectations at this point. At the NHL level, Othmann has not scored in 26 games to-date, posting two assists.
As they needed a forward, Othmann was an easy choice for GM Chris Drury, as he remains waiver exempt. However, a restricted free agent at season’s end, the former first-round top prospect will need to show something to warrant a future in New York, either in a small sample size as a bottom-sixer in the NHL, or putting it all together in the AHL and returning to a high scoring pace.
With the Rangers depleted from injuries, and likely in need of a shake up regardless, Othmann’s name is one to watch as trade season heats up. In the meantime, the winger will look to prove his organization right for their patience with his development so far, and step up in a time when the team is in need of a spark, if called upon tomorrow night.