Outside of blowing everyone away and securing a spot in the top six during training camp, is it possible the best-case scenario for the New York Rangers with Brennan Othmann is that the 21-year-old doesn’t even make the opening-night roster?

The answer to that question is yes, though does deserve an explanation.

Let’s start with this, the Rangers would be thrilled if Othmann forces their hand to keep him because he’s so good, so consistent. Especially if he finds a fit on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider.

Really, that’s the dream scenario for the Rangers. Fill that top-line void on right wing with their 2021 first-round pick who is on his entry-level contract. Then, perhaps, slide Reilly Smith to the third line and Will Cuylle to the fourth line. In that scenario, the Rangers are a deeper team, and creating more competition for Matt Rempe to beat out either Jimmy Vesey or Cuylle for playing time.

All of that is certainly a good thing.

“I’m always excited to throw on a Ranger jersey, whether it’s for practice or for games,” Othmann said at prospects development camp in July. “I want to play for the fans, I want to play for the city. It’s an amazing city to play for. I was here watching the playoffs, and it’s just an unbelievable atmosphere. Who wouldn’t want to play here, right? To make the team, that’s my goal this summer and moving forward.”

But it’s a long shot. Othmann, who scored 21 goals as a rookie pro with Hartford in the American Hockey League last season, needs to be a dominant force right from Day One of camp. Then he must continue that high level of play each day for the entirety of training camp and in each preseason game, while also helping elevate the play of Zibanejad and Kreider.

Then Peter Laviolette and the Rangers brass must make that huge decision after a three-week sample size.

It’s not impossible. But it is improbable.

So, what’s the next-best scenario for the Rangers and their key prospect?

Rangers prospect Brennan Othmann to get long look in training camp

It can be argued that the next best thing would be for Othmann to have a good camp and earn a spot on the third line. Of course, that likely means either Cuylle or Kaapo Kakko didn’t have a good camp and failed to hold onto his spot in the lineup. In this scenario, Cuylle, as stated earlier, could be a fourth-line fit. However, Kakko needs to be a top-nine forward. So, if he gets beaten out for a spot there, the Rangers would have to find a way to trade him. That’s not an easy thing to do after teams have solidified their rosters and salary cap situations to start the season.