Sizing up competition between Rangers youngsters for likely 1 roster spot
For one preseason game, rookie Gabe Perreault played the way his fellow first-round pick, Brennan Othmann, needs to in order to make the New York Rangers roster out of training camp.
The results were much more encouraging for Perreault’s chances than Othmann’s. They also served as a reminder that only one of the 20-something wingers is likely to break camp with a chance to be in the opening-night lineup Oct. 7 at Madison Square Garden against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Perreault looked like the hungrier, more engaged player in the 5-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, scoring the game’s first goal 3:12 in and finishing plus-2. The No. 23 overall selection in the loaded 2023 NHL Draft went to the net, looked fearless in the dirty areas and opened eyes with his battle level along the boards. His pinpoint passing and elite vision were also on display, as he set up linemate Conor Sheary for a golden chance late in the first period that was turned away by Devils goaltender Jake Allen.
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Gabe Perreault opened eyes with strong preseason debut for Rangers
The Rangers have high hopes for Perreault, but at 20 years old, with only five games of NHL experience under his belt and a need to bulk up his 5-foot-11, 178-pound frame, the organization will hardly be disappointed if Perreault appears better served with some seasoning with Hartford of the American Hockey League. They also won’t be upset if Perreault forces his way onto the varsity; and his preseason debut indicated that the Quebec native is interested in doing just that.
If Perreault proves to be ready now, there’s definitely an opportunity to make the team. That chance will most likely be as part of the third line, which looks like an open competition at left wing in particular. If Othmann – like Perreault, a natural left wing – wants the spot, he must be better than he was against the Devils.
The No. 16 overall pick in the 2021 draft still maintains some pedigree within the organization as Chris Drury’s initial first-round selection as Rangers general manager. This is a pivotal training camp for the 22-year-old, however. Othmann played relatively well in a 22-game stint with the Blueshirts last season and was excellent at rookie camp and two games against Philadelphia Flyers prospects on Sept. 13 and 14.
He failed to carry that momentum over to Sunday, however. Othmann was noticeable largely for the wrong reasons, receiving a five-minor major and game misconduct for elbowing Calen Addison in the head with the Rangers up 4-1 in the third period. He was pointless and managed one shot on goal and one hit, skating on a line with Justin Dowling and Taylor Raddysh.
Though Othmann didn’t play badly and had a nice scoring chance off the rush early in the third period, Perreault was more impressive against the Devils.
But this specific roster spot isn’t just a battle between the former first-round picks. The competition for a wing spot on the third line looks encouragingly crowded, especially after Sunday. In addition to Perreault’s superior performance, Othmann might also have to beat out Sheary, who played for new coach Mike Sullivan during his two Stanley Cup-winning seasons in Pittsburgh.
The 33-year-old, in camp on a professional tryout contract, looked the part of a wily veteran trying to make a team Sunday. He scored top shelf past Nico Daws on a partial breakaway midway through the second period, the highlight of a strong preseason debut; Sheary had three shots on goal and finished plus-2.
Raddysh, who signed a two-year, $3 million free-agent deal in the offseason, is also competing to play on the third line. The 27-year-old brings size, quickness, and experience, and entered camp as the favorite to play right wing on the third line.
Don’t forget Brett Berard, who didn’t play Sunday. Berard impressed with his speed, skill, and energy during 35 games with the Rangers last season
It’s a decent bet that either Sheary or Raddysh – or possibly both – will see their name written on the lineup card Oct. 7. With Juuso Parssinen or Jonny Brodzinski expected to win the third-line center job – Brodzinski is also a candidate for one of the spots on the wing – it appears Sullivan is likely to keep only one of the two rookies, unless both Perreault and Othmann make it impossible for him to send them down.
Of course, there’s the distinct possibility that neither youngster makes the cut.
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Sullivan could move veteran Mika Zibanejad back to the middle from right wing on a line with J.T. Miller’s, which would open up another wing spot, this one in the top six. The coach, though, indicated that he likes Zibanejad with Miller after the pair had success together last season. The veterans also lobbied their new coach to remain linemates this season.
Neither Perreault nor Othmann are realistic candidates to earn a spot on the fourth line. Two-thirds of that unit are sure to be huge right wing Matt Rempe and veteran center Sam Carrick. Fellow giant Adam Edstrom probably has the inside track to rejoin his linemates from 2024-25 on the left side. If Rempe or Edstrom struggle, Sheary, Brodzinski, Berard, and Raddysh are the more likely candidates to replace them.
Also. sporadic ice time and fourth-line responsibilities are a poor fit for Perreault and Othmann. Each would benefit more from playing top-line minutes and in all game situations with Hartford.
Of course, if one of the fourth-line wings falls out of favor and loses his spot in the lineup, that could create a domino effect and open up a third-line opportunity for Othmann or Perreault.
Othmann made a better first impression than Perreault this month at rookie camp. Perreault flipped the script in the first preseason game Sunday. Each will continue to receive a long look in training camp and over the five remaining preseason contests, and each likely needs to beat out the other to start the season with the Rangers.
