Following veteran forward Chris Kreider’s recent injury, the New York Rangers have signed up top prospect to strengthen their forward depth heading into Tuesday’s matchup against the New York Islanders.
Kreider, 33, was a late scratch in Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to an upper-body injury, despite taking part in pregame warmups. Head coach Peter Laviolette has listed him as day-to-day but did not disclose further details. This season, Kreider has battled multiple health issues, including back spasms and other upper-body ailments, which have limited him to 17 goals in 48 games.
The 22-year-old was selected by the Rangers in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. He has been a standout performer for the Wolf Pack, tallying 12 goals and eight assists in 27 games, including an impressive stretch of nine goals in his last 13 contests. This call-up marks his second stint with the Rangers, having made his NHL debut in January 2024, appearing in three games.
Along with Othmann’s promotion, the Rangers have made additional roster moves. Defenseman Zac Jones has returned from his conditioning stint with Hartford, while defenseman Matthew Robertson has been reassigned to the Wolf Pack.
Brennan Othmann has been on a hot streak with Hartford after returning from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for over two months. Since Jan. 18, he has recorded nine goals and 12 points in 15 games, including back-to-back two-goal performances on Feb. 12 against Bridgeport and two games later against Charlotte. Despite his extended absence, he ranks fourth on the Wolf Pack with 12 goals and shares the team lead with five power-play tallies, accumulating 20 points in 27 games.
Last week, Othmann practiced with the Rangers alongside Brett Berard, Jake Leschyshyn, and Matthew Robertson while the team dealt with absences due to the 4 Nations Face-Off. When asked about Othmann’s potential NHL call-up, head coach Peter Laviolette sidestepped the question, emphasizing that it wouldn’t be fair to single him out among the other Hartford call-ups. However, Laviolette acknowledged Othmann’s strong play, stating, “It’s good that he’s back, healthy, and contributing with goals.”
Othmann Could Get a Shot if Kreider Remains Sidelined
Othmann’s recall aligns with Kreider’s absence from Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 33-year-old winger participated in warmups but was ultimately unable to play due to lingering back issues. Jimmy Vesey took Kreider’s spot and made an impact, scoring the game-tying goal and assisting on Adam Fox’s game-winner in New York’s 5-3 victory.
If Kreider remains out, Othmann could step into the lineup or replace Arthur Kaliyev in the forward rotation. Despite Sunday’s win, the Rangers had a rough weekend, including an 8-2 blowout loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
Othmann, who finished second on Hartford with 21 goals as a rookie last season, had a brief NHL stint from Jan. 4-8, 2024, appearing in three games with the Rangers. He went scoreless with six shots on goal while averaging under 10 minutes of ice time per game.
Additionally, the Rangers recalled defenseman Zac Jones from his conditioning stint in Hartford. Jones played two games over the weekend, scoring a goal against Providence on Saturday. In 28 NHL games this season, the 24-year-old has eight points (one goal, seven assists). Meanwhile, rookie defenseman Matthew Robertson was reassigned to Hartford.