I think your points are fair with regards to his play this year. In fact, when Othamnn got off to the hot start I was trying to tell people in this thread to tap the brakes for many of the reason that you outline. But it's only his first pro year. And he does have an NHL quality shot. I think he's been adversely affected in Hartford by the lack of center play that can get him pucks in spots where he can use his shooting talent. I see a guy who right now looks to me like a Frank Vatrano. With a creative center he could be a good goal scorer. Not a first line player but someone who could have a good career. I also wonder in reading all of his quotes that he knows the things he needs to work on and he is thinking too much rather than just playing. From all of the reports around the trade deadline it appears he was not made available by the Rangers.
And while it's always nice to have more draft picks, this team is built to compete now and I think its unlikely that the team trades a guy who they think might be able to play in the NHL in the next year or two for a player that could be 2-4 years away from playing.
Agree Ric….
His not far off from helping. And skating is an issue that can be corrected with hard work and dedication.
The 2 best things about Othmann currently are his shot and his style of play.. the kid can really rip the puck.
He just got a taste of what big boy hockey is going to be like from here on out this season…
It comes down to the player really… does he have what it takes to work hard in the offseason in the gym and on the ice?? If yes, he might surprise some people come training camp next season.
Honestly, another 1/2 year or full year with the pack is only going to help him. He’ll probably never be a driver of play on a line like you said, but a very good complimentary guy who plays with edge and can put the puck in the net…
I think vatrano but more sandpaper is a solid comp currently tbh.
Id rather not trade a guy like that, whose maybe a year away from helping the team for a draft pick whose going to likely take longer.
Berard is a beauty… he’s got a non-stop motor and always winds up in the right part of the ice.. if he doesn’t start on the big club next season, I’d be pretty surprised….
I have high hopes for chmelar/edstrom as well that they will become solid nhl players. Edstrom has already demonstrated he belongs and should be NYR 4C at the start of the year.
I think chmelar has a really good year with the pack next season if he’s fully healthy.
The size/skating/hands/head are all there, he’s just needs minutes/games in the AHL to refine himself.
I also am a big fan of Vaisanen, but he’s got more physical/mental maturing to do imo.
