Othmann needs more of 200-foot game; Jones could fill opening at defenseman on third pair
By Dan Rosen
@drosennhl NHL.com Senior Writer
NHL.com is providing in-depth roster, prospect and fantasy analysis for each of its 32 teams from Aug. 1-Sept. 1. Today, the top five prospects for the New York Rangers, according to NHL.com.
1. Brennan Othmann, F
How acquired: Selected with No. 16 pick in 2021 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: Flint (OHL): 16 GP, 11-13-24; Peterborough (OHL): 40 GP, 18-25-43
Othmann went back to the Ontario Hockey League last season with the intention on winning a championship. He did with 25 points (eight goals, 17 assists) in 23 playoff games that led Peterborough. The 20-year-old also won gold with Canada at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship with six points (two goals, four assists) in seven games.
The Rangers are not ruling out the possibility of Othmann (6-foot, 188 pounds) getting time in the NHL this season.
"Knowing he had to go back to junior last year, the message from the development staff is we want to see more of a 200-foot game, attention to details," Rangers director of player development Jed Ortmeyer said. "It's understanding what you're going to have to do at the pro level to stay in the lineup every night. That was the idea going back to juniors, putting himself on the biggest stages and in the pressure moments and excel. It proves he's a gamer."
Projected NHL arrival:Next season
2. Zac Jones, D
How acquired: Selected with No. 68 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2022-23 season:New York (NHL): 16 GP, 1-1-2; Hartford (AHL): 54 GP, 8-23-31
Jones signed a two-year contract June 16. The 22-year-old has played 38 NHL games the past three seasons (eight points; one goal, seven assists). He played for New York through November last season before he was assigned to Hartford so he could play more.
The Rangers have an opening for a left-shot, third-pair defenseman that Jones (5-10, 178) could fill.
"He got some experience the last couple years," Ortmeyer said. "Coming to Hartford last year he focused on his defensive play, getting a little bit stronger with his 'D' zone coverage and ending plays. He did everything we asked him to and the experience of playing a ton of minutes in all situations, I think that will help him and give him a lot of momentum going into training camp this year."
Projected NHL arrival:This season
NYR@DAL: Jones gives Rangers lead with first NHL goal
3. Will Cuylle, F
How acquired:Selected with No. 60 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2022-23 season:New York (NHL): 4 GP, 0-0-0; Hartford (AHL): 69 GP, 25-20-45
The 21-year-old led Hartford in goals last season and got a taste of the NHL, playing four games in a fourth-line role from Jan. 25-Feb. 8. There could be an opportunity for Cuylle (6-3, 211) to earn a bottom-six role with the Rangers this season.
"He has taken each step and then comes in last year ready for camp and solidified a role with Hartford on the penalty kill, some power play and led them in goals in his first-year pro [season]," Ortmeyer said. "Getting better one step at a time."
Projected NHL arrival:This season
4. Adam Sykora, F
How acquired: Selected with No. 63 pick in 2022 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: Hartford (AHL): 2 GP, 0-0-0; HK Nitra (Slovakia): 38 GP, 8-13-21
Sykora (5-10, 179) turns 19 on Sept. 7. He played four postseason games for Hartford last season.
Medicine Hat of the Western Hockey League owns Sykora's rights. He could play there, Hartford or in Slovakia this season.
"Camp will dictate where we are and where his development is," Ortmeyer said. "He's still so young and he's been playing in pro hockey in Europe against men for the last three years. He might have gotten a few more games with Hartford but he had to go home and graduate high school, which shows you how young he is."
Projected NHL arrival:2025-26 season\
5. Gabe Perrault, F
How acquired:Selected with No. 23 pick in 2023 NHL Draft
2022-23 season: USNDTP: 63 GP, 53-79-132
Perreault (5-11, 165) set the USA Hockey National Team Development Program U-18 team record for most points in a single season with 132. He won gold with the United States at the IIHF U-18 World Championship.
The 18-year-old will play at Boston College this season.
"His hockey IQ jumps off the charts," Ortmeyer said.
Projected NHL arrival:2025-26 season
