Rangers Roundup: Brennan Othmann reaches OHL Finals, Alexis Lafreniere, and more

Anthony Scultore Updated: May 9, 2023

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New York Rangers top prospect Brennan Othmann is one step closer to fulfilling his championship dreams after helping the Peterborough Petes defeat the North Bay Battalion in Game 7.

Othmann scored in the second period of the Eastern Conference Final to give the Petes a 2-1 lead as they eventually won 3-2 to claim the Bobby Orr Trophy. They will face the London Knights for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

Brennan Othmann is headed to OHL Finals

The 20 year-old forward registered 29 goals and 38 assists for 67 points in 56 matches split between the Firebirds and Petes this season. In the postseason to date, he leads the Petes with 7 goals and 13 assists for 20 points in 17 matches. 

New York selected Othmann in the first-round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He’s expected to compete for a roster spot at Rangers training camp next season. If he doesn’t make the cut, he will begin his pro career with the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack.

Here’s the schedule for the OHL’s Championship round:

London Knights vs. Peterborough Petes

• Game 1 – Thu, May 11 @ London (7:00 pm)
• Game 2 – Sat, May 13 @ London, (7:00 pm)
• Game 3 – Mon, May 15 @ Peterborough, (7:00 pm)
• Game 4 – Wed, May 17 @ Peterborough (TBD)
• Game 5 – Fri, May 19 @ London (TBD)*
• Game 6 – Sun, May 21 @ Peterborough (TBD)*
• Game 7 – Mon, May 22 @ London (TBD)*

*if needed

Alexis Lafreniere trade talk?

On Monday, we posted our Trade Tiers for the Rangers roster and slotted Alexis Lafreniere in the probable category.

There’s been speculation in the past that the Rangers may trade the first overall selection in the 2020 Draft and he’s also up for a new deal this summer. If the two sides are at an impasse over this upcoming contract, I believe it’s possible he could be moved.

Elliotte Friedman noted on his latest 32 Thoughts Podcast that the Rangers would like to keep the 21 year-old around and find a coach that can unlock his full potential.

“He’s had a concerning run (since being drafted),” Friedman said. “I think a priority is to find a coach who can reach [Lafreneire]. I don’t think the Rangers want to trade this guy. You can either trade your problem or solve your problem and I always think it’s best to solve your problem.”

For his career, Lafreniere has posted just 91 points in 216 regular-season games. That’s a .42 points per game average, which is only good for 8th regarding first-round picks in his draft class (min 50 games played).

Note: Some stats from Elite Prospects

Related: Blackhawks win NHL Draft Lottery

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By Anthony Scultore

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore