Credit: Jessica Alcheh-USA TODAY Sports
With September approaching, the New York Rangers’ training camp is just around the corner. As the team prepares for the 2024-25 season, there will also be significant developments concerning their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack.
Entering its 28th season in the AHL, the Wolf Pack is coming off two consecutive playoff appearances in the Atlantic Division Semifinals. The team welcomes a new head coach, Grant Potulny, while former Rangers defenseman Paul Mara joins the coaching staff as an assistant.
During training camp, the Rangers will evaluate top prospects like Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard. Additionally, several other players will be on the radar of Chris Drury this Fall. Notably, Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe, and Zac Jones are recent alumni of Hartford who have successfully transitioned to the NHL with the Rangers.
Related: “Fantastic” Zac Jones to get big opportunity in Rangers training camp
3 storylines about Rangers prospects with Hartford Wolf Pack in 2024-25
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="511" src="https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Brennan-Othmann-Tip-Brennan Othmann – Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack
As training camp approaches next month, let’s examine three significant storylines concerning Rangers prospects and players from the Wolf Pack.
Will Brennan Othmann secure a spot on the Rangers roster, or will he begin the season in Hartford?
This September, Brennan Othmann will receive an extended opportunity to prove himself during training camp. If the 21-year-old forward does not make the Rangers’ opening-night lineup, it’s likely he will be called up during the season.
Selected as the first-round pick by New York in the 2021 NHL Draft, Othmann accumulated 49 points, including 21 goals and 28 assists, in 67 games with the Wolf Pack during his rookie professional season. He ranked second on the team for goals and was fourth among all AHL rookies in scoring. His impressive 10 power-play goals led the Wolf Pack and tied for the 11th highest in the AHL. Many believe Othmann is just beginning to tap into his offensive potential as a scorer.
Known as a “rink rat,” Othmann possesses a deep passion for the game. He plays with intensity and carries a chip on his shoulder, determined to silence any skeptics. Additionally, he is evolving into a leader among the prospects, a role he embraced during the development camp in July.
Most importantly, Othmann is a true team player who had a significant impact on the Wolf Pack’s performance last season. A notable moment was on February 3, when he willingly fought against Springfield while the Hartford team was down 3-0, igniting a comeback with three consecutive goals.
His time to shine is approaching. Whether right at the start of training camp or later in the season, the Rangers have a promising player in Othmann.
Othmann: I just love being at the rink, I’m a bit of a rink rat. I love being on the ice with the guys. Just being here, working on things, is a lot of fun. This group is unbelievable, I can’t ask for a better group for my first year. #NYR
— Keegan Jarvis (@TheKeeganJarvis) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheKeeganJarvis/status/1748047482360057987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank"
Which Rangers prospect will have a breakout season with the Wolf Pack?
Returning for his sophomore campaign in the organization, 19-year-old forward Adam Sykora is certainly one to keep an eye on. Although he isn’t an elite offensive talent—amassing 23 points (8 goals, 15 assists) as a rookie last season—Sykora is expected to develop into a capable scorer, particularly in the AHL.
Sykora is already a dependable defensive player, proving effective when Hartford faces aggressive opposition in their zone. His strength, intelligence, and speed enable quick transitions from defense to offense for the team. Furthermore, his discipline stands out, having been penalized only twice in 66 regular-season games, and he is a reliable penalty killer.
As Sykora continues to mature, he presents an intriguing option for the Rangers, likely to be considered as a bottom-six forward if they require assistance in that position later in the season.
Other prospects to monitor for a potential breakout season with Hartford include defenseman Victor Mancini, goalie Dylan Garand, and center Bryce McConnell-Barker.
Can Matthew Robertson rebound?
Matthew Robertson — Photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack
Entering his fourth season in the AHL, 23-year-old defenseman Matthew Robertson is aiming to re-establish himself as a key prospect for the Rangers. Drafted in the second round in 2019, he has yet to see NHL action and was overlooked for a call-up last season in favor of Connor Mackey and Brandon Scanlin.
A shoulder injury during the 2022-23 season hindered his development and may have contributed to an early exit from training camp last September. In the previous season, Robertson managed to record 21 points (four goals, 17 assists) in 68 AHL contests but finished with a minus-11 rating. Despite these setbacks, the Rangers chose to re-sign him, making this season pivotal for his future with the team.
His primary focus must be on improving puck management, as he experienced multiple turnovers during the 2023-24 season, coupled with inconsistency in his defensive play. Regaining his scoring prowess—having netted 13 goals in the WHL during the 2019-20 season—would undoubtedly enhance his standing within the organization. Although still young, this season is crucial for Robertson’s career trajectory.
More About: New York Rangers Analysis
