Cuylle, Othmann in bottom-six roles as competition nears end

The competition between Will Cuylle and Brennan Othmann (and to a lesser extent, Jonny Brodzinski), and both appear to be in the lineup tonight, per Vince Mercogliano.

Both are expected to have bottom six roles tonight, but that does appear to be in part due to Kaapo Kakko and Blake Wheeler getting looks in the top-six. Cuylle may also be getting looks with different linemates since he projects to be a third line player should he break camp with the Rangers.

It’s been a while since we’ve had a true competition for a roster spot on a contending team. Even if it’s just for the 12F spot, it’s still a competition. Many are penciling in Brodzinski to that spot, especially if it’s the 13F role, but it’s not set in stone. Tyler Pitlick could still be the 13F if (when?) Cuylle or Othmann force the Rangers to keep them.

It’s also a fun game trying to see where Lafreniere and Chytil will plug into the lineup. Perhaps we could see a Cuylle-Chytil-Laf line, or as Suit suggested, a Cuylle-Trocheck-Laf line.