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

[EvenSteven]

2nd pick is from Finland and a highly rated D....Aron Kiviharju

Who is Aron Kiviharju? Meet Finland's 2024 super draft prospect who was cut from the World Juniors | Sporting News

The 16-year-old is the youngest player at the World Juniors.

www.sportingnews.com

2025 NHL Mock Draft with Lottery Simulator | Tankathon

2025 NHL Mock Draft with lottery simulator to see where the top NHL prospects could be drafted. Order updated after every game. Some team needs are factored into each draft simulation result

www.tankathon.com

They have Aron ranked 5th overall in their mock draft.

 

[rangersblues]

2025 NHL Mock Draft with Lottery Simulator | Tankathon

2025 NHL Mock Draft with lottery simulator to see where the top NHL prospects could be drafted. Order updated after every game. Some team needs are factored into each draft simulation result

www.tankathon.com

They have Aron ranked 5th overall in their mock draft.

The mock has him going 5 spots ahead of Sam Dickinson. Personally I think Dickinson is going higher than 10OA though.

 

[GeoBlue]

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.

Another thought that has crossed my mind with regard to Henry B is that you are taking a bit of a gamble with regard to his potential if you swing a deal early. We don't have the greatest record when it comes to development here in Kitchener so I would hate to trade early for him and then ruin his career. That is why I am preaching the "sure thing". Maybe let him sign with Ottawa and trade for him a bit later in his career? I know it might cost us more at that time but at least he would bring the experience of playing with a team with a winning record. Or, as I mentioned before, we might see another diamond that would fit in.

 

[EvenSteven]

Another thought that has crossed my mind with regard to Henry B is that you are taking a bit of a gamble with regard to his potential if you swing a deal early. We don't have the greatest record when it comes to development here in Kitchener so I would hate to trade early for him and then ruin his career. That is why I am preaching the "sure thing". Maybe let him sign with Ottawa and trade for him a bit later in his career? I know it might cost us more at that time but at least he would bring the experience of playing with a team with a winning record. Or, as I mentioned before, we might see another diamond that would fit in.

I see where you’re coming from. But at some point, we have to trust that whoever we bring in as coach can be trusted to develop our young players.

A red flag would be the new coach keeps the entire assistant coaching group. For me, any coach worth his weight should have the autonomy to bring in his own trusted coaching staff.

Dennis was what he was. But was the current assistant coaching group forced on him by MM? Did he have people he’d rather have brought with him? I guess we’ll never know.

 

[GeoBlue]

I see where you’re coming from. But at some point, we have to trust that whoever we bring in as coach can be trusted to develop our young players.

A red flag would be the new coach keeps the entire assistant coaching group. For me, any coach worth his weight should have the autonomy to bring in his own trusted coaching staff.

Dennis was what he was. But was the current assistant coaching group forced on him by MM? Did he have people he’d rather have brought with him? I guess we’ll never know.

Fully agree, especially with regard to Dennis. We will never know what sort of restraints were put on him. It would be great to catch him in an interview sometime down the road. Unless there is an NDA! LOL! My comments hinge on history of coaches and development here in Kitchener and I am truly wishing for an unexpected surprise this summer.

 

[EvenSteven]

The mock has him going 5 spots ahead of Sam Dickinson. Personally I think Dickinson is going higher than 10OA though.

You never know. But it may be way early to predict. Bigger and more experienced scouting minds than mine put together that list. I wasn’t as surprised to see Dickinson at 10 than I was to see Mews ahead of him.

We saw Dickinson a ton this year in Kitchener and know how good he is. But we saw almost nothing of Mews. I understand he may have played as big a role with the 67’s that Dickinson played in London.

I’m sure there’ll be much jockeying of position by the time next year’s draft roles around.

I don’t know how realistic it is we get Pobezal or Kiviharju here in Kitchener any time soon. But, it would be cool if we could get both over here by the start of 24-25 at the latest. Kiviharju highly ranked in the ‘24 draft and talk of Pobezal being a 1st rounder in ‘25 (late birthday).

The fact that Kiviharju was still around that late in the draft tells me this may be a huge flyer.

