Kitchener Rangers 2015-16 Season Thread

[Macker88]

Rangers Acquire Liberati from North Bay,

http://overtimesportsnation.com/rangers-acquire-liberati-from-north-bay/

 

[RangerDanger]

Don't mind today's deal. The price is the price. Can't go wrong with Butler coached D. Having 2 OA D this year can be made up for quickly next year if any of Fox, Luce or McAvoy show up. As for the goings on at the USNDTP level, a couple of interesting tweets from Mark Seidel today:

NA Central Scouting ‏@MarkSeidel 3h3 hours ago
DT: As for the U-17 NDTP Program, it won’t shock me to see Hughes, Hutsko, Tkachuk & Tortora jump out but it’s just a feeling! #Development
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NA Central Scouting ‏@MarkSeidel 3h3 hours ago
DT: I think U-18 guys Trent Frederic, JD Greenway, Griffin Luce & James Sanchez should look at OHL b/c they're being hurt for the NHL Draft!

 

[Ward Cornell]

Don't mind today's deal. The price is the price. Can't go wrong with Butler coached D. Having 2 OA D this year can be made up for quickly next year if any of Fox, Luce or McAvoy show up. As for the goings on at the USNDTP level, a couple of interesting tweets from Mark Seidel today:

NA Central Scouting ‏@MarkSeidel 3h3 hours ago
DT: As for the U-17 NDTP Program, it won’t shock me to see Hughes, Hutsko, Tkachuk & Tortora jump out but it’s just a feeling! #Development
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Reply Retweet 1
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NA Central Scouting ‏@MarkSeidel 3h3 hours ago
DT: I think U-18 guys Trent Frederic, JD Greenway, Griffin Luce & James Sanchez should look at OHL b/c they're being hurt for the NHL Draft!

Quite interesting about the reported turmoil within the USNDTP. If true, will we see an influx of talent to the OHL. Luce, Fox and Totora next year to the Rangers will be quite the haul.

 

[EvenSteven]

Don't mind today's deal. The price is the price. Can't go wrong with Butler coached D. Having 2 OA D this year can be made up for quickly next year if any of Fox, Luce or McAvoy show up.

I think we'll be fine next year whether those guys show up or not. Would we be better off? Hell yeah! But as it stands now, I can see Hora and DiPerna returning as OA's next year. Neither are NHL drafted and it's common for players drafted into the NHL in the later rounds to be returned for an OA season.

Both are very good OA possibilities for next year. Should they return, we are:

Hora / DiPerna
Blaisdell / Roberts
Hall / Allen(still our property)

That's a good starting point. If any or all of Fox, McAvoy, or Luce report, it'll only get better!

 

[Mach85]

Quite interesting about the reported turmoil within the USNDTP. If true, will we see an influx of talent to the OHL. Luce, Fox and Totora next year to the Rangers will be quite the haul.

What is the reported turmoil within the USNTDP?

Don't mind today's deal. The price is the price. Can't go wrong with Butler coached D. Having 2 OA D this year can be made up for quickly next year if any of Fox, Luce or McAvoy show up.

I think we'll be fine next year whether those guys show up or not. Would we be better off? Hell yeah! But as it stands now, I can see Hora and DiPerna returning as OA's next year. Neither are NHL drafted and it's common for players drafted into the NHL in the later rounds to be returned for an OA season.

Both are very good OA possibilities for next year. Should they return, we are:

Hora / DiPerna
Blaisdell / Roberts
Hall / Allen(still our property)

That's a good starting point. If any or all of Fox, McAvoy, or Luce report, it'll only get better!

Plus two likely import spots - we should be fine.

 

[nelli27]

RE: Erie, London, Kitchener...

Here's a stat that might interest you.

Both Erie and London rely heavily on their top line. Erie's number one trio accounts for approx. 43 per cent of their total offence, while London's top line provides approx. 41 per cent of their total offence.
(NOTE: "approximately")

And Kitchener's number one line?

Only (approx.) 26 per cent.

This stat speaks to Kitchener's depth up front as their scoring tends to be spread out. This could possibly be an advantage come playoff time if Erie and London are unable to generate enough secondary scoring.
Interesting stat though in that it's a departure from what's happening in Erie and London.

 

[Mach85]

RE: Erie, London, Kitchener...

