Othmann Embracing the Process of Development

For Brennan Othmann, it's all about embracing the process.

During his final season of playing junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the New York Rangers' 2021 16th overall pick maintained a level-headed approach as he made the most of the circumstances. Following a mid-season trade from the Flint Firebirds - the team where Othmann had played the entirety of his junior career- to the Peterborough Petes, he embraced the challenge.

After completing a 67-point (29G, 38A) regular season, the 20-year-old left winger rose to the occasion at the most important time of year and recorded the third-most production in the league during the postseason with 25 points (8G, 17A) through 23 playoff games. Othmann and the Petes went on to rise as victors of the OHL's top prize, the J. Ross Robertson Cup, with a six-game defeat over the London Knights.

"I think getting traded in junior is a good thing," Othmann said. "You make new friends, it's an adjustment that you have to make. When you get to the next level it's the same thing, right? You go to a new team; you don't know where you're playing in the lineup - whether you're in the top six or bottom six - or if you're in or out of the lineup. I think getting traded in junior was one of the best things that happened to me. To be coached by Rob Wilson in my final year was unbelievable. He was a great coach and taught me a lot this year about off-ice and on-ice stuff. He made me a much better hockey player coming into camp this year."

The left shot capped his impressive year with a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2023 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) U20 World Juniors Championship, where he tallied six points (2G, 4A) through seven games, including two assists in a thrilling 3-2 overtime victory over Team Czechia.

"He had a great year," said Rangers Director of Player Development Jed Ortmeyer. "The adversity of changing teams and going through the process I think is going to make him a better pro going forward. He went into Peterborough, had a great run there, and then winning a championship is great. Getting to play on the biggest stage in the Memorial Cup and World Juniors - he played a lot of hockey this year. We're excited about what he was able to accomplish and are really proud of him."

Now, at the tail end of his third Development Camp with the Rangers - where Othmann joked that his dad called him a seasoned "veteran" - he has utilized that same practical approach. The Scarborough, Ontario native looked to integrate leadership at Development Camp as one of the more senior players in attendance while equally embracing yet another key opportunity to showcase his abilities in front of the Rangers' brass.

"I have a lot of fun being here - it's a great organization," Othmann said. "The development staff is great to be around, and I have good relationships with all of them. The next couple of days, the [goal] is to have fun, enjoy these few days here with these guys - you don't get to see them often - so have fun with them on and off the ice, smile and work hard."

And with September on the horizon less than two months away, Othmann is focused on continuing to stay committed to hard work and responsible habits while embracing the journey.

"I worked a lot on my 200-foot game this year back in Peterborough," Othmann said. "I think that area has grown, but in the offseason after development camp when I go back home, I think just getting bigger and stronger [is the focus]."