On Friday, October 25, Hartford’s headlines focused on player movements as Matt Rempe was recalled the day before, and veteran defenseman Chad Ruhwedel was assigned from the New York Rangers to the American Hockey League (AHL) on game day. The matchup between the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Lehigh Valley Phantoms showcased the team’s promising prospects.
During the game, Bo Grouix netted the overtime winner for the Wolf Pack, assisted by Brett Berard. With Alex Belzille sidelined due to injury and Brendan Othmann out for an extended period, Grouix and Berard emerged as key offensive contributors, helping the team secure a win with four goals. Berard’s performance was particularly notable as he was pivotal in the early scoring and finished the night with two points, including his fifth goal in five games. Among the Wolf Pack’s prospects, Berard has shown the most promise at the start of the season.
Berard’s offensive prowess is not a new development; during the 2023-24 season, his first full year in the AHL, he tallied 25 goals and 23 assists. His speed and quick shot enable him to create scoring opportunities, particularly when he has room to maneuver. This season, he has elevated his game, adding versatility to his scoring methods, especially in tighter situations, an essential quality for any player aspiring to transition to the NHL. With his current trajectory, he is on pace for a standout season that could catch the attention of the Rangers.
Drafted in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Berard often plays with a chip on his shoulder, striving to exceed expectations. Despite a strong start to the season, he continues to seek improvement.
Berard’s impressive stats of five goals and three assists in five games only begin to convey his talent. His energetic playstyle, highlighted by first-year head coach Grant Potulny’s acknowledgment of his passion for the game, distinguishes him as a forward with a commitment to contributing to the offense beyond just scoring.
Although smaller in size, Berard has a notable presence near the net, capitalizing on scoring opportunities through quick, decisive moves. Many of his goals result from his willingness to navigate through traffic to find chances, even if it means facing physical play.
Additionally, Berard possesses a powerful shot, making him a potential contributor to an NHL-level offense. His ability to create open looks and capitalize on them was evident when he scored a crucial goal against the Bridgeport Islanders on October 19, securing a victory for the Wolf Pack.
However, while Berard is undoubtedly a strong scorer, his defensive game needs consistency. He is not highly utilized on the penalty kill, but improvement is expected as he continues to mature as a player. As he garners more ice time in a leading forward role this season, he is likely to enhance his overall performance.
To thrive, Berard must capitalize on opportunities and improve his hockey IQ in various situations. He is expected to guide both the offensive and special teams, address areas of improvement, particularly in power-play situations, as seen when the Wolf Pack went scoreless on three attempts in the recent game.
Berard faces challenges, notably his size at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds. While smaller players like Jack Hughes and Artemi Panarin have succeeded, Berard may struggle against larger opponents in the NHL. Additionally, the Rangers have a crowded wing position with established players like Panarin and Chris Kreider on the left and Alexis Lafreniere on the right. For Berard to carve out a spot, he will need to outperform players in similar roles.
Overall, Berard’s journey to the NHL will be challenging due to his size and the competition, yet if he continues to excel on offense while addressing all aspects of his game, he may prove to be an asset to the Rangers and their potent lineup.
