Brennan Othmann is getting a fresh start.
The Rangers traded Othmann, the No. 16 overall pick in 2021, to the Flames before Friday’s 3 p.m. deadline, the team announced. In exchange, the Rangers received wing prospect Jacob Battaglia from Calgary.
Both skaters needed a change of scenery, and this deal made it possible.
“He’s a terrific kid and worked extremely hard to try and make it work here,” Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury said on a conference call with reporters Friday. “For a number of reasons, it just didn’t. To no one’s fault. I think he’d been looking for a new opportunity, and really wanted to give him that chance. Just like any other deal, not going to give him away. Think he’s a good young player and we were able to get the prospect we did with Calgary and made the deal. Certainly, no hard feelings on our end and wish him luck.”
Othmann has been on the trade block for a majority of this season. Whether he was skating on the first line or the fourth, the Ontario native never seemed to fit anywhere in the Rangers lineup.
Brennan Othmann of the New York Rangers warms up before a game against the Boston Bruins. NHLI via Getty Images
It took a noticeable toll on his confidence. Once a sharpshooter in the Ontario Hockey League, Othmann simply wasn’t able to translate his game to the NHL level with the Rangers.
Over 42 games with the Rangers across parts of three seasons, the 23-year-old was unable to establish himself at the NHL level. It took him 34 games to score his first goal, but it finally happened this season against the Flyers on Jan. 17.
He finishes his Rangers tenure with one goal and two assists while averaging 9:52 of ice time per game.
Jacob Battaglia of the Kingston Frontenacs skates against the Ottawa 67’s. Getty Images
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Battaglia was drafted 62nd overall in 2024 by the Flames, but he has yet to make his NHL debut. This season in the OHL, the 19-year-old was traded from the Kingston Frontenacs to the Flint Firebirds in early January.
In 58 OHL games this season between the Frontenacs and Firebirds, Battaglia has posted 26 goals and 17 assists.
“When we were able to land on a prospect like [Battaglia] for Othmann, we’re excited to be able to make the trade,” Drury said. “He’s had success in juniors. He’s now playing center, second-round pick. We’re excited to add him to the mix. When I called him, he’s sitting next to [Rangers 159th overall pick in 2024 Nathan] Aspinall on the bus. I think they’re already working on a little Rangers chemistry, so we’ll see.”