Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 5)

[EvenSteven]

And why would you want to spend draft picks in a rebuilt year unless you had your eyes on more of a "sure thing" such as a Sam Dickinson.

Spending draft picks in a rebuild year on a young player with years of eligibility remaining is a lot different than spending draft picks in a rebuild year on a veteran player.

Henry is not Sam Dickinson and therefore, the cost shouldn’t be as steep if the 67’s designated him as a defective player.

There is always an allure in acquiring a higher end 16 year old player no matter his surname.

 

[GeoBlue]

Spending draft picks in a rebuild year on a young player with years of eligibility remaining is a lot different than spending draft picks in a rebuild year on a veteran player.

Henry is not Sam Dickinson and therefore, the cost shouldn’t be as steep if the 67’s designated him as a defective player.

There is always an allure in acquiring a higher end 16 year old player no matter his surname.

All I am saying is that we should be careful as to how we use our draft picks considering that we are going for the Mem Cup in 4 years. We will need as many picks as we can in order get us over the top in our Mem Cup year. In the meantime, unless there is a Sam Dickinson type player to be had, we save them. There will be many Henry B's from this and next year's draft.

 

[K2]

There is always an allure in acquiring a higher end 16 year old player no matter his surname.

Agreed. IMO, we've probably got enough promising 16yo talent already on boarding this year to park one and splash our current full house of 2nds and 3rds on Henry but if he's playing hardball and Ottawa bites on a Hage-like offer, we'd make it work.

 

[RangerNation]

 

[Jives]

Bad decision to tell a player you are only going to play 1 year anywhere. Correct way to put that is - we feel the best way for you to develop this year is in the CHL and we will decide next off-season what is the plan for 2023-24 season.

He isn’t ready to play AHL hockey after what he did this past season.

 

[bobber]

Rangers have four or five 16 year olds signed already and made some sort of commitment to them as far as playing this coming season. I believe one has been told he will be called up for a certain number of games as they can only play four I believe. To bring in another and play him would leave one of the drafted players out of the mix. Has there even been any confirmation that Hunter's bro will not report to Ottawa? Haven't seen anything. As far as Mesar I think he needs another year of junior to try and bulk up. He certainly wasn't the phenom that Ranger tv guys like to call him. He would get crushed in pro. They even mention this about Bedard needing to get bigger and he is at 185 already and built like a small bull. Mesar would look like a soup bone beside him.

 

[EvenSteven]

All I am saying is that we should be careful as to how we use our draft picks considering that we are going for the Mem Cup in 4 years. We will need as many picks as we can in order get us over the top in our Mem Cup year. In the meantime, unless there is a Sam Dickinson type player to be had, we save them. There will be many Henry B's from this and next year's draft.

Rangers have four or five 16 year olds signed already and made some sort of commitment to them as afar as playing this coming season. I believe one has been told he will be called up for a certain number of games as they can only play four I believe. To bring in another and play him would leave one of the drafted players out of the mix. Has there even been any confirmation that Hunter's bro will not report to Ottawa? Haven't seen anything. As far as Mesar I think he needs another year of junior to try and bulk up. He certainly wasn't the phenom that Ranger tv guys like to call him. He would get crushed in pro. They even mention this about Bedard needing to get bigger and he is at 185 already and built like a small bull. Mesar would look like a soup bone beside him.

I understand there’s no indication that Henry B won’t sign in Ottawa. But until he signs, it’s a discussion worth having.

As a late 1st round pick, Henry B’s value today should be in the ballpark of other late 1st round defective players. That price being nowhere more than half that of the Dickinson cost. (2nd. 3rd. 3rd. 4th) or, (2nd. 2nd. 3rd. 4th.). Factor in Henry went 21st overall. Without the comp picks, that’s the first pick of the 2nd round. That has to factor into the price.

If Henry, at 19, is eventually as good as Hunter is today (Henry was ranked as high as 10th in some mock drafts), then we’d already have him in our lineup going into a possible hosting season. We won’t have to trade for him or a player like him. Assets could be used to fill other holes. And one less hole to fill going into 26-27 is always good. One step closer to not having to “trade our way into contention” in the months leading up to the 26-27 trade deadline.

