With the Calgary Flames having officially ticked off one of the final items on their off-season shopping list, it was capped off with the signing of the turnaround guy’s restricted free agent, Brennan Othmann. The 23-year-old winger inked a one-year, two-way contract carrying a cap hit of $975,000 at the NHL level. This is a good, low-risk option for general manager Craig Conroy and a clean sheet to the young forward to show he belongs in the big leagues.
Othmann, meanwhile, came to Calgary through a trade to the New York Rangers on a trade deadline. The former first-round pick in 2021 was a lot of high-calibre product, gold at the World Juniors two years in a row with Team Canada. But his first move to pro hockey got a few bumps on the Broadway side, as he was unable to get regular ice time in a heavily loaded Rangers roster.
Othmann had a small glimmer of hope at the end of the year with a fresh start in Western Canada. He scored two goals in two contests with the Flames before going to the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers. While he has only managed five points through 44 total career NHL games, his blend of snarl, shot quality, and offensive ceiling makes him an intriguing project for the Flames’ current retool.
By opting for a two-way contract structure, Calgary maintains maximum roster flexibility. Othmann will get every opportunity during training camp to steal a permanent spot in the middle six. If he thrives, Calgary gets a hungry, former top prospect for under a million dollars. If he needs a bit more seasoning down in the AHL, he can safely navigate waivers without putting a dent in the salary cap.
Ultimately, this move represents a classical “show-me” situation for both player and club. The C-Red has the potential to be a fan favourite of Othmann, if he can keep the same feisty style and touch he has offensively. The reward is on his shoulders as he enters the 2026-27 season, hoping to make a difference with his potential.
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