 

[rangersblues]

You never know. But it may be way early to predict. Bigger and more experienced scouting minds than mine put together that list. I wasn’t as surprised to see Dickinson at 10 than I was to see Mews ahead of him.

We saw Dickinson a ton this year in Kitchener and know how good he is. But we saw almost nothing of Mews. I understand he may have played as big a role with the 67’s that Dickinson played in London.

I’m sure there’ll be much jockeying of position by the time next year’s draft roles around.

I don’t know how realistic it is we get Pobezal or Kiviharju here in Kitchener any time soon. But, it would be cool if we could get both over here by the start of 24-25 at the latest. Kiviharju highly ranked in the ‘24 draft and talk of Pobezal being a 1st rounder in ‘25 (late birthday).

The fact that Kiviharju was still around that late in the draft tells me this may be a huge flyer.

I just haven't seen as advanced of a rookie 16 year old defenseman as Dickinson last year. I thought he was as noticeable as Ekblad who was 2nd year. But like you said that's my limited viewings and uneducated opinion.

 

[Ward Cornell]

I see where you’re coming from. But at some point, we have to trust that whoever we bring in as coach can be trusted to develop our young players.

A red flag would be the new coach keeps the entire assistant coaching group. For me, any coach worth his weight should have the autonomy to bring in his own trusted coaching staff.

Dennis was what he was. But was the current assistant coaching group forced on him by MM? Did he have people he’d rather have brought with him? I guess we’ll never know.

Agree 100% with what you posted. My concern is with mid July fast approaching and no HC announced is we may be stuck with these assistant coaches.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

The mock has him going 5 spots ahead of Sam Dickinson. Personally I think Dickinson is going higher than 10OA though.

And look who else is there........both Rangers draft picks.....Hage of course, no longer.....and Humphreys drafted 11th in 2022.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Agree 100% with what you posted. My concern is with mid July fast approaching and no HC announced is we may be stuck with these assistant coaches.

Last year's training camp was August 30 to Sept 1 so given the same time frame, this year's training camp would be just 7.5 weeks away. I would think we will hear about the new coach as early as next week. IF this new coach has any say who assists him, that leaves little time for the current staff to find positions elsewhere. Unless, this is why it's taking longer than usual for the Rangers to make any coaching announcements? I'd be shocked though...

 

[bobber]

Agree 100% with what you posted. My concern is with mid July fast approaching and no HC announced is we may be stuck with these assistant coaches.

If this happens and the Rangers are stuck with the above scenario two things could happen. One of the assistants becomes HC or MM in his wisdom decides to do both jobs after all.
I think Ranger fans would be pissed if it happens. Maybe we will see another Roger Neilson appearance where the new coach comes out with a paper bag over his head pulls it off and viola! It's MM. Or Chris Dennis

 

[RangerNation]

First time I have seen the team advertise season tickets with the ability to pick via the seating chart. Very interesting to see where everyone sits. Gold 11 and 12 are all STH. Very cool. Also cool to see 4 seats beside me aren't taken. Who wants to sit beside me for years/decades of agony? Warning though, I yell 'shoot' on the PP.

 

[Ward Cornell]

If this happens and the Rangers are stuck with the above scenario two things could happen. One of the assistants becomes HC or MM in his wisdom decides to do both jobs after all.
I think Ranger fans would be pissed if it happens. Maybe we will see another Roger Neilson appearance where the new coach comes out with a paper bag over his head pulls it off and viola! It's MM. Or Chris Dennis

Paul Fixter??......afterall he's a good old Kitchener lad!

 

[bobber]

Paul Fixter??......afterall he's a good old Kitchener lad!

Old Benjamin Button Fixter. What a guy! Keepin it in da house!

 

[Gondrex]

Last year's training camp was August 30 to Sept 1 so given the same time frame, this year's training camp would be just 7.5 weeks away. I would think we will hear about the new coach as early as next week. IF this new coach has any say who assists him, that leaves little time for the current staff to find positions elsewhere. Unless, this is why it's taking longer than usual for the Rangers to make any coaching announcements? I'd be shocked though...

