On Saturday night, forward Brennan Othmann will complete a pretty unique feat. When he makes his debut with the Calgary Flames against the Vancouver Canucks, he’ll be playing on back-to-back days in two separate leagues – he played for the American League’s Calgary Wranglers in Friday’s matinee loss to the Colorado Eagles.

Othmann was called up from the Wranglers on Saturday morning and he begins an audition process, suiting up on the fourth line alongside Adam Klapka and rookie Tyson Gross against the Canucks.

“It’s late in the season, but right now it’s kind, of talking to Ryan [Huska] and the staff, it’s just basically a tryout going on the next year for each game, and it’s kind of what I’m thinking of it,” said Othmann, following Saturday’s morning skate. “When you’re not solidified as an NHL player yet, every day is kind of like a tryout. so you want to perform at your best.”

A first-round pick of the New York Rangers back in 2021 – selected three spots after the Flames nabbed Matt Coronato – Othmann was acquired by the Flames on trade deadline day, with prospect Jacob Battaglia heading to the Blueshirts in the swap. Othmann found out about the trade as he was preparing for an AHL game with the Hartford Wolf Pack.

“It happened pretty late in the day just because of when the trades happen,” said Othmann. “So I didn’t get the call until around 4 o’clock. So I was in Hartford, and I was actually getting my suit on for the game because I didn’t get a call up until that point. I didn’t know and I texted one of my buddies that I was heading down to the car with getting a ride and I said, ‘Hey, I just got traded to the Flames, so I’m not going to be coming to the game tonight.'”

Othmann zipped across the continent, joining the Wranglers in time for their game the following day against the Coachella Valley Firebirds. He had five points in 10 games with the Wranglers before his call-up to the Flames. Othmann played 42 NHL games for the Rangers over the past three seasons, mostly on their fourth line, posting a goal and two assists. He expressed his excitement for a fresh start in Calgary.

“Yeah, I mean, I think with the Rangers and that organization, that staff there, I just never really got going,” said Othmann. “I just never really got an opportunity, I felt like. And, you know, they have a lot of high-end talent players on both left and right wing, so it was hard to kind of crack way into that lineup over the last few years. And I thought it was time for a change and kind of made the decision at the start of the year and the process went on, obviously, the whole season. Getting that call on the deadline day was obviously super exciting. It’s not that I didn’t want to play for the Rangers, it’s just I wanted a fresh opportunity, fresh eyes, and a fresh organization to look at me.”

A 200-foot winger that has a physical edge to his game – and isn’t afraid to fight on occasion – Othmann described his game for those unfamiliar with his style.

“Heavy, physical,” said Othmann. “I know my NHL numbers don’t jump off the page right now. Like I said, it’s just I think maybe just a lack of opportunity and a little unluckiness. but I’ve put up some good numbers in junior and in the American League levels. So physicality, a little goal-scoring touch, a little bit of an edge to my game. I like to play kind of on that fine line. I feel like there’s not many players in the league that play like that, so if I can bring that ability, bring that capability to this team going forward, then hopefully it’s a good sign. And like I said, it’s just an opportunity to build my game and get fresh eyes.”

The Flames conclude their homestand on Saturday when they host the Canucks at the Saddledome.