On July 24, 2025, at the third annual Shoulder Check Showcase held at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, Connecticut, New York Rangers forward Brett Berard confirmed he played most of the 2024–25 NHL season with a torn labrum in his shoulder. He said the injury occurred on November 30, 2024, during his fourth NHL game, which was against the Montreal Canadiens.
Berard said he sat out the next three games and returned to play on December 9, 2024. He finished the season with 31 more NHL games and 14 American Hockey League (AHL) games with the Hartford Wolf Pack while wearing a shoulder brace.
“It was really kind of just a normal hit,” Berard said. “I just went in weird. I’ve never had any shoulder problems. Knock on wood, hopefully this will be the last one. But it didn’t feel great at all.”
Berard stated that he did not require surgery and has used the offseason to recover. He described the shoulder as feeling “a lot better now” and said he expects to be fully ready for training camp.
- Brett Berard played most of the 2024–25 NHL season with a torn labrum suffered on November 30, 2024, returning after missing only three games.
- He withdrew from Team USA’s 2025 IIHF World Championship roster due to the injury, but has since recovered without surgery.
- Berard is training in Stamford, Connecticut, with NHL veterans and will compete for the Rangers’ third-line left-wing spot in the 2025–26 season.
Berard Withdrew From 2025 IIHF World Championship Due to Injury
Berard had been selected to play for Team USA at the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Championship. He confirmed that he initially committed and skated once or twice with the team, but ultimately withdrew due to a shoulder injury.
“That happened [on Nov. 30] against Montreal, right when I got called up,” Berard said. “Just kind of lingered all year, wore a brace all year. It was good to kind of get that situated.”
“It stunk. I was rooting for everybody, it was awesome to see them win gold there,” Berard said. “It makes you a little bit jealous, but I know a ton of those guys, a lot of best friends with them. So it was awesome to watch them. … It was deserved. They had a great team. It was a ton of fun to watch them, but it did stink.”
Team USA went on to win the gold medal. The IIHF did not disclose the injury publicly at the time but cited “physical limitations” in May 2025 when Berard’s withdrawal was reported.
Berard Training in Connecticut With NHL Players
During the 2025 offseason, Berard has been training at Prentiss Hockey Performance in Stamford, Connecticut. He has been working out with NHL players, including Adam Fox, Matt Rempe, Jonathan Quick, Chris Kreider, and Trevor Zegras.
Berard said he has gained weight since the end of last season. He was listed at 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds during the 2024–25 season.
“I’ve put on some weight so far, so that’s been good,” Berard said. “But I just need to treat it like a first impression. Even though I’ve been in the organization for a few years now, it’s a new coaching staff… I want to show what I can do right from the start.”
Berard Preparing for Third-Line Role
The Rangers’ third-line left wing position is open for competition entering the 2025–26 season. Berard is one of several candidates, including Brennan Othmann, Gabe Perreault, Taylor Raddysh, and Conor Sheary. Raddysh signed a two-year contract during the offseason. Sheary joined on a professional tryout contract (PTO).
Juuso Parssinen and Jonny Brodzinski are also in contention for roster spots. Parssinen could compete for the third-line center position if Mika Zibanejad shifts to the wing.
Berard said he is preparing for all possible outcomes, including the possibility of switching to right wing. He has worked on defensive zone play and puck handling along the boards.
“I’ve worked on a lot of rims and (defensive) zone and stuff like that to get more comfortable,” Berard said. “Anything can happen. I’m preparing for all outcomes.”
Rangers’ Betting Odds Reflect Middle-Tier Expectations
As of late July 2025, online sportsbooks have published updated odds for the New York Rangers. BetMGM lists the Rangers at +2800 to win the Stanley Cup, +1300 to win the Eastern Conference, and +550 to win the Metropolitan Division. These odds indicate moderate expectations and reflect changes from earlier in the 2024–25 season, when the Rangers were listed around +225 for the Stanley Cup, according to SportsOddsHistory.
Brett Berard does not currently have individual player props listed on major sports betting sites. However, a player futures page for him exists on BettingPros, suggesting he could be added to prop markets closer to the start of the season. His full recovery and potential role in the Rangers’ lineup may become relevant to betting markets depending on how he performs in training camp.
Berard Finished his Rookie NHL Season
Berard played 35 NHL games during the 2024–25 season and recorded six goals and four assists. He also played 14 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack, where he led the team with 25 goals during the 2023–24 AHL season before being called up.
He scored two goals in games where the Rangers were otherwise struggling. On November 27, 2024, against the Carolina Hurricanes, Berard scored his first NHL goal on a short-side shot during a 2-on-1 rush with Mika Zibanejad. On December 15, 2024, against the St. Louis Blues, he scored another short-side goal while off balance and surrounded by defenders.
According to Evolving Hockey, Berard’s expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) was 3.19, the highest among Rangers players who played at least 20 games during the season.
Berard Aligns With Coach Sullivan’s System
Mike Sullivan was named the Rangers’ head coach ahead of the 2025–26 season. Sullivan is known for using an up-tempo playing style and a layered 1-2-2 forecheck system.
Berard said he has already had some communication with Sullivan.
“Everything I’ve heard about him is awesome, so I’m super excited to get started,” Berard said. “I think I do things that he likes from his players. But for me, it’s just continue to play my game with confidence.”
“I’m really looking forward to the start of the year,” he added. “Getting a taste of it last year, I know it’s cliché, but I’m just hungry for more. The opportunity comes in September.”
