The 2025–26 season was expected to be a breakthrough campaign for Brett Berard, but instead, it turned into a frustrating year defined by missed opportunities, inconsistent usage, and an uncertain path forward with the New York Rangers.
This report card is part of a broader evaluation of the Rangers’ roster, and few cases were as disappointing as Berard’s. Entering the season, there was strong belief he would secure a full-time NHL role. His prior production 10 points in 35 NHL games during 2024–25 while playing through a torn labrum suggested he could develop into a reliable, cost-effective contributor. Advanced metrics supported that optimism, pointing to efficient scoring rates, strong individual offensive creation, and the potential to thrive in a faster, forechecking system.
However, those expectations never materialized.
Berard failed to make the opening-night roster out of training camp and spent much of the year shuttling between the NHL and AHL. Across six separate call-ups, he appeared in just 13 NHL games and did not record a single point. With only 10 shots on goal in those appearances, his offensive presence was minimal, especially for a player whose value was tied heavily to scoring ability.
At the AHL level with the Hartford Wolf Pack, his performance was also underwhelming. He finished with 22 points (6 goals, 16 assists) in 41 games, along with a -16 rating, reflecting inconsistency on both ends of the ice. His season began particularly rough, including a prolonged scoring drought that raised early concerns about his confidence and development.
Despite the lack of offensive production, Berard did contribute in other areas during his NHL stints. He showed effort and physicality, registering 17 hits and 9 blocked shots in limited ice time. Still, underlying possession metrics indicated he was often on the wrong side of play at even strength, with opponents controlling more shots and scoring chances when he was on the ice.
The constant movement between leagues didn’t help. His season became a cycle of recalls and reassignments, preventing him from establishing rhythm or consistency. For a young player in what was essentially a proving year, that instability only added to the challenge.
In the end, Berard received a low grade for the season, reflecting both unmet expectations and limited tangible impact. While his work ethic, speed, and competitiveness remain positives, the lack of production especially offensively raises questions about his long-term role.
As he heads into the offseason as a restricted free agent, his future with the Rangers is uncertain. The team may still extend a qualifying offer given his upside and low cost, but with roster competition increasing and his 24th birthday approaching, the window for him to establish himself at the NHL level is beginning to narrow.
What was once viewed as a likely breakout year instead became a reminder that development is rarely linear and that potential doesn’t always translate into performance right away.
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