Here's a stat that might interest you.

Both Erie and London rely heavily on their top line. Erie's number one trio accounts for approx. 43 per cent of their total offence, while London's top line provides approx. 41 per cent of their total offence.
(NOTE: "approximately")

And Kitchener's number one line?

Only (approx.) 26 per cent.

This stat speaks to Kitchener's depth up front as their scoring tends to be spread out. This could possibly be an advantage come playoff time if Erie and London are unable to generate enough secondary scoring.
Interesting stat though in that it's a departure from what's happening in Erie and London.

While I agree Kitchener has more overall depth than Erie, Dylan Strome has been playing on the 2nd line while Debrincat has been on the 1st. Given that Strome was returned to junior late, the secondary scoring numbers should rise.

 

[Ward Cornell]

What is the reported turmoil within the USNTDP?

Not sure what the turmoil is but here are the tweets from Mark Seidel from NA Central Scouting...https://twitter.com/MarkSeidel

I’m hearing that things aren’t going great at both US-NDTP U17/U18 Programs with some unhappy soldiers/families & Agents so thus…

I think U-18 guys Trent Frederic, JD Greenway, Griffin Luce & James Sanchez should look at OHL b/c they're being hurt for the NHL Draft!

As for the U-17 NDTP Program, it won’t shock me to see Hughes, Hutsko, Tkachuk & Tortora jump out but it’s just a feeling! #Development

Take it for what it's worth.....

Edited to add....U18 USNDTP player mentioned above: Trent Frederc OHL rights are owned by the IceDogs, Greenways rights own by Flint while James Sanchez's rights are owned by the Knights.
U17 USNDTP players mentioned above: Hughes rights are owned by the Sarnia, Hutsko drafted by the Petes, and Tkachuk by London, Totura's was traded to Kitchener from Barrie.
Two other players on the U17 team rights are owned by Kitchener, D-man Tyler Inamoto (who attended rookie camp) and goalie Adam Scheel

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I like the move for Liberati.

Pricey, but this is exactly the kind of move you build the cupboard up to make. Kitchener still has a lot of picks left, in the event they feel they need to make another deal.

I wouldn't be averse to seeing Blaisdell gone (I've never really understood the fascination with him, to be honest), but I really really really don't want to see Bunnaman go anywhere.

I thought Blaisdell showed glimpses of promise in his 16 year old season, but he doesn't seem to have made many improvements since then.

 

[Ward Cornell]

RE: Erie, London, Kitchener...

Here's a stat that might interest you.

Both Erie and London rely heavily on their top line. Erie's number one trio accounts for approx. 43 per cent of their total offence, while London's top line provides approx. 41 per cent of their total offence.
(NOTE: "approximately")

And Kitchener's number one line?

Only (approx.) 26 per cent.

This stat speaks to Kitchener's depth up front as their scoring tends to be spread out. This could possibly be an advantage come playoff time if Erie and London are unable to generate enough secondary scoring.
Interesting stat though in that it's a departure from what's happening in Erie and London.

Interesting and those percentages could be a product of various factors....icetime and talent being the two obvious. I know that here that
MVR tends to roll 4 lines unless special teams play becomes a factor or late game if it's close.
But so far it's nice seeing MVR have total faith in the 16 yr olds and plays them. Can't say enough good things about Elijah Roberts, I'm
sure other 2nd draft picks have been impressive but this kid is dynamic and could be the steal of the 2nd round.

 

[Mach85]

Not sure what the turmoil is but here are the tweets from Mark Seidel from NA Central Scouting...https://twitter.com/MarkSeidel




Take it for what it's worth.....

Interesting...I'll take it considering we stand to benefit greatly. Adding Luce, Tortora, and Meireles to this team next year will inject some serious fresh talent

 

[Melrose]

Looks like Opilka and Bracco are the only 2 invitees to the US tryout camp for the World Junior Tournament. MacInnis has been snubbed again.

 

[EastAveFan]

Looks like Opilka and Bracco are the only 2 invitees to the US tryout camp for the World Junior Tournament. MacInnis has been snubbed again.

I don't think the list has been released yet? I doubt USA hockey would announce the same day as Canada.
What do you mean snubbed again? He was at their summer camp.

