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

[Rangers True Blue]

Back on March 24th.....and I believe his family preferred that. They really liked Kitchener.

Henry is bigger than Hunter and has been turning heads so why did Rangers pass on him? Let's see if Henry shows up for Ottawa's camp this month. If not, he can be declared defective I believe. I'd rather see him play here than down the 401 and it would seem that he would prefer to play in Kitchener.

 

[rangersblues]

Back on March 24th.....and I believe his family preferred that. They really liked Kitchener.

View attachment 735305

Henry is bigger than Hunter and has been turning heads so why did Rangers pass on him? Let's see if Henry shows up for Ottawa's camp this month. If not, he can be declared defective I believe. I'd rather see him play here than down the 401 and it would seem that he would prefer to play in Kitchener.

I would think that being the 8th ranked American dman would put him in the late 2nd or 3rd round currently. And not likely on the U20 team. A nice player but not a super star (McAvoy, Trouba). Just saying.

If he falls in our lap at a discount great. If not - move on imo.

 

[bobber]

I would think that being the 8th ranked American dman would put him in the late 2nd or 3rd round currently. And not likely on the U20 team. A nice player but not a super star (McAvoy, Trouba). Just saying.

If he falls in our lap at a discount great. If not - move on imo.

Maybe the Ottawa GM and his staff made the decision the grab Henry knowing full well he wouldn't report? The certainly know more about these prospect's intentions than us armchair GMs. Ottawa is loaded with a great defense regardless. Rangers traded the rights of Hage at a discount after he was declared defective. They still come out smelling like a rose in the end. Henry wasn't first round material by most accounts. The Rangers have five 1st round picks signed I believe and can only play 4. Henry would have to add more to the team than the players signed in order to bump another player down the pipe.
It is an interesting conversation to have in the summer doldrums.

 

[EvenSteven]

Maybe the Ottawa GM and his staff made the decision the grab Henry knowing full well he wouldn't report? The certainly know more about these prospect's intentions than us armchair GMs. Ottawa is loaded with a great defense regardless. Rangers traded the rights of Hage at a discount after he was declared defective. They still come out smelling like a rose in the end. Henry wasn't first round material by most accounts. The Rangers have five 1st round picks signed I believe and can only play 4. Henry would have to add more to the team than the players signed in order to bump another player down the pipe.
It is an interesting conversation to have in the summer doldrums.

You can only play four - plus any you’ve traded for.

Theoretically, we could play all of Romano, Lam, Reid, and Stark, trade for Henry, and even acquire a ‘23 1st in another deal (Rehkopf?), and they could all play.

Note what Missy did last year.

 

[EvenSteven]

Maybe the Ottawa GM and his staff made the decision the grab Henry knowing full well he wouldn't report? The certainly know more about these prospect's intentions than us armchair GMs. Ottawa is loaded with a great defense regardless. Rangers traded the rights of Hage at a discount after he was declared defective. They still come out smelling like a rose in the end. Henry wasn't first round material by most accounts. The Rangers have five 1st round picks signed I believe and can only play 4. Henry would have to add more to the team than the players signed in order to bump another player down the pipe.
It is an interesting conversation to have in the summer doldrums.

It’s entirely possible that Ottawa “knew” that Henry wanted to play in Kitchener and it was a done deal that he would play Kitchener had he been available for the Rangers to select in round two. Given their past success selecting a defective player, perhaps Ottawa saw a chance to put themselves in a position to draft another player they knew would be defective in order to get extra picks.

This isn’t the first time this sort of thing has happened. Back when Kerby Rychel was ticketed to go to Windsor, Barrie swooped in and took him late in the first round. That forced Windsor to have to eventually trade for his rights.

From what I understand, it’s an unofficial gentleman’s agreement that when you want to draft family in this league, you are to take that player in the round that he is ranked in. Windsor pulled a couple trades leading up to that draft to trade themselves down further in the second round, picking up extra picks, “knowing” that Kerby would be there late in the 2nd round for them to select.

Barrie, seeing what Windsor was doing, saw an opportunity and jumped on it. (Boy wouldn’t you have liked to have been a fly on the wall in the Windsor war room when that happened!!)

It’s possible that could be the situation here regarding Ottawa taking Henry at #22. Maybe they felt the Ranger’s were “having their cake and eating it too” by drafting Reid and Romano in the 1st, instead of using one of those picks on Henry, knowing he’d be there in round 2 as per the unofficial gentlemen’s agreement.

