NY Rangers 2023 prospect rankings: No. 7 must embrace energy role to thrive as a pro

Beginning Aug. 28, lohud.com and the USA TODAY Network will release our fifth annual ranking of the top 10 prospects in the New York Rangers' organization.

These prospect profiles, with one set to be revealed each weekday through Sept. 8, are based on conversations with over 20 sources in total. They include coaches, trainers and executives who have worked closely with these young players, pro and amateur scouts from around the world and many of the prospects themselves. Any players who are eligible for the Calder Trophy − 25 or younger and have not played more than 25 NHL games in a season, nor six or more games in any two preceding seasons − are up for consideration.

No. 7: LW Brett Berard

The time between Brett Berard’s final college game and professional debut could aptly be described as a blur.

“It was a crazy couple days,” he recalled from New York Rangers development camp in July. “We lost in the semifinals of the Hockey East (tournament) Friday against BU. It was a tough one in overtime, but Saturday morning, I got a call from my agent and (the Rangers) proposed a contract. I talked it over my family, and I thought it was the right step for me. I took a couple days, and then Monday night I was in Hartford getting ready for that weekend’s games.”

That swiftly marked the beginning of a new chapter, as Berard jumped right in by spending the final weeks of the 2022-23 season with the Blueshirts’ AHL affiliate. That gave him an important glimpse of life as a pro, but the journey begins in earnest this fall.

It may have seemed far-fetched a few short years ago, when the undersized left winger was selected in the fifth round (No. 134 overall) of the 2020 draft, but he's positioned himself as a legitimate NHL prospect.

"It’s going to take a couple years to adjust to the pro strength and size for the type of game that he plays," said one Northeast scout. "But you’d love to have a kid like Berard in your system with character and work ethic and grit and competitiveness. He’s got it all."

At 5-foot-9, 165 pounds, the questions about Berard's ability to hold up against the big boys are nothing new.

He's used to it and doesn't shy away from the reality that he needs to bulk up − "I’m just trying to get better and stronger in the gym," he said when asked about his summer plans − especially after getting a taste of the AHL last spring.

"Everyone is bigger, older, faster, stronger," he said. "Being there for the last two months this season, I took a lot in."

Berard is certain to return to Hartford this season, where a lengthy development period is expected.

The focus will be, not only adapting to the strength of his full-grown opponents, but also embracing the role that will give him the best chance of making the eventual leap to New York.

The previous three seasons at Providence College revealed a player who was often caught in between. The East Greenwich, R.I. native has been a scorer most of his life, but he's at his best when he commits to playing a pesky, forechecking, fast-paced style.

"His game is ultimately going to be an energy guy that can make a play," Providence head coach Nate Leaman said. "Hopefully when he gets to the American League, he gets kind of back in that that mindset – that mold – and I think he will. Guys get slotted. In college, these kids that have a good chance, they're always overplaying their role. I think when it gets to pro, he’ll be back in the right role."

More prospect rankings: No. 8 has reached a critical juncture

Berard excelled as a third liner at the 2021 World Juniors, where he helped Team USA capture gold by "focusing on playing with energy and hunting," according to Leaman, who was also the head coach of that team. He carried that momentum into his sophomore season at Providence, racking up 38 points (18 goals and 20 assists) in 36 games played while maintaining his annoying-to-play-against reputation.

That raised his stock within the Rangers' organization and among NHL scouts, but it may have contributed to an uneven junior season. Multiple sources believe the 20-year-old (he'll turn 21 on Sept. 9) pushed too hard for offense and got away from the elements that earned him notice the previous year. The result was a step back in production, too, as he managed only 24 points (10 goals and 14 assists) in 36 games.

"He just tried to do way too much," Leaman said. "He always wanted to be the guy and it took him away from his game."

Getting back to his game will be a priority now that his entry-level contract has been signed.

Speed is one of the tools that can help him get there, with two scouts calling him "an above-average skater" while Leaman noted "his edges are really good."

"He's never had an issue sticking his nose in there and competing," his coach added, which has made him an effective forechecker and takeaway magnet when he keeps his motor running high. And when Berard does get the puck, there's plenty of skill in the tank to make something happen with it, including a fine left-handed wrist shot.

There will be significant hurdles to clear, though. One scout brought up "durability issues" during his time at Providence, citing at least some kind of nagging injury each of his three seasons. Another questioned his defense while noting that his lack of penalty killing experience will be a knock against him in the competition for a bottom-six spot.

Berard will have to overcome those concerns by proving he can handle the wear and tear of pro hockey, all while playing the tenacious, selfless style he's displayed when he's at his best.

"The way that I play, I think that I can play up and down the lineup – first line, fourth line, it doesn't really matter to me," he said. "I’m just setting short-term goals for myself. Nothing's going to happen tomorrow. I'm just trying to take (it) week by week and see what happens."

Vincent Z. Mercogliano is the New York Rangers beat reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Read more of his work at lohud.com/sports/rangers/ and follow him on Twitter @vzmercogliano.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Brett Berard: NY Rangers prospect at No. 7 in 2023 rankings