Also, if 26-27 is the target year, then we have lots of time to build up the draft cupboard. We just acquired a 2nd in ‘24. That pick will either be traded or we’ll use it to draft a player. It won’t be around to use as ammunition going into a possible Memorial Cup hosting year. It’s the returns we’d get from the sell off of Hunter B, Rehkopf, eventually Andonovski, etc that’ll build that draft cupboard with 26-27 in mind.

Yes, we have five signed from the ‘23 draft. I believe MacNiel will be an up/down 10 game guy. If we were to add another from that draft in trade, be it in September or in January, he can play along with the other four. League rules state four 16 year olds max plus any you’ve acquired in trade (see what Missy did last year). So Henry B or any other 16 year old we may acquire wouldn’t bump any of our four signed ‘07’s out of the lineup.

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

I understand there’s no indication that Henry B won’t sign in Ottawa. But until he signs, it’s a discussion worth having.

As a late 1st round pick, Henry B’s value today should be in the ballpark of other late 1st round defective players. That price being nowhere more than half that of the Dickinson cost. (2nd. 3rd. 3rd. 4th) or, (2nd. 2nd. 3rd. 4th.). Factor in Henry went 21st overall. Without the comp picks, that’s the first pick of the 2nd round. That has to factor into the price.

If Henry, at 19, is eventually as good as Hunter is today (Henry was ranked as high as 10th in some mock drafts), then we’d already have him in our lineup going into a possible hosting season. We won’t have to trade for him or a player like him. Assets could be used to fill other holes. And one less hole to fill going into 26-27 is always good. One step closer to not having to “trade our way into contention” in the months leading up to the 26-27 trade deadline.

Also, if 26-27 is the target year, then we have lots of time to build up the draft cupboard. We just acquired a 2nd in ‘24. That pick will either be traded or we’ll use it to draft a player. It won’t be around to use as ammunition going into a possible Memorial Cup hosting year. It’s the returns we’d get from the sell off of Hunter B, Rehkopf, eventually Andonovski, etc that’ll build that draft cupboard with 26-27 in mind.

Yes, we have five signed from the ‘23 draft. I believe MacNiel will be an up/down 10 game guy. If we were to add another from that draft in trade, be it in September or in January, he can play along with the other four. League rules state four 16 year olds max plus any you’ve acquired in trade (see what Missy did last year). So Henry B or any other 16 year old we may acquire wouldn’t bump any of our four signed ‘07’s out of the lineup.

One other question to ask is how ready are the original four signed picks to playing regular minutes in the OHL? Safe to assume Reid and Romano are ready to go, but would there not potentially be some value in having guys like Lam play high in the lineup Junior B games for a local team like the Siskins or Ayr so he can still be with the team?

This allows the player to get reps in all situations and PLAY GAMES instead of being stuck playing limited minutes in a 4th line checking role or being healthy scratched altogether.

Seems to have been working recently in London with 3 NHL first round picks in the past 2 seasons who played Junior B their first year (Mailloux, Bonk, Cowan).

 

[EvenSteven]

There are no guarantees in life. Mesar’s play will dictate where he lands this season. I expect him to start in Laval. If he plays well enough, he’ll stay there. If he can’t compete, he’ll be sent elsewhere, likely back to Kitchener unless he pushes the Habs to allow him to return to play pro in Europe.

 

[bobber]

I really think MM and the powers that be have punted there failures down the road to a Mem Cup bid. As a fan I wouldn't buy it until we see something constructive happen with the Rangers. As an organization the last few years hasn't exactly given anyone confidence they could put a competitive team together let alone win a Mem Cup. For me they are putting the cart before the horse. I think this past draft was a success as far as picking up some decent prospects. The results of this draft will come to fruition after a couple of seasons. If they do pick up Henry B. more power to them. We still wait and see the new head coach and what he brings to the table. Their record with coaches over the last ten years leaves one baffled.

