Brennan Othmann and Will Cuylle are considered two of the two prospects in the New York Rangers farm system.
While both prospects have been on separate teams in the OHL, the rookie minicamp has given both players a chance to get to know each other.
Of course, this isn’t the first time in the last month that they’ve shared the ice together.
Cuylle and Othmann both were participants in the 2022 World Juniors classic for team Canada. As teammates along with fellow Ranger prospect Dylan Garand, Othmann appreciated the bond thay was forged during those few weeks with his future Ranger teammates.
“It was a lot of fun for sure. I think you get to know them a little more. Get to know him and Garand a little more. Culls and I built a good friendship and a good bond. There are two great guys, and two guys I’ll be growing with for the rest of my life.” Othmann jokingly said to reporters Thursday.
“I thought it was a great experience. To win gold too is a huge honor. It’s something I’ll remember for a while.” Cuylle added.
Othmann recorded six points during World Juniors, while Garand was a perfect 6-0 as the net-minder for the gold medal winners.
Both Cuylle and Othmann were key cogs in Canada’s victory, but the two-week run also showed what each player could give to the major league club.
Brennan Othmann tallied 97 points in the OHL with the Flint Firebirds, while Will Cuylle recorded 80 points for Windsor in the same league. Both players scoring abilities are certainly a major key to their skillset.
But the Rangers are still loaded with offensive talent. Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin are now joined by Vincent Trocheck and a more experienced young core.
That doesn’t deter a player like Will Cuylle from setting lofty goals for himself during the 2022-23 season.
“I’m just going to play my game. I’m looking to make an impact…I just need to show good physicality. I think my game is being really good on the forecheck and making things happen offensively.” Cuylle said.
Still, the major league club is considered a long shot: even for top prospects like Cuylle and Othmann. That doesn’t mean the mindset has shifted at all for either player.
“My mindset is just going to be the same: Go in with confidence and have fun. Just got to carry confidence going into camp.” Othmann added.
While both players showed a level of physicality in the world juniors and early stages of rookie camp, it’s clear that both Will Cuylle and Brennan Othmann are looking for bigger and better things with the major league club.
