Forwards Gabe Perreault and Brennan Othmann, and defenseman Scott Morrow, highlight a group of 22 players who will take part in New York Rangers rookie camp, beginning Wednesday.
Each of those players will get the opportunity to show right away that they’re ready to take the next big step in their development. Rookie camp lasts a week and includes a pair of games against Philadelphia Flyers rookies on Friday (7 p.m. ET) and Saturday (5 p.m. ET) at PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Perreault (five games), Othmann (25 games), and Morrow (16 games) have some NHL experience already. That, and their obvious pedigree as top prospects, should cause separation with the other players attending rookie camp.
So, each of those players should be able to make an early positive impression on the new Rangers coaching staff, led by Mike Sullivan. Rookie camp leads right into the Rangers full training camp, which begins Wednesday, Sept. 17.
Just last season, forward Adam Edstrom dominated during rookie camp, and used it as a springboard to earn a spot on New York’s opening-night roster. Like Perreault, Othmann, and Morrow, Edstrom had some NHL games (11) under his belt and was further along in his development than others in rookie camp. Edstrom played in each of the first 51 games last season before he sustained a season-ending knee injury.
Fourteen of the 22 players attending rookie camp were drafted by the Rangers. That group is headed by first-round picks Perreault (2023) and Othmann (2021). It also includes several “veterans” of rookie camp who played with Hartford of the American Hockey League last season, like forwards Dylan Roobroeck, Adam Sykora, Bryce McConnell-Barker, and Jaroslav Chmelar.
Like Perreault, highly-regarded center Noah Laba, who turned pro last spring after finishing his collegiate career, takes part in his first rookie camp. NCAA players do not participate in rookie camp nor professional training camp, which is why top prospects E.J. Emery and Malcolm Spence are not on the rookie camp roster.
The 2025 Rangers Draft Class is represented by defensemen Artem Gonchar and Evan Passmore.
Morrow is one of several Rangers prospects attending his first rookie camp with the organization. The 22-year-old defenseman was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes this summer in the K’Andre Miller trade. Defenseman Jackson Dorrington joined the Rangers in the J.T. Miller trade with the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31; and center Carey Terrance was picked up up in the Chris Kreider trade this summer with the Anaheim Ducks.
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All eyes on 3 key prospects at Rangers rookie camp
Frank Becerra Jr. / The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORKCredit: Frank Becerra Jr. / The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK
Perreault and Othmann could be battling one another for a roster spot. Or there’s a chance each forward could make the team. There are openings on the third line, though the top six appears jammed. The four sports on the wing appear set with Artemi Panarin, Alexis Lafreniere, Mika Zibanejad, and Will Cuylle. Things could change if Cuylle is put on the third line or if Zibanejad shifts back to center.
As for Morrow, he projects to be New York’s third-pair defenseman on the right side, and possible quarterback on the second power play unit. But he must prove to the coaching staff that he’s not only adept offensively, but committed defensively, too, to earn a spot on the opening-night roster.
With no disrespect to others attending rookie camp, Perreault, Othmann, and Morrow need to separate themselves from the pack the next week with superior play. That will enhance their chances when training camp opens next week.
Jim Cerny is Executive Editor at Forever Blueshirts and Managing Editor at Sportsnaut, with more than 30 years of … More about Jim Cerny
Mentioned in this article: Brennan Othmann Gabe Perreault Scott Morrow
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