The New York Rangers have Brett Berard at prospect development camp this season, and he’s arrived with a goal.
He noticed his growth as a player in the AHL and will hold onto that, as he wants to crack the NHL lineup.
«I think confidence is a big thing I try to work on,» Berard said Wednesday after the Rangers’ third day of prospect development camp. «That’s something that everybody should try to work on. Having my first full year as a pro, this is my third [player development] camp now, coming here you definitely feel more comfortable with the staff, and the players. It’s a lot of fun.»
The 2020 134th overall draft pick will look to make the opening night roster, after tallying 48 points( 25 G, 23 A) and led the Wolf Pack in scoring.
Before last season, he played three seasons in Providence College, before joining the Rangers affiliate in Hartford.
With the slew of forwards exiting the roster in Alex Wennberg, Jack Roslovic, Barclay Goodrow all leaving in free-agency, Berard has a shot to make the roster, with Sam Carrick and Reilly Smith offering some competition.
«He put in a ton of work [last] summer,» Jed Ortmeyer, the Rangers’ director of player development, said Tuesday. «He got a taste the year before, coming into Hartford and understanding what it was gonna be like. It really motivated him in the summer, and he came prepared for camp. He had a great season, and we’re looking forward to continuing to work with him and see how he can do.»
At 5’9″ 174 pounds, and a speedster he of course had to adjust for the physicality of the NHL and AHL systems.
And the adjustment to the amount of games, was something he had to account for to, as someone new to the AHL:
«It was a lot different than college, obviously,» Berard said. «We played 84, 85 games; in college, I think the most I played was 36, so that was a big change. There were some physical challenges, but I think that comes back to confidence, too. If you’re able to work through that, you set yourself up.»
No one seemed to expect Berard’s emergence in Hartford last season, putting up 20+ goals and showing his dominant style of play.
«I would say a little bit of surprise, but not really at the same time. I think I’m confident in myself as a player,» Berard said. «It’s not really a goal of mine to go in and lead the team in scoring,» Berard said. «It’s to go in and just build upon my game, and then whatever happens, happens. I was lucky enough to see the puck go in the net. Going back to confidence again, it just helps build confidence.»
Berard credits his confidence, and his humility to his current success as he is doing better than many New York Rangers 1st round picks.
For now, he will hold his confidence tight and ride it to a spot in the NHL, if not next season, the future.
«It’s honestly a dream come true,» Berard said. «For me, it’s just staying level-headed and trying to do what I do best. If [outsiders] get surprised, they get surprised.»
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