Brett Berard’s Shoulder Injury: A Setback and Comeback

Brett Berard, the young forward for the New York Rangers, opened up about a challenging ordeal last season. He revealed that he suffered a torn labrum in his shoulder during only his fourth NHL game, which hampered his performance throughout the 2024-25 season and ultimately led to his withdrawal from the Team USA roster at the 2025 World Championship.

Injury Overview: The Incident

• Date of Injury: November 30, 2024
• Opponent: Montreal Canadiens
• Impact: Berard had just been called up to the NHL after being drafted 134th overall in 2020.

Quote from Berard:

"It was really just kind of a normal hit, I just went in weird. … It didn’t feel great at all."

Despite the seriousness of the injury, Berard managed to miss only three games before returning to the ice. He wore a brace throughout the remainder of the season, allowing him to participate in 35 games.

Recovery and Outlook

Fortunately, Berard did not require surgery and is optimistic about returning to full strength in time for the upcoming training camp. He expressed relief at finally addressing the issue:

Key Points on Recovery:

• No Surgery Needed: Berard’s condition did not necessitate surgical intervention, which is a positive sign for his recovery timeline.
• Expected Return: He aims to be 100% ready for training camp.

Berard remarked on the lingering effects of the injury during the season, stating, "It was good to kind of get that situated. It feels good, it feels strong."

Withdrawal from Team USA

In May, Berard made headlines when he had to withdraw from international competition due to "physical limitations." As he prepared for the tournament, he skated a few times but felt his shoulder was not up to par for high-level competition.

Reflecting on Team USA:

"It stunk. I was rooting for everybody… It makes you a little bit jealous, but I know a ton of those guys. So it was awesome to watch them."

Berard cheered for Team USA, who clinched their first world championship title since 1933, despite his personal disappointment.

Offseason Training Unaffected

Miraculously, the injury did not hold Berard back from maintaining his training regimen during the offseason. He remains focused and determined to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

Final Thoughts

Brett Berard’s journey exemplifies resilience in the face of adversity. With the right treatment and rest, he’s poised to return stronger than ever. As he prepares for a hopeful season, fans can expect to see the promising forward in top form, ready to contribute to the Rangers’ success.

For more insights into Brett Berard and other promising players in the NHL, check out resources from NHL.com and updates from ESPN.