CALGARY, AB — Brennan Osman Set to Make Season Debut with Rangers

It looks like Brennan Osman will make his season debut for the Rangers on Sunday night against the Flames.

This presents a significant chance for the 22-year-old winger. A few years back, he was sent to AHL Hartford after not performing well during preseason. Despite this rocky start, he has emerged as the first forward to be called up now that Matt Lempe is sidelined due to an upper-body injury.

“Honestly, it was a bit disappointing,” Osman reflected on his earlier demotion after practice at the Scotiabank Saddledome. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I’ve just accepted it and used that as motivation. I still feel positive about my game and my overall position. Of course, there’s always room for improvement.”

“Every day, I just move forward, take advice to heart, and apply that to my practice, whether it’s on or off the ice. It’s all about using that as motivation and keeping focused in daily life.”

Osman has been with the Rangers for more than four years now, and it’s still unclear if he’s the right fit for the team.

This could be a pivotal moment for him regarding his future with the club. He mentioned there have been talks within the organization about how to get him back to the NHL level efficiently.

Earlier this month, Elliott Friedman from Sportsnet noted that the No. 16 pick in the 2021 draft is generating some NHL interest.

That said, there’s a growing belief that Osman might benefit from a change in scenery. He’s played just 25 games in the last two seasons, struggling to find his footing at the NHL level.

“I can’t really dwell on that,” he said about trade rumors. “Most of that is just online chatter. I honestly don’t know what’s real or what’s not. My focus is strictly on Hartford right now, just trying to get back here. Sure, some teammates at Hartford have asked about it, but I’m just concentrating on playing hockey and taking things one day at a time. I believe I’ve handled it well, and I plan to keep pushing forward.”

Osman recalled that he was getting ready for bed when he received a call from Rangers assistant GM Ryan Martin about the call-up. The Ontario native quickly packed for a trip that took him out for a team’s charter flight.

During Saturday’s practice, Osman was positioned on the right wing of the Rangers’ third line, expected to skate with Noah Laba and Will Quill on Sunday. He also participated in the second power play unit during practice.

Though the Wolfpack started poorly this season with a 1-4 record and Osman having just one assist in four games, this call-up carries more weight than just stats. The onus is on Osman to seize this opportunity fully.

“We need players who can step in and help win games,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. “Whether that’s in terms of offense or defensive diligence. Otter and I have been discussing this before training camp about expectations and roles. He has offensive potential, but it’s also about being detail-oriented when it comes to playing off the puck, being reliable, and knowing your responsibilities.”

“Making the leap from the American League to the National League is crucial, and he will have an opportunity here to show what he can do,” Sullivan concluded.