 

[Tim Raines]

I don't think the list has been released yet? I doubt USA hockey would announce the same day as Canada.
What do you mean snubbed again? He was at their summer camp.

MacInnis got cut from their summer camp, which usually means it's a steep uphill climb to get back on the team at Christmas. The question is - has he done enough?

 

[ORYX]

Does Team USA have a Camp in December where cuts are made?

I know they typically named the team outright, but recall that perhaps last year or the even the year before they began having a small camp?

 

[rangersblues]

Does Team USA have a Camp in December where cuts are made?

I know they typically named the team outright, but recall that perhaps last year or the even the year before they began having a small camp?

I pretty sure you're correct. I remember Bracco being a late cut last year.

 

[bobber]

I pretty sure you're correct. I remember Bracco being a late cut last year.

I think I read somewhere the US will name a roster on Monday.

 

[MeafAttack]

Does Team USA have a Camp in December where cuts are made?

I know they typically named the team outright, but recall that perhaps last year or the even the year before they began having a small camp?

U.S. camp will be in Boston from 15-18 Dec with 2 exhibition games.

http://worldjuniors.usahockey.com/news_article/show/580004?referrer_id=695820

Couldn't find anything about cuts or invitees.

 

[h10*]

USA rarely takes ohl players beyond goalies as goaltending is hard to get and when you have it you take it anywhere you can get it. But clearly USA wants their guys going college not chl so they try to avoid as much chl talent as they can.
Beyond your goalie which I noticed went to the development camp, you likely won't lose both Bracco and macinnis. Maybe you do but I think it's more likely you don't lose either of them over losing both. Over the last 4 years they have taken just 11 ohl players (other than goalies).
Dvorak I would imagine would be a lock.. Upsetting if he is not. Too talented and a veteran that USA would be dumb to leave off. I think Debrincat and Tkachuck both have strong cases. My guess is they take 2 maybe 3 ohl players with Dvorak being the only guarantee

 

[Mayday3*]

USA rarely takes ohl players beyond goalies as goaltending is hard to get and when you have it you take it anywhere you can get it. But clearly USA wants their guys going college not chl so they try to avoid as much chl talent as they can.
Beyond your goalie which I noticed went to the development camp, you likely won't lose both Bracco and macinnis. Maybe you do but I think it's more likely you don't lose either of them over losing both. Over the last 4 years they have taken just 11 ohl players (other than goalies).
Dvorak I would imagine would be a lock.. Upsetting if he is not. Too talented and a veteran that USA would be dumb to leave off. I think Debrincat and Tkachuck both have strong cases. My guess is they take 2 maybe 3 ohl players with Dvorak being the only guarantee

He thinks Dvorak and Tkachuk are the only OHL locks, along with the goalies

 

[h10*]

I felt Debrincat was a long shot and to me he had a better shot than Bracco or MacInnis. But nothing official yet and I would guess 1 of those 3 I have listed probably goes.

 

[EvenSteven]

I like the move for Liberati.

Pricey, but this is exactly the kind of move you build the cupboard up to make. Kitchener still has a lot of picks left, in the event they feel they need to make another deal.

I wouldn't be averse to seeing Blaisdell gone (I've never really understood the fascination with him, to be honest), but I really really really don't want to see Bunnaman go anywhere.

I'd imagine any deal for a Konecny or Del Colle would have to include one of Meireles or Bunnaman. Reading around on a couple of the other team's boards, it's been said that you'll have to give up your 99 first rounder to get MDC. I've said it before that I'd only consider that if the guy coming back is here next year. MDC will not be so for me it's a no go. Ditto Bunnaman.

Add to that the fact that MDC and Konecny are wingers. I don't believe we need a winger. We're deep on the wing. I think if we make a deal for a rental forward it should be a center who's good on the draw. That's where our need is.

Sure we are deep down the middle as well but the weakness is taking face offs. I believe we have to address that. We've been "getting by" but Erie really exposed this weakness big time! I believe any road through to the final will likely go through Erie and if we have proven anything in the two games against them is that we can't "get by" as we sit right now as far as face offs go.