 

[nelli27]

Canucks: How Hunter Brzustewicz became latest product of rich hockey factory

For Canucks draft prospect Hunter Brzustewicz, the U.S. National Team Development Program was the target to take his game to another level.

theprovince.com

 

[EvenSteven]

I really think MM and the powers that be have punted there failures down the road to a Mem Cup bid. As a fan I wouldn't buy it until we see something constructive happen with the Rangers. As an organization the last few years hasn't exactly given anyone confidence they could put a competitive team together let alone win a Mem Cup. For me they are putting the cart before the horse. I think this past draft was a success as far as picking up some decent prospects. The results of this draft will come to fruition after a couple of seasons. If they do pick up Henry B. more power to them. We still wait and see the new head coach and what he brings to the table. Their record with coaches over the last ten years leaves one baffled.

And as far as a new coach goes, MM has bought him self time is that area as well with this Memorial Cup bid intention.

He has given himself every excuse to hire a no-name coach. If he were to hire the best coach available, a high end coach with pro aspirations, there’s always the possibility that after a year or two or three, that coach graduates to the Pro’s. However, if MM were to hire an up and coming, no-name coach, the likelihood of him being the head coach in 26–27 is a lot more likely.

 

[bobber]

And as far as a new coach goes, MM has bought him self time is that area as well with this Memorial Cup bid intention.

He has given himself every excuse to hire a no-name coach. If he were to hire the best coach available, a high end coach with pro aspirations, there’s always the possibility that after a year or two or three, that coach graduates to the Pro’s. However, if MM were to hire an up and coming, no-name coach, the likelihood of him being the head coach in 26–27 is a lot more likely.

Don't be surprised if the new coach is Wideman. Keeping things in house. One would think the Rangers would have to take Chris Dennis's contract into consideration. Haven't heard anything on whether he moved on to a new position. Maybe they have more cash to spend than they let on. It's a chore to find someone solid that won't move on at the first opportunity. PS. Former Ranger Darren Rumble is now an associate coach for the Attack.

 

[EvenSteven]

Don't be surprised if the new coach is Wideman. Keeping things in house. One would think the Rangers would have to take Chris Dennis's contract into consideration. Haven't heard anything on whether he moved on to a new position. Maybe they have more cash to spend than they let on. It's a chore to find someone solid that won't move on at the first opportunity. PS. Former Ranger Darren Rumble is now an associate coach for the Attack.

I don’t buy this organization having to take Chris Dennis‘s salary into consideration. This is one of the richest organizations in the CHL. His salary would be relative chicken feed to write off in comparison to other lesser teams in this league.

 

[rangersblues]

I don’t buy this organization having to take Chris Dennis‘s salary into consideration. This is one of the richest organizations in the CHL. His salary would be relative chicken feed to write off in comparison to other lesser teams in this league.

I don't buy it either. But that doesn't mean they won't use it as an excuse.

 

[bobber]

One other question to ask is how ready are the original four signed picks to playing regular minutes in the OHL? Safe to assume Reid and Romano are ready to go, but would there not potentially be some value in having guys like Lam play high in the lineup Junior B games for a local team like the Siskins or Ayr so he can still be with the team?

This allows the player to get reps in all situations and PLAY GAMES instead of being stuck playing limited minutes in a 4th line checking role or being healthy scratched altogether.

Seems to have been working recently in London with 3 NHL first round picks in the past 2 seasons who played Junior B their first year (Mailloux, Bonk, Cowan).

One point on Lam. He was one of the best play makers on the ice during the rookie camp IMO. Seemed to make plays out of nothing. Kid seems to have a high hockey IQ. Ottawa had a group of young players and did quite well last season. Bodes well for the franchise this season after these kids have a season under their belts. Guess it will be up to MM to make the decisions. Personally if he wants to build a competitive squad down the road play the hell out of these signed draft picks. Most fans are ready for a rebuilt anyway.

 

[Ward Cornell]

One point on Lam. He was one of the best play makers on the ice during the rookie camp IMO. Seemed to make plays out of nothing. Kid seems to have a high hockey IQ. Ottawa had a group of young players and did quite well last season. Bodes well for the franchise this season after these kids have a season under their belts. Guess it will be up to MM to make the decisions. Personally if he wants to build a competitive squad down the road play the hell out of these signed draft picks. Most fans are ready for a rebuilt anyway.

As a longtime junior hockey fan, one of my pleasures was seeing the development of players from yr to yr. I remember at one time decades ago we actually had 2 or 3 players away at the WJHC for Canada let alone for other countries and we brought up players to to replace them. Those were the times I enjoyed seeing the kids play as a precursor for next yrs team. Hopefully we get to see this here from training camp onwards with no jobs safe!

