After a brief stint in the top six over the weekend, rookie Brennan Othmann is poised for an expanded role as the New York Rangers prepare to kick off their three-game California road trip against the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.
Othmann skated alongside Vincent Trocheck and Artemi Panarin during Monday’s practice in L.A., marking a significant promotion from his usual fourth-line duties. Since being called up from AHL Hartford on Feb. 25, the 22-year-old has mostly played in the bottom six, but his impactful play in Saturday’s 5-3 win over Vancouver—including his first NHL point and five hits—earned him a shot at more ice time.
Meanwhile, veteran forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel, a 2022 Stanley Cup champion, has joined the Rangers after being recalled from Hartford. The 28-year-old was acquired from Buffalo at the trade deadline and could provide additional depth as New York fights for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
With Othmann’s offensive instincts and the Rangers’ postseason hopes still uncertain, his promotion could be a game-changer in the final stretch of the season.
