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

[Gondrex]

What can we expect/hope for from the projected lineup in terms of goal production??? Last years stats show a total of 257 goals:

Sop / Rehkoph / Martin (100+)
Swick / Mercer / Misaljevic (50+)
Morey / Botts / Lam (40+)
Pugs / Romano / Hlacar / Stark (30+)

Keeping in mind that these are hypothetical line combinations (and just for fun) I would estimate........

Sop / Rehkoph / Martin - approx. 100
Swick / Mercer / Misaljevic - just under 50
Ellinas / Botts / Lam - approx. 30
Pugliese / Romano / Stark / ??????? (30+) - approx. 20

Notes:
I've swapped Ellinas for Morey (who knows if that really happens or not though)
I like Hlacar, but also like Akimov....or of course whoever else they end up settling on. So I subbed with ?????.

My numbers may not be quite as optimistic, although success on the PP for any of these players can definitely help the numbers.

If it provides any kind of reference, Kingston and Niagara hovered around the 200 goal mark last season. If a guy like Martin gets traded, goal totals could take a bit of a hit.

 

[bobber]

The camp is coming up shortly. With a new coaching staff on the ice lets hope they have a say in decisions in the type of team and player they want to ice this season. All players regardless of their stature on the team should be evaluated as to whether they fit the new mold going forward. In the OHL players start out as rookies and are suppose to improve their skill level each season. As most teams do the Rangers have players that have been spinning their wheels and really not having an impact on games they played in. Hopefully the new coach takes a long hard look at these players and has the authority to make adjustments to the roster with his own type of player as he sees fit. Most teams have some sort of identity. Hope the Rangers become known as a relentless hard working gritty team with character that is a misery to play against. Opposing players all love playing in the old barn. In reality they should hate playing here.

 

[rangersblues]

The camp is coming up shortly. With a new coaching staff on the ice lets hope they have a say in decisions in the type of team and player they want to ice this season. All players regardless of their stature on the team should be evaluated as to whether they fit the new mold going forward. In the OHL players start out as rookies and are suppose to improve their skill level each season. As most teams do the Rangers have players that have been spinning their wheels and really not having an impact on games they played in. Hopefully the new coach takes a long hard look at these players and has the authority to make adjustments to the roster with his own type of player as he sees fit. Most teams have some sort of identity. Hope the Rangers become known as a relentless hard working gritty team with character that is a misery to play against. Opposing players all love playing in the old barn. In reality they should hate playing here.

Unfortunately the new coaching staff has very little say this season. There's a couple of fringe places on the roster that could be up for grabs but the core of the lineup is already set in stone (as always) with returnees and high draft picks.

 

[Gondrex]

Unfortunately the new coaching staff has very little say this season. There's a couple of fringe places on the roster that could be up for grabs but the core of the lineup is already set in stone (as always) with returnees and high draft picks.

I think I would moreless agree with this.

Of the forwards there may be three, maybe four veteran forwards whose jobs might not be considered safe. In my opinion, of those four, two would be '04's. However, if you were to get rid of one or both of those '04's how could you compensate for the loss of a 19 year-old(s) without spending assets to acquire an upgrade with that same DOB? So I think the more likely case is the replacement of an underperforming '05 in favour of perhaps another '05 or '06 (Akimov or Hlacar as just examples.....and there could be other considerations).

As I had opined in a previous post, I personally think two defensive positions could be taken up by either Scott, Runco or Terrance (or possibly even someone else).

Now, this is of course just all speculation based on what is known today. Some move(s) by MM could come completely out of left field that changes this thinking. The acquisition of Ellinas last week is just one example of how quickly things can change.

 

[EvenSteven]

I think I would moreless agree with this.

Of the forwards there may be three, maybe four veteran forwards whose jobs might not be considered safe. In my opinion, of those four, two would be '04's. However, if you were to get rid of one or both of those '04's how could you compensate for the loss of a 19 year-old(s) without spending assets to acquire an upgrade with that same DOB? So I think the more likely case is the replacement of an underperforming '05 in favour of perhaps another '05 or '06 (Akimov or Hlacar as just examples.....and there could be other considerations).

As I had opined in a previous post, I personally think two defensive positions could be taken up by either Scott, Runco or Terrance (or possibly even someone else).

Now, this is of course just all speculation based on what is known today. Some move(s) by MM could come completely out of left field that changes this thinking. The acquisition of Ellinas last week is just one example of how quickly things can change.

We won’t be good this year and next year we’ll be better but not a whole lot. It’s the two or three years following that where we’ll make an impact.

So this year and next, 04’s like the ones you’re referring to will be good players to have around for the rebuild.

They likely won’t be too hard done by if younger players get premium minutes - especially next year.

 

[bobber]

I think what fans hope to see if some sort of change in the paradigm as far as systems go. When Deboer was here you saw and expected something different in the system almost immediately. When he coached the Whalers his system was so noticeable especially on the cycle. His teams would make opposing teams dizzy. I remember getting a sore neck watching his players trapping the Rangers in the offensive end trying to retrieve pucks from the Whaler players. He had them playing an intense hard forechecking system. We were in Guelph at a game when Deboer was our coach. Derek Roy played here at the time. Some of the old diehard Storm season ticket holders in the section where we were situated in were yelling it's not fair they won't let the Storm have the puck. Tongue in cheek from the Storm fans but it was fun to watch that type of hockey. I guess we might not see too many changes in the roster as per usual because vets and draft picks should get priority. Hopefully we do see some solid changes in the structure here and not the dogs breakfast we have seen here for the last few seasons. It was like buying tickets for the lottery and hoping like hell the sun shines on your old dogs arse for a change.

 

[Habsrule]

Sop 30 / Rehkopf 40 / Martin 30
Swick 20 / Mercer 10 / Misaljevic 15
Morey 5 / Bottineau 10 / Lam 15
Pugliese 10 / Romano 15 / Hlacar 5
Stark 10 / Akimov 10 / Ellinas 5

Brