Bet, hold or fold: New York Rangers depth forwards

Bet, hold or fold: New York Rangers depth forwards

Following on from an examination of the New York Rangers scoring forwards, today we cast our eye on the Rangers depth pieces and ask if they should bet (core pieces for next season and beyond), hold (keep, but look to upgrade if possible), or fold (get rid!).

We will take a look at the defense, goaltending, and front office over the next few days.

Sam Carrick – Fold

Season stats: 6 goals, 14 assists, 20 points, +5, 137 hits (80 games)

Particulars: Age 32 season, $1,000,000 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2027.

The quintessential fourth line centre, Carrick has enjoyed a career best campaign for the Rangers. That said, having recently turned 33, is it all downhill from here? Carrick is on a relatively cheap deal, so you could argue he’s worth holding onto, but given he has likely peaked, it might be time to give somebody else a look at his spot in the lineup.

Arthur Kaliyev – Hold

Season stats: 3 goals, 1 assist, 4 points, +2, 7 hits (14 games)

Particulars: Age 23 season, restricted free agent

The waiver pickup from Los Angeles has a better of a shot. Does he do anything else at an NHL level, though? He’s likely worth holding based on scoring 28 points in 56 games for the Kings in 2023, but he can’t be the player to block the path of the more pedigreed Rangers youngsters.

Jonny Brodzinksi – Hold

Season stats: 12 goals, 7 assists, 19 points, +6, 27 hits (51 games)

Particulars: Age 31 season, $787,500 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2026.

The journeyman has found a home on Broadway, playing more than half of his career games in the past two seasons for New York and scoring 38 of his 55 career points. Versatile, egoless, and hardworking, Brodzinski is a leader both on and off the ice. The Rangers’ youngsters have repeatedly spoken of the guidance the former Hartford Wolfpack captain has given them.

It wouldn’t surprise this writer to see him wear an A on his sweater next season. For that reason alone, he came very close to being listed as a ‘bet’. He’s a certain ‘hold’

Brett Berard – Bet

Season stats: 6 goals, 4 assists, 10 points, -6, 53 hits (35 games)

Particulars: Age 22 season, $867,500 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2026.

Berard has, low-key, been one of the better rookies in the league, scoring at close to a goal per 60 minutes, despite only playing 10 minutes a game and seeing practically zero power play time. Undersized, but exceedingly chippy (53 hits in 35 games), Berard gives this writer some minor Theo Fleury vibes. If the former fifth rounder turns out to be half the player lil’ Theoren turned out to be, they’ll be thrilled.

Brennan Othmann – Bet

Season stats: 0 goals, 2 assists, 2 points, +7, 41 hits (22 games)

Particulars: Age 22 season, $863,333 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2026.

The first pick of the Chris Drury era, Othmann, has had his first regular run with the big club late this season. Whilst doing nothing special, he has shown flashes of skill and vision, whilst being reasonably responsible on the backcheck, a rarity for many of his more highly regarded teammates, evidenced by a +7 whilst only scoring two points.

Next season will prove pivotal for Othmann and his future with the Rangers.

Adam Edstrom – Bet

Season stats: 5 goals, 4 assists, 9 points, -5, 94 hits (51 games)

Particulars: Age 24 season, restricted free agent.

A swift skating giant with surprisingly soft hands, Edstrom is twice the player that Matt Rempe is, but with a tenth of the cult following. Despite playing fourth line minutes and playing out of position (he’s a natural centre) the Swede was just beginning to find a groove before a season ending injury. He’s certainly worth keeping on the books.

Jusso Parssinen – Hold

Season stats: 2 goals, 3 assists, 5 points, +1, 17 hits (11 games)

Particulars: Age 23 season, restricted free agent.

The final week of the season has elevated Parssinen from a definite ‘fold’ to a tepid ‘hold’. On his third team this season, it’s understandable that the Finn struggled to gain a fast foothold with New York. Parssinen has produced five points in his last three games so perhaps there is some hope of seeing the player who produced 25 points in 45 games as a rookie in Nashville.

Matt Rempe – Hold

Season stats: 3 goals, 5 assists, 8 points, +7, 115 hits

Particulars: Age 22 season, restricted free agent.

The eye test tells you that the Rangers walk a little taller with Rempe in the lineup. Whilst he is a better hockey player than his old school goon reputation suggests, he is never going to be mistaken for Bob Probert or Tie Domi, as a legitimate top nine forward/fighter.

What Rempe does, he does well: hit hard, battle in the corners, intimidate. There is a place for that, but the Rangers can’t fall into the trap of letting him stand in the way of a more talented hockey player.

In the next instalment of Bet, Hold or Fold, we’ll look at the Rangers’ blueliners.