Gabe Perreault is the Rangers’ top prospect. Bruce Bennett / Getty Images
NEW YORK — In search of a spark after two consecutive losses, the New York Rangers called up top prospect Gabe Perreault and fellow prospect Brennan Othmann on Wednesday and sent Brett Berard and Jaroslav Chmelař to AHL Hartford. The moves come on the heels of New York’s 3-0 loss to Vancouver. The Rangers play the Blues on Thursday in St. Louis.
The 20-year-old Perreault made his NHL debut at the end of last season, and he’s been up with the Rangers for three games this year. Known for his vision and playmaking, he could be an option to slot into New York’s top six. He has 10 goals and 17 points in 20 games for Hartford. Rangers coach Mike Sullivan played him in the top six in his call-up earlier this year but moved him down the lineup as games went on, seemingly looking to instead use a more trusted defensive player while protecting leads. Perreault played under 13 minutes in the final two games of his most recent call-up.
Othmann ranked No. 4 in The Athletic’s Rangers prospect rankings this fall, but he’s had a difficult start to his season. The 22-year-old didn’t make the NHL club out of camp — he wasn’t in the final round of cuts — and made defensive miscues in his lone NHL game this year, leading to Sullivan making him a healthy scratch and the team ultimately sending him back to Hartford. His scoring rate is down in the AHL: He has four goals and 10 points in 19 games. He’s scored in three of his last four games, though.
Othmann, a 2021 first-round pick, has also found his name in trade rumors this season. He was No. 31 on Chris Johnston’s trade board Wednesday. A change of scenery could benefit him at some point — especially if this call-up doesn’t go well — but he probably doesn’t have much trade value at this point. That could make the Rangers hesitant to move him.
Berard had an encouraging rookie year in 2024-25 with 10 points in 35 games. He was not able to find much of an offensive groove at the NHL level this year. Playing mostly on a line with Will Cuylle and Noah Laba, he has only 10 shots in 11 games and has yet to log a point. Last year, he averaged closer to two shots a game (59 in 35). The 6-foot-4 Chmelař made his NHL debut this year and could develop into a bottom-six player. But with Matt Rempe back from a broken thumb, fourth-line spots are limited. Chmelař has had a promising year in Hartford with 11 points in 19 games.