Brett Berard

March 2024 – In his first full season of AHL play, Berard has looked extremely impressive. The winger three seasons in the NCAA with Providence College, where he played against many of the best teams in college hockey. His college hockey experience equipped him well to make an immediate impact at the AHL level. However, his season has likely eclipsed even the most optimistic expectations. In 58 games played with the Hartford Wolf Pack during the 2023-2024 season, the American born winger has posted 23 goals and 17 assists, for a total of 40 points, and is tied with fellow rookie Brennan Othmann for second on the team in points. Berard plays a high-energy, agitating game, and attacks the opposing net without fear, despite his small frame. The undersized winger has positioned himself well, and has put his name into the conversation for a long look at Rangers training camp this upcoming Fall. At the very least, he has likely earned himself a call-up as an injury fill in next season. With an impressive training camp in September, perhaps he can force his way onto the NYR roster in a full-time role. Brendan Ferry

March 2023 – After a three-year career with Providence College, Berard has signed an entry level contract with the Rangers, beginning in the 2023-2024 season. This season, while at Providence, Berard posted 10 goals and 14 assists for 24 points in 36 games. After his season with the Friars wrapped up, Berard signed an ATO with the Hartford Wolf Pack, and has joined them for the remainder of the season.  The speedy winger has chosen to wear number 27 with the Pack.  Brendan Ferry

June 2022 – Berard is coming off of his Sophomore season with Providence, where he posted 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points in 36 games played, along with eight power-play goals.  He finished third in scoring in Hockey East and was named a New England Division I All-Star.  The hard-working winger has impressed while playing for both the US National Program in the World Juniors and his collegiate team, the Providence Friars.  Known as a scrappy, tough opponent who plays with some snarl, the Rhode Island native looks to build upon his recent successes going into his Junior year.  Look for Berard to play one more year at the collegiate level, at which point there is a very good possibility he will sign his ELC with New York.  He may, however, opt to stay in college for the full four years to continue his development, as he is playing under a great coach and will have the opportunity to play alongside his brother Brady beginning in 2022-2023. Brendan Ferry

January 2021 – Brett Berard was a third-line star of the gold-medal winning American squad at the 2021 WJC. Alongside John Fariancci and Bobby Brink, the Ranger’s fifth-round selection demonstrated his ability as a forechecking terror and an absolute puck hound. His offensive and defensive contributions were regular throughout the tournament and have likely earned him a returning role on the roster for next season. Brayden Olafson

December 2020 – Berard will have an opportunity to earn some mainstream recognition this January as the Ranger’s fifth round pick eyes a role on the Team USA roster for the 2021 World Junior Championship. The 18-year-old is vying for a spot on the 25-man roster that will be made official on December 13th. If successful, he’ll need to battle fiercely in order to earn attention and ice time in competition with players like Arthur Kaliyev and Trevor Zegras. Brayden Olafson

October 2020 – Brett Berard was selected by the New York Rangers in the fifth-round of the 2020 NHL draft. The shifty and elusive forward will allow the Rangers’ ample opportunity to observe his physical growth prior to making a financial commitment, while he plays a couple of years with the Providence Friars of Hockey East. Brayden Olafson

May 2020 – The undersized forward was consistently one of the most productive forwards on this year’s NTDP U18 team. He was an offensive catalyst for his line whenever he was on the ice and he understood where to put the puck in order for his teammates to take advantage of that creativity. Berard has excellent vision in the offensive zone and his agility and elusive edgework allow for him to dodge through traffic as he works his way around the offensive zone. The young American will need to work on rounding out his 200-foot game and get stronger but will have ample time to do so when he attends Providence in the NCAA in 2021-22. Berard is a bit of a project player who has upside as a top-six producer who can be a menace on the powerplay in a variety of roles. The road may be a bit longer than other prospects who will be drafted in the same range but the upside is intriguing. Tony Ferrari