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The New York Rangers chosen Brett Berard with the 134th general choose within the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, following his draft 12 months with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) when he tallied 52 factors in 54 video games.
Emerging Talent: Brett Berard’s Impressive Transition From Providence College to Wolf Pack Standout
After being drafted, Berard performed three seasons with Providence College, amassing 72 factors throughout 93 video games in his collegiate profession. In this draft-plus-four season, he has emerged as a standout for the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack, tied with Brennan Othmann because the group’s second-leading scorer. Accumulating 40 points in 58 games, his efficiency is especially notable for his even-strength scoring.
This side of his play has caught everybody’s consideration as a result of the Rangers have struggled with even-strength scoring in latest seasons, usually counting on their particular groups to safe wins. Berard’s 27 even-strength factors distinction sharply with a participant like Othmann, who has only 14 points from even-strength conditions.
Berard stands at 5-foot-9 and 163 kilos. Despite his comparatively small stature as a winger, he’s recognized for being an above-average skater with a relentless motor, demonstrating a specific expertise for profitable board battles. While his measurement would possibly elevate issues, particularly given his projection as a bottom-six or middle-six ahead, the latest success of smaller gamers within the league, corresponding to Cole Caufield and Alex DeBrincat, gives a optimistic outlook for Berard. These gamers’ achievements underscore the altering dynamics in hockey, the place ability and willpower can outweigh conventional measurement benefits.
Berard’s Energetic Style: The Key to Winning Hearts and Games within the NHL
Berard’s enjoying type positions him as a potential fan favourite within the NHL, a sentiment echoed by Scott Wheeler of The Athletic. Wheeler highlighted Berard’s distinct method to the sport: “If Berard makes it, he’s going to become a fan favorite for his fearless, determined style as a feisty competitor who attacks the net, gets up and under bigger players to win lanes and retrievals, and plays with skill and pace in attacking bursts between battles” (from “New York Rangers are No. 19 in 2024 NHL prospect pool rankings,” The Athletic, Feb. 12, 2024). This description underlines Berard’s gritty, energetic play that not solely endears him to followers but in addition signifies the invaluable position he may play on the group.
Drawing a comparability together with his teammate, Adam Sykora, Berard showcases a outstanding offensive prowess that enhances Sykora’s defensive capabilities. While Sykora may need a bonus in defensive points, Berard’s offensive edge is plain, offering the Rangers with a dynamic duo that would fortify their middle-six ahead traces for years to come.
How Berard’s Grit Translates to Penalty-Killing Excellence
Berard can be a formidable penalty-killer. Keegan Jarvis, protecting the Wolf Pack for The Calder Times, aptly described him as “a pesky player.” This attribute not solely serves him effectively at even energy but in addition makes him a precious asset on the penalty kill. Hartford employs a relentless “swarm” PK technique, pressuring the puck provider to induce errors and turnovers.
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Berard excels on this system, using his tenacious forechecking to disrupt opponents and create scoring alternatives. As Jarvis noticed, “He forechecks hard, causing opposing players to commit turnovers and give up chances. That game works for the PK, too. Berard is able to strip and clear the puck, and occasionally, he uses that speed to earn a shorthanded chance.”
Berard Annoyingly Effective on the Ice
While Berard’s measurement might draw criticism, Jarvis highlighted how he turns it into a bonus, very like Brad Marchand. “He embraces his smaller stature and uses it to his advantage… He’s not go[ing to] be bigger than you, but he’s go[ing to] annoy the hell out of you every time he’s on the ice.” Berard compensates for his lack of top with an unwavering work ethic, epitomizing a relentless motor that sees him constantly give it his all on the ice.
Berard’s Value to the Rangers
Berard is a promising prospect for the Rangers, embodying a distinctive mix of ability, willpower, and resilience. Despite his smaller stature, Berard’s dynamic enjoying type and spectacular offensive and defensive capabilities place him as a potential game-changer for the group. His skill to excel in each even-strength conditions and on the penalty kill underscores his versatility and worth on the ice.
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