"But even before we can do that, we must acknowledge the elephant in the room: Both Perreault and Othmann need top-9 minutes or these recalls serve no purpose. These are your two most skilled prospects that fill a direct need at the NHL level. The Rangers can't score goals, and both Perreault and Othmann can. They need the proper minutes for this to have an impact."
"To reiterate: Making space for Perreault and Othmann by returning both Jaroslav Chmelar and Brett Berard to the AHL had absolutely nothing to do the coaching staff and their desire to play the kids. Waivers requires a 24 hour period to clear. If the Rangers waived, say, Taylor Raddysh, he wouldn't clear/get claimed until 2pm today. That would not be enough time to get from Hartford to St. Louis in time for tonight's game. The moves had to be from players that didn't require waivers."
"Brett Berard looked great, but he had no points in 11 games and the Rangers need offense. So in theory Othmann can slide right into his spot on the third line with Will Cuylle and Noah Laba. Both Cuylle and Laba can create space for Othmann, who can hopefully find open ice with the puck and leverage his terrific shot to give that line an offensive jolt."
Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann were recalled and must receive top-9 minutes to impact the Rangers' scoring issues. Both prospects bring skill and shot that address a direct NHL need. Jaroslav Chmelar and Brett Berard were returned to the AHL because waivers require a 24-hour clearance, preventing other roster moves from arriving in time. Mike Sullivan appears willing to play the youngsters, but opportunity depends on readiness and ability to stick. Othmann could replace Berard on a line with Will Cuylle and Noah Laba to use space and his shot. Othmann must overcome hesitancy to shoot and inconsistent past call-ups to secure his spot.
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