I have no idea if any of this is the case. But as you said, fun stuff to discuss in the summer months.

 

[GeoBlue]

Back on March 24th.....and I believe his family preferred that. They really liked Kitchener.

Well of course! Posters on this board have said all along that the atmosphere in Kitchener is like a country club! Hoping "Juicy" changes all that.

 

[Tim Wallach]

Forgive me for the linguistic nitpicking but I just wanted to point out a repetitive error on these pages.

The term is “defected” player not “defective.” Defected refers to him wishing to leave the organization holding his rights. Defective would mean there’s something wrong with the player and we should be checking our warranty

Thanks for bearing with me on my OCD nature.

 

[bobber]

Forgive me for the linguistic nitpicking but I just wanted to point out a repetitive error on these pages.

The term is “defected” player not “defective.” Defected refers to him wishing to leave the organization holding his rights. Defective would mean there’s something wrong with the player and we should be checking our warranty

Thanks for bearing with me on my OCD nature.

I was declared defective years ago. I lied and told people I was defected but the proof is in my posts.

 

[Habsrule]

My assumption with Henry Brzustewicz is that Kitchener just liked Romano and Reid better than Brzustewicz in the first round. If he would have been there when they picked again in the second round that he could / would have been their next draft choice. Ottawa went in and drafted him and that meant that Kitchener went with their next guy on their list in Lam.

Kitchener was as in a bad spot with two mid first round picks and the second last pick in the second round. Their was a 30 pick gap between selections and Henry Brzustewicz and as supposed to fall in that area range.

I don’t think Kitchener has closed the door on trading for him but it would be more less trading for him to build a future powerhouse as opposed to playing with his brother. Hunter will be traded this year to recoup picks and stock the cupboard up. The brothers can’t be thinking about playing with each other because it wouldn’t be for a full season.

 

[GeoBlue]

Forgive me for the linguistic nitpicking but I just wanted to point out a repetitive error on these pages.

The term is “defected” player not “defective.” Defected refers to him wishing to leave the organization holding his rights. Defective would mean there’s something wrong with the player and we should be checking our warranty

Thanks for bearing with me on my OCD nature.

I wonder if a Junior player ever quit hockey to become a detective? Hey? If a player got drafted but realized he had an injury preventing him from playing hockey, and decided to not show up and go to school for criminology: Would that make him a defective detective that defected?

 

[dirty12]

Forgive me for the linguistic nitpicking but I just wanted to point out a repetitive error on these pages.

The term is “defected” player not “defective.” Defected refers to him wishing to leave the organization holding his rights. Defective would mean there’s something wrong with the player and we should be checking our warranty

Thanks for bearing with me on my OCD nature.

Most have come to accept that the top prospects have choices. The agent/player/parents can choose what they believe is the place for them. But about five years ago, many would be upset about their team being snubbed by a 15-16 yr old and assume a character flaw. So I repeatedly termed those kids as defective every chance I had. It made me giggle a little bit, and it seems others like it too.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I wonder if a Junior player ever quit hockey to become a detective? Hey? If a player got drafted but realized he had an injury preventing him from playing hockey, and decided to not show up and go to school for criminology: Would that make him a defective detective that defected?

Ryan Pilon from the WHL was drafted in the 5th round to the NHL but quit hockey to be a cop.

 

[Habsrule]

I wonder if a Junior player ever quit hockey to become a detective? Hey? If a player got drafted but realized he had an injury preventing him from playing hockey, and decided to not show up and go to school for criminology: Would that make him a defective detective that defected?

Not hockey but ex Blue Jays outfielder Dalton Pompey is not a police office in Hamilton.

 

[bobber]

I notice a couple of posters on the Ottawa site talking Rehkopf. One penciling him into a line up. It's only hypothetical. If Henry Brzustewicz is determined to play in the OHL and wants to be here in KW what sort of deal do others think would go down? Rehkopf is an established player with potential to be one of the top forwards in the league with decent coaching and direction. Henry on the other hand is an unknown commodity not ranked as high as Rehkopf when he came into the league. How much is a Rehkopf worth to take HB off their hands? Rangers IMO should come out of this with the upper hand if they were to make this sort of deal going forward. Another question that begs to be asked is what if the Brzustewicz parents want them both sons playing in KW as part of a supposed deal?

