"There are no if's, and's, or but's about it, Laba has earned the right to make the team out of camp. He has been noticeable in all of his preseason games he has played in. Laba has been the best rising prospect in the system for a reason. If the Rangers are serious about rewarding good play and effort, then Laba is at the top of the list to be rewarded. If he were to make the final roster, it would certainly offer a better upside than Juuso Parssinen as the 3C."
"With very little NHL talent on the Rangers side, Brennan Othmann was given a lot of ice time as he tried to right his ship after a disappointing first half of the preseason. Unfortunately last night was more of the same. There was hope and optimism before the preseason started, but several prospects have now jumped ahead of Othmann on the depth chart. His need for open ice without being able to create that space is his biggest flaw right now, as he doesn't have the space nor the ability to get free to tee up his wicked shot."
"When the game is at even strength, Othmann struggles to have that elusiveness and finesse to get into open ice to receive and release pucks quickly. It's why there have been rumblings about being a powerplay merchant. It seems Othmann will not crack the roster immediately. Without significant improvement in the AHL, there's a chance he won't even wear a Rangers sweater this year."
Noah Laba scored a preseason overtime game-winner on a backhand, finishing a game where Rangers prospects battled despite being outshot 32-19. Igor Shesterkin provided strong goaltending for two periods, allowing the prospects' chances to count. Laba has been consistently noticeable and ranks as the top rising prospect in the system, making a strong case to make the team and potentially supplant Juuso Parssinen as a more promising 3C option. Brennan Othmann received heavy ice time but continued to struggle with creating open ice at even strength, limiting his immediate roster prospects and increasing the likelihood of AHL seasoning or other outcomes.
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