 

[Billyjack]

Don't be surprised if the new coach is Wideman. Keeping things in house. One would think the Rangers would have to take Chris Dennis's contract into consideration. Haven't heard anything on whether he moved on to a new position. Maybe they have more cash to spend than they let on. It's a chore to find someone solid that won't move on at the first opportunity. PS. Former Ranger Darren Rumble is now an associate coach for the Attack.

Very disappointing if that happens. Not STH fault MM hired a dud.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

As a longtime junior hockey fan, one of my pleasures was seeing the development of players from yr to yr. I remember at one time decades ago we actually had 2 or 3 players away at the WJHC for Canada let alone for other countries and we brought up players to to replace them. Those were the times I enjoyed seeing the kids play as a precursor for next yrs team. Hopefully we get to see this here from training camp onwards with no jobs safe!

Been a while since we've seen "no jobs safe". This past horrific season started right out of the gate with virtually no one worried about not being on the ice every game. As for coaching, there are no current Rangers coaches that will take anything to the next level. They've taken longer than usual to make a decision on the new coach and hopefully, that will translate into the kind of coach we've all been asking for. Fingers crossed....toes....etc.

 

[bobber]

Very disappointing if that happens. Not STH fault MM hired a dud.

I would be disappointed also. The fans in the seats pay the freight at the Aud. With the attendance they get here in Kitchener a "Chris Dennis" should never have happened. MM or whoever does the hiring realize they screwed up big time. Fingers crossed they bring in someone with proper hockey knowledge. I always look at the way the pro game is evolving. It's fast and hard nosed hockey. If the OHL is a developmental league for the NHL hopefully they bring in a new coach with this in mind.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

New GM for the Leafs, Treliving, says: "We need a little more snot to our game." He goes on to say: "As much as the game has changed, some things never change." For me, this element was MIA this past season. When you have Pinelli stepping up and taking on that role at times, that's idiotic. Why risk one of your top players...ever.

I sure hope the new Rangers coach realizes all this and urges MM to pick up a Hlacar, for example, who will add grit AND contribute on the scoreboard.
For those who missed seeing him at rookie camp, do have a look: Matthew Hlacar on Hudl
About half way down, you'll find a highlight reel.

 

[rangersblues]

New GM for the Leafs, Treliving, says: "We need a little more snot to our game." He goes on to say: "As much as the game has changed, some things never change." For me, this element was MIA this past season. When you have Pinelli stepping up and taking on that role at times, that's idiotic. Why risk one of your top players...ever.

I sure hope the new Rangers coach realizes all this and urges MM to pick up a Hlacar, for example, who will add grit AND contribute on the scoreboard.
For those who missed seeing him at rookie camp, do have a look: Matthew Hlacar on Hudl
About half way down, you'll find a highlight reel.

A coach that wants grit would help but he needs the players to do it. Has to be from the top down in the organization.

 

[bobber]

Mesar has basically said he did his stint in junior and wants to move on the pro at some level. How does this effect the Import Draft decisions for the Rangers?

 

[EvenSteven]

Mesar has basically said he did his stint in junior and wants to move on the pro at some level. How does this effect the Import Draft decisions for the Rangers?

Listened to a podcast out of Montreal this morning. They were at the post draft evaluation camp and on Mesar, they said for a player that would demand top six minutes in Laval, based on the type of player he is, he was unimpressive.

They said he struggled at times and looked to be in tough to earn that top six spot in Laval as the Habs have a deep farm system.

They did say it was one camp but he had a lot of work to do. They mentioned that Owen Beck outplayed him by a mile.

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

Mesar has basically said he did his stint in junior and wants to move on the pro at some level. How does this effect the Import Draft decisions for the Rangers?

Based on posts I have seen in other team threads, the Rangers will likely be making two selections since both Mesar and Hamara are signed NHL picks and they can be added to a non-counting import protected list.

I would guess the team will use the first pick to take a top-nine/middle-six forward they know will commit (as a backup plan if Mesar does make Laval) and then take a homerun swing with the second pick and try to hold onto the players rights somehow (since Hamara will be back).