 

[Gondrex]

My attempt at the line;


Sop - Rehkopf - Martin
Swick - Mercer - Misaljevic
Morey - Bottineau - Lam
Pugliese - Romano - Hlacar
Stark

Brzustewicz - Andonovski
Motew - Reid
Scott - Hamara
Runco


Parsons
DiFilice

Additional OA: Hollet

I wanted to bring up Habsrule's preliminary line-up for reference again. I know that the subject of trading veterans has been discussed here before. I've got concerns. Maybe just me, but in looking at this line-up closer, I can't see how this team can afford to do much of it. The question was already asked - "where are the goals going to come from?"

If for instance Rehkopf is traded, then of the remaining 05's and Bottineau (06), they had accounted for exactly 4 goals. This group includes Andonovski, Mercer, Morey, Scott and of course Bottineau. These are your 17 and 18 year-olds this year.

Even this season's 19-year-olds are a concern. Of the forwards, these three (Swick, Miseljevic and Pugliese) potted 13 goals. Mind you, if Swick played the full schedule, one could make a case of him scoring close to 20. From the backend, 04's Brzustewicz and Hamara added an additional 8.

All of the above is pointing out the obvious - I know - weak offence. So, just wondering how many guys can realistically be traded off. Even with the above line-up as is, this team could already possibly be "competing" with (for the sake of argument) such teams as Niagara, Peterborough and perhaps Sarnia (?) for the no. 1 '08 pick next year.

I could see Brzustewicz as the obvious one to be traded. Not sure after that. I doubt there would be much interest in Hollet as an OA on another team considering what is available on the market. Could be wrong. So by keeping Martin, Sop and Motew as OA's, the team risks getting perhaps nothing (or very little) by getting rid of Hollet. On the other hand, by trading either Martin or Sop, this team's already inept offence takes a further hit.........and if trading Brzustewicz, then I don't see them trading Motew. Tough decision for MM (??)

Just my rambling two cents here on a Sunday morning.

 

[bobber]

I wanted to bring up Habsrule's preliminary line-up for reference again. I know that the subject of trading veterans has been discussed here before. I've got concerns. Maybe just me, but in looking at this line-up closer, I can't see how this team can afford to do much of it. The question was already asked - "where are the goals going to come from?"

If for instance Rehkopf is traded, then of the remaining 05's and Bottineau (06), they had accounted for exactly 4 goals. This group includes Andonovski, Mercer, Morey, Scott and of course Bottineau. These are your 17 and 18 year-olds this year.

Even this season's 19-year-olds are a concern. Of the forwards, these three (Swick, Miseljevic and Pugliese) potted 13 goals. Mind you, if Swick played the full schedule, one could make a case of him scoring close to 20. From the backend, 04's Brzustewicz and Hamara added an additional 8.

All of the above is pointing out the obvious - I know - weak offence. So, just wondering how many guys can realistically be traded off. Even with the above line-up as is, this team could already possibly be "competing" with (for the sake of argument) such teams as Niagara, Peterborough and perhaps Sarnia (?) for the no. 1 '08 pick next year.

I could see Brzustewicz as the obvious one to be traded. Not sure after that. I doubt there would be much interest in Hollet as an OA considering what is available on the market. Could be wrong. So by keeping Martin, Sop and Motew as OA's, the team risks getting perhaps nothing (or very little) by getting rid of Hollet. On the other hand, by trading either Martin or Sop, this team's already inept offence takes a further hit.........and if trading Brzustewicz, then I don't see them trading Motew. Tough decision for MM (??)

Just my rambling two cents here on a Sunday morning.

Would be nice to give the STH something for their hard earned money. I am sure they want to see some sort of spark going forward. Beer at the Aud is a buck a swallow. Take a lot of beer to keep fans interested in watching losing hockey all season. At least watching it on the tube now you can turn it off if it gets too ugly.

 

[Jives]

Either MM trades his vets for assets this year or we are a middle of the pack team for the next 5 years. People remember championships. In order to give the team the best chance at a championship down the road the vets need to be traded…it’s as simple as that.

 

[Gondrex]

Either MM trades his vets for assets this year or we are a middle of the pack team for the next 5 years. People remember championships. In order to give the team the best chance at a championship down the road the vets need to be traded…it’s as simple as that.

Certainly understood, but I guess the question would be how many, while still putting the odd "W" on the board and maintaining some degree of fan interest. In the end, this team does need some veteran leadership / guidance for the youngsters. Also, with all due respect to Knight fans who may be dropping in to this board from time to time, we don't really want to see a Ranger season that is anywhere near their 3-60-3 record back in 95-96.

