It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re almost into November, but there is still plenty of hot stove chatter. General managers are already working on making some roster moves. We may see some deals at some point, but these talks are likely still in the early stages. Some early-season struggles may prompt these general managers to take action.
One team that might be in the mood to make a deal is the New York Rangers. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a young player who could be a trade chip.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Young New York Rangers Forward Might Be Trade Bait
Rumour: Vincent C. Mercogliano of The Athletic looked at what the future may hold for young forward Brennan Othmann. The rugged 2021 first-round pick has come up in trade talks.
Analysis: Othmann has been on the fringe of being on the Rangers’ roster. However, he’s yet to earn a spot in the lineup. The 22-year-old is currently on the Blueshirts’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack.
Othmann has only played in 25 NHL games across two seasons, but he’s yet to record a goal. The Scarborough, Ontario native seems to be the odd man out when it comes to a spot on the big club.
Players like Brett Berard and Gabe Perreault seem to be destined to be future fixtures in the Rangers’ forward group. This means that Othmann could be destined for a new home. However, another move may have sealed Othmann’s fate when it comes to being a Ranger. These two skaters are likely to get a call-up before Othmann does.
Conor Sheary signed with the club after getting a professional tryout in training camp. Othmann was looking to be pencilled into a spot on the bottom-six, but Sheary’s performance in training camp got him a roster spot. The veteran is also a favourite of new head coach Mike Sullivan, and he’s played for the coach before.
What It Means
General manager Chris Drury could use Othmann as a trade chip in a quest to improve the roster. New York has struggled at Madison Square Garden, with four losses in four games. This includes only one goal scored in those games. The pressure could be on Drury to do something before the season gets away from the Rangers.
Othmann could become a trade chip in a deal that could bring some more scoring pop to the roster. However, New York has just under $850,000 in salary cap space and would need to move out some money to make a deal happen.
The Rangers do have plenty of cap space coming in the next couple of seasons, but may want to move some pieces around to make a run if they don’t fall out of contention. New York has over $3.5 million in deadline cap space at this time.
However, the Rangers do have to figure out a path forward for Othmann. Finding a place for him might be a question Drury has to address sooner rather than later.
Main photo by: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: New York Rangers Forward Could be Trade Bait appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.