Rangers trading Brennan Othmann before deadline would be the wrong move

The New York Rangers are facing critical decisions as the NHL trade deadline approaches, with many speculating about potential moves that could impact the team’s roster. One of the players that has been a subject of trade rumors is Brennan Othmann, a highly regarded prospect within the Rangers’ system. Othmann, a forward known for his dynamic scoring ability and competitive nature, has generated a significant amount of attention due to his promising potential.

While it’s not uncommon for teams to make trades involving prospects, especially when they are in win-now mode, trading Brennan Othmann at this juncture would be a mistake. The Rangers should not entertain the idea of moving Othmann before the deadline. Here’s why holding onto him—rather than trading him for short-term gain—would be the right move for the future of the franchise.

The Value of Brennan Othmann’s Potential

At just 21 years old, Brennan Othmann is considered one of the Rangers’ top prospects, and for good reason. After being selected by the Rangers in the first round (16th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Othmann has shown the kind of offensive upside that excites the Rangers’ faithful. He possesses exceptional skating ability, a hard shot, and a natural goal-scoring instinct. Othmann has consistently been a standout player at every level of competition he’s played in, whether it’s with the Flint Firebirds in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) or during his international play with Team Canada.

One of Othmann’s most notable traits is his work ethic. His competitive drive and determination on the ice make him a perfect fit for the Rangers’ system. He is not just a player who waits for the game to come to him—he is someone who actively creates scoring chances, battles for pucks in the dirty areas, and has a tenacious edge to his game. These attributes make him an intriguing player to develop and integrate into the Rangers’ long-term plans.

The Rangers have a history of developing talented prospects, and Othmann’s skillset could make him an important part of the team’s future, especially as the team looks to build around core players like Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox. By developing Othmann, the Rangers could have an impactful player who can contribute both offensively and defensively, filling a crucial role for years to come.

It’s easy to forget that the Rangers have not been a team fully stocked with high-end talent for a long time. The franchise has built its success over the past few years through a combination of skilled veterans and strong prospects that have risen through the system. Othmann represents that future wave of talent that could keep the Rangers competitive for years. Trading him away now would deprive the team of an important piece for long-term sustainability.

Immediate Gratification vs. Long-Term Vision

The Rangers are a team in a unique position. They are competitive and have made significant strides in the past few seasons, but their ultimate goal remains winning the Stanley Cup. With that goal in mind, it is understandable that management might consider a trade to address immediate needs, especially when the team is a contender. However, it’s crucial to balance the desire for immediate gratification with a strong long-term vision.

While there’s no doubt that the Rangers could acquire a significant asset for Brennan Othmann in a trade—whether it’s a top-six forward, an experienced defenseman, or another immediate contributor—the team must keep in mind that the future of the franchise could be significantly impacted by moving one of its top prospects. The temptation to trade a player like Othmann for an immediate contributor may be strong, especially with the Rangers’ short-term ambitions, but that move could have lasting consequences for the team’s success in the years to come.

The Rangers’ window to contend for a Cup is still wide open, but it will not remain open forever. The current core, which includes players like Panarin, Zibanejad, and Fox, is aging, and the team will need new talent to step in to keep the franchise competitive. Othmann represents that potential talent, and trading him would rob the Rangers of an important building block for the future. In today’s NHL, having an influx of young talent is crucial to sustaining a competitive edge, and Othmann could be a player who provides that in the years to come.

As the Rangers’ current roster begins to see changes with aging players and potential contract decisions, the team will need younger talent to step in seamlessly. Othmann, with his skillset and competitive nature, could be the ideal player to bridge the gap. Moving him now for a short-term fix could compromise that balance and leave the team vulnerable once their veteran stars start to decline.

Othmann’s Development and NHL Readiness

Another important factor in keeping Brennan Othmann is his ongoing development. The Rangers have been very cautious about rushing their prospects into the NHL, and this careful approach has paid off with players like K’Andre Miller, Filip Chytil, and Alexis Lafrenière continuing to improve and contribute. Othmann is no different. While he may not be ready to step into a top-six role in the NHL immediately, his development is progressing, and his potential as a two-way forward is something the Rangers will want to nurture.

At the time of writing, Othmann is playing for the Flint Firebirds in the OHL, where he continues to showcase his offensive prowess. In his time with the Firebirds, Othmann has been a consistent force on the ice, regularly putting up strong offensive numbers and showing improvement in his overall game. His continued development in junior hockey is an important step for Othmann, as he gains more experience, becomes stronger, and hones his skills before making the jump to the NHL.

The Rangers have done well in giving their young players time to develop, and Othmann is no exception. He still has areas of his game to refine, particularly when it comes to his defensive play and overall consistency. But with the right mentorship and development in the AHL or with the Rangers in the future, Othmann has the potential to make an immediate impact at the NHL level.

Furthermore, keeping Othmann allows the Rangers to develop a strong pipeline of young talent that can step into important roles down the road. Developing players internally has been a key part of the Rangers’ success, and Othmann could be the next homegrown star for the team. His future potential as a top-six winger or even a top-line contributor cannot be ignored.

The Trade Market Is Volatile

The NHL trade market is unpredictable, and making trades based on short-term needs can often lead to regret. There’s no guarantee that any player acquired through a trade will deliver the expected value. Players often don’t live up to expectations, and sometimes teams end up giving up valuable assets only for the acquisition to not perform as hoped. The same can be said for the Rangers—moving Brennan Othmann now may not guarantee the desired return, and if that player doesn’t pan out, the Rangers may look back and wish they had kept their talented young prospect.

Moreover, teams have a tendency to overpay for players at the trade deadline. As teams gear up for playoff pushes, there is a sense of urgency that can lead to inflated trade offers. The Rangers should be cautious about giving up Othmann, even if a team offers an attractive deal. If the Rangers wait, they could see an even more favorable return for him in the future, once his development matures and his value continues to rise. At this point, Othmann’s value is tied to his potential, which could become even greater as he continues to develop into a mature, NHL-ready player.