 

[Habsrule]

The more that I think of it I believe the team will stay intact for now and not look to trade anyone off until closer to the deadline.

The Rangers brought Ahokas over from Finland and I’m pretty sure he didn’t want to sign up for the worst team in the league. That doesn’t look good on a resume.

A player like Rehkopf doesn’t need to be traded this season. He will be back next season in the OHL. Let him run the offence this year and score 40 and drive up that value for next season.

Martin, Sop and Motew can be traded off near the deadline for teams looking to upgrade their OA positions.

Brzustewicz needs to be traded this season but he could go closer to the deadline as well.

I want to see what the new coach can do with a roster that has a fighting chance to win. After the trade deadline I have no problem watching the team lose a lot more.

Actually I wouldn’t be opposed to the Rangers trading for a depth 19 year old for and / or defence. Just a player like Pugliese or Mercer or Morey or a defenceman like a Hollett last year. A player that is a depth player on all teams. I’d rather play some vet as opposed to a bottom six full of rookies. I would assume that the depth player would come cheap as they may be taking up a roster spot on another team.

Keep in mind that the lineup looks depleted now and this is the full lineup. If injuries happen then the team would look much worse yet.

 

[GeoBlue]

I notice a couple of posters on the Ottawa site talking Rehkopf. One penciling him into a line up. It's only hypothetical. If Henry Brzustewicz is determined to play in the OHL and wants to be here in KW what sort of deal do others think would go down? Rehkopf is an established player with potential to be one of the top forwards in the league with decent coaching and direction. Henry on the other hand is an unknown commodity not ranked as high as Rehkopf when he came into the league. How much is a Rehkopf worth to take HB off their hands? Rangers IMO should come out of this with the upper hand if they were to make this sort of deal going forward. Another question that begs to be asked is what if the Brzustewicz parents want them both sons playing in KW as part of a supposed deal?

The answer to the last part of the question is, "Sorry, the brothers may play together, but only for a limited time". The older Brz is an asset and there is no way we are keeping him just to keep the parents happy. In this case, leave Henry in Ottawa and let his parents deal with them.

 

[bobber]

Certainly understood, but I guess the question would be how many, while still putting the odd "W" on the board and maintaining some degree of fan interest. In the end, this team does need some veteran leadership / guidance for the youngsters. Also, with all due respect to Knight fans who may be dropping in to this board from time to time, we don't really want to see a Ranger season that is anywhere near their 3-60-3 record back in 95-96.

The last couple of seasons were basically a disaster with the exception of the Windsor " Miracle on Ice" play off round. I just can't see STH being happy with out some sort of spark that makes the future look a little more exciting. With the new coaching staff and other additions to management wouldn't it be great if the Rangers had a shot at the bottom play off spot at the very least? Even if they were in the battle it would give fans some incite into the next season.

 

[EvenSteven]

The answer to the last part of the question is, "Sorry, the brothers may play together, but only for a limited time". The older Brz is an asset and there is no way we are keeping him just to keep the parents happy. In this case, leave Henry in Ottawa and let his parents deal with them.

Nothing wrong with dealing for Henry in September, then moving Hunter in January. They’d get half a season together. If Hunter is moved to Saginaw, that’s near his home. Everyone is happy.

 

[GeoBlue]

Nothing wrong with dealing for Henry in September, then moving Hunter in January. They’d get half a season together. If Hunter is moved to Saginaw, that’s near his home. Everyone is happy.

That's what I meant by "but only for a limited time".

 

[Gondrex]

........Actually I wouldn’t be opposed to the Rangers trading for a depth 19 year old for and / or defence. Just a player like Pugliese or Mercer or Morey or a defenceman like a Hollett last year. A player that is a depth player on all teams. I’d rather play some vet as opposed to a bottom six full of rookies. I would assume that the depth player would come cheap as they may be taking up a roster spot on another team......

This is a very real possibility. In my opinion, if one or two of 04's / 05's don't produce, they are at risk of eventually being substituted. There are a lot of rookies on this team. Veteran production needs to come from somewhere - especially if you trade a forward like Martin, Rehkopf and / or even Sop. Maybe MM picks up a cheap asset. No disrespect to Morey as he could have a better season this year and he was a 17 year-old rookie last, but MM would need a better point producing forward if he did bring in another player by trade.

 

[EvenSteven]

That's what I meant by "but only for a limited time".

Yup. But your “leaving him in Ottawa” had me replying. If a deal for Henry is there, I’d take it.