Prospect Spotlight: Brennan Othmann
Prospect Spotlight is a feature highlighting NHL Draft eligibles and giving a peek into what makes them an intriguing prospect ahead of the 2021 NHL Draft. This edition features EHC Olten and Flint Firebird’s forward, Brennan Othmann.
- Date of Birth: January 5, 2003
- Position: LW
- Team: EHC Olten (SL) & Flint Firebirds (OHL)
- Height: Five-foot–11
- Weight: 165 pounds
- Shoots: Left
Had a solid OHL rookie season with Flint
Othmann went second overall in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection to the Flint Firebirds. Though he flew under the radar compared to his fellow OHL rookies, Othmann still produced consistently and finished a shortened season with a respectable 17 goals and 33 points in 55 games – both of which were rookie franchise records.
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Playing in Switzerland until the OHL starts up again
With the OHL still not set on a start date for the 2021 season, Othmann decided to play his draft season in Switzerland and is currently on a loan with EHC Olten. Othmann has dual citizenship between Canada and Switzerland, which made the transfer feasible, and both his father and uncle played in the Swiss league as well. Othmann made his Swiss league debut at the end of November and needed some time to adjust. His production has been sporadic this season, and the natural goal scorer has only found the back of the net seven times through 32 games so far.
Expected to go mid-late first round
With the uncertainty of the 2021 draft landscape, Othmann could theoretically go anywhere from mid-to-late first round. He has had the benefit of having played in games this season, which is not what many of his fellow OHLers have been able to do (though we’ve also seen a few top OHL draft-eligible players head overseas). Othmann’s offensive skill is undeniable, but his consistency has proven to be an issue so far in Switzerland. Despite NHL Central Scouting only giving Othmann a B rating in their January rankings, there’s still a lot to like about Othmann’s overall game and he should be a first-round pick this year.
What the experts say
“Othmann was outshone in his rookie OHL season by minor midget teammates Shane Wright and Brandt Clarke, but adjusted quickly and became a consistent contributor in his own right. He is an above-average skater who shows good agility and the ability to stop and change directions on a dime but doesn’t get great extension on his stride and it limits his acceleration despite solid foot speed and great conditioning… A speedy winger with a full toolbox of offensive skill and burgeoning abilities to make creative and shifty plays in transition, Othmann could be a top-tier draft prospect this season if he continues to work on his stride and consistency away from the puck.” – FCHockey OHL scout Joseph Aleong
“One of a handful of CHL players headed overseas on loan to start 2020-21, Othmann has slid into the men’s league very well. While he’s not seeing a whole lot of ice time at this point, he’s using his time well… He fired shots off both legs in this one, a very transferrable trait with the ability to get shots off from anywhere on the ice quickly. I’d like to see Othmann get more ice time, to get a large sample size of his game, but he’s proving why he’s a top prospect early on.” – FCHockey crossover scout Josh Bell
“Othmann is a smooth skater and possesses a quick acceleration. Was able to take off in a hurry and hit great top speed very quickly. Although he is not the tallest player, he did not shy away from physical plays… Defensively, he blocked shooting lanes well and had a few nice blocks, which indicated his willingness to contribute in all three zones. Played a gritty type of game and competed very hard. Was not an easy player to play against.” – FCHockey European scout Dennis Schellenberg