You definitely make a good case for an announcement sooner rather than later. On the other hand maybe it's a case of optics. CD was hired at the end of June last year. Gotta make it look like more time was taken this time round to do a much more thorough search (??) A trade-off between the two ? Who knows. I do agree with a previous post by CC though. If it takes extra time, so be it. They do need to get the right guy.

 

[robertmac43]

Warning though, I yell 'shoot' on the PP.

That's you I'm always hearing?

 

[RangerNation]

That's you I'm always hearing?

It would be louder but I end up losing my voice by the 3rd.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Might have a better chance to see Sebrango in an NHL game now that he's in Ottawa. Detroit made mistakes with his development path, hopefully a change of scenery close to home (ottawa are kid) will help.

 

[K2]

Might have a better chance to see Sebrango in an NHL game now that he's in Ottawa. Detroit made mistakes with his development path, hopefully a change of scenery close to home (ottawa are kid) will help.

I hope so, for his sake, he didn't even look to be on a NHL trajectory when I saw him play with Toledo (ECHL) last December. Interesting that (brief) Ranger alum Kubalik was part of that trade too.

Paul Fixter??......afterall he's a good old Kitchener lad!

Two Stanley Cup rings, one exactly like Orval Tessier's Fixter probably would have got the reigns here had he not elected to go coach the Wolves where he pretty much got chewed up and spit out. Probably yet another illustration of how tough it is to be a HC, hope he's doing OK.

First time I have seen the team advertise season tickets with the ability to pick via the seating chart.

Great for potential STH the see there's lots of good options available. We're sure a long way from the glory days with fans packing the 'Warming House' waitlist hopefully awaiting a call for years to buy seats high in a corner somewhere but it was encouraging to have full houses come playoffs. I was on the 'move list' for a couple decades and saw a paper version of this most years, usually with only one or two 'lateral' options.

Dennis was what he was. But was the current assistant coaching group forced on him by MM? Did he have people he’d rather have brought with him? I guess we’ll never know.

'Forced', but that's become increasingly typical at this level when it's not a GM/HC dual-role on boarding or a total regime change situation. I think the next guy needs the latitude to decide and we should allow for hiring an Associate Coach too if the HC is coming from another league or otherwise light on OHL HC experience.

 

[Voice from the North]

Two Stanley Cup rings, one exactly like Orval Tessier's Fixter probably would have got the reigns here had he not elected to go coach the Wolves where he pretty much got chewed up and spit out. Probably yet another illustration of how tough it is to be a HC, hope he's doing OK.



He had no job, he was being released by Spott. That's why the Wolves came to him (after coming to several others who said no) and because he needed a job, he agreed to coach, subject to a few conditions. If the Kitchener option was a remote possibility, he would have never left. Be thankful that he didn't become coach, he would have set you back years. Good at video, terrible at player relations.

 

[bobber]

Great article by Brock Otten in the Import Draft thread. You can find information on the Rangers two picks and the probability of seeing them in a ranger jersey there.

 

[EvenSteven]

Great article by Brock Otten in the Import Draft thread. You can find information on the Rangers two picks and the probability of seeing them in a ranger jersey there.

Or rather, the improbability.

 

[Gondrex]

Or rather, the improbability.

Yeah, and really, it's probably no big deal if either shows up this year. Neither would likely be around for that Mem-Cup-bid-team anyway. If the Rangers go with one import this year - Hamara - I think it allows them to develop one other N.A. player who just may have a chance at being on that team.

 

[beastintheeast]

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.

Are the Rangers rebuilding this year and next year if they are is trading numerous draft picks for a player a smart move.

Also are you sure that he will report.

The strange thing about him is that he was not drafted by the USHL at all. Usually, if a player is good they will draft him in a later round Just in case.

 

[bobber]

Are the Rangers rebuilding this year and next year if they are is trading numerous draft picks for a player a smart move.

Also are you sure that he will report.

The strange thing about him is that he was not drafted by the USHL at all. Usually, if a player is good they will draft him in a later round Just in case.

There must of been a reason Rangers never took Henry early. He wasn't ranked in the first round on most sites so that would of been a mistake. To trade numerous draft picks he has to be highly skilled or really projects to play the pro game somewhere down the road because of size and skill. Parents said he is more skilled than his brother at the same age. Maybe they were polishing a cubic zirconia.