Maybe the guy we should be zeroing in on is NB's Mike Amadio. He's a good center who's well over a point a game. He's their captain and should bring the leadership that this team is missing. He'd be cheaper than Konecny as he isn't back next year (most NHL 3rd rounders won't play OA seasons). As a less heralded player, he'd likely be cheaper than MDC as well. I believe he'd better serve our needs. It's a lot easier to move one of our current centers to the wing to make room for him. Bunnaman has played games at wing in the past as has Kohn. I think Amadio would settle in nice as our second line center.

Hiebert has just done a deal for Liberati. Perhaps they have already talked about Amadio and have put negotiations on hold for the time being until the price is haggled some more. I doubt Stan would want a Blaisdell in a deal as he already has three '97 born d-men on his roster. Maybe a Connor Hall and extra picks would get the deal done.

Or maybe Stan is holding out for Bunnaman and Murray is balking on that. As I've said, I'd have a hard time including Bunnaman in a deal for someone who won't be back next year.

Extra picks would have to go to NB in Bunnaman's place.

Just thinking out loud

 

[Mach85]

I'd imagine any deal for a Konecny or Del Colle would have to include one of Meireles or Bunnaman. Reading around on a couple of the other team's boards, it's been said that you'll have to give up your 99 first rounder to get MDC. I've said it before that I'd only consider that if the guy coming back is here next year. MDC will not be so for me it's a no go. Ditto Bunnaman.

Add to that the fact that MDC and Konecny are wingers. I don't believe we need a winger. We're deep on the wing. I think if we make a deal for a rental forward it should be a center who's good on the draw. That's where our need is.

Sure we are deep down the middle as well but the weakness is taking face offs. I believe we have to address that. We've been "getting by" but Erie really exposed this weakness big time! I believe any road through to the final will likely go through Erie and if we have proven anything in the two games against them is that we can't "get by" as we sit right now as far as face offs go.

Maybe the guy we should be zeroing in on is NB's Mike Amadio. He's a good center who's well over a point a game. He's their captain and should bring the leadership that this team is missing. He'd be cheaper than Konecny as he isn't back next year (most NHL 3rd rounders won't play OA seasons). As a less heralded player, he'd likely be cheaper than MDC as well. I believe he'd better serve our needs. It's a lot easier to move one of our current centers to the wing to make room for him. Bunnaman has played games at wing in the past as has Kohn. I think Amadio would settle in nice as our second line center.

Hiebert has just done a deal for Liberati. Perhaps they have already talked about Amadio and have put negotiations on hold for the time being until the price is haggled some more. I doubt Stan would want a Blaisdell in a deal as he already has three '97 born d-men on his roster. Maybe a Connor Hall and extra picks would get the deal done.

Or maybe Stan is holding out for Bunnaman and Murray is balking on that. As I've said, I'd have a hard time including Bunnaman in a deal for someone who won't be back next year.

Extra picks would have to go to NB in Bunnaman's place.

Just thinking out loud

I agree with needing a centre more, and Amadio seems like a good fit. It would also be possible to then flip someone like Magyar for picks to lessen the blow of trading for a rental, as someone like Magyar on the 4th line is not a good use of resources.

 

[EvenSteven]

I agree with needing a centre more, and Amadio seems like a good fit. It would also be possible to then flip someone like Magyar for picks to lessen the blow of trading for a rental, as someone like Magyar on the 4th line is not a good use of resources.

That makes a lot of sense. Maybe to a team in the East who may be looking for scoring on the wing. Magyar is a top six forward and a good overage possibility for next year. Considering the return we got for Davies, we should be able to get at least that much plus more for Magyar.

That would work out good here too. I'd hate like hell to have to Garreffa and McHugh as healthy scratches. They're getting better and better every day and deserve to be in the lineup.

 

[bobber]

That makes a lot of sense. Maybe to a team in the East who may be looking for scoring on the wing. Magyar is a top six forward and a good overage possibility for next year. Considering the return we got for Davies, we should be able to get at least that much plus more for Magyar.

That would work out good here too. I'd hate like hell to have to Garreffa and McHugh as healthy scratches. They're getting better and better every day and deserve to be in the lineup.

I agree with keeping the young prospects in fold. To build great hockey teams you have to keep your skilled prospects. When you think back to Duco and Azzevado or further with Bruce and Presley you have to keep these players involved in the team. I think we are all in for a treat in a couple of years with Garreffa, Roberts, McHugh and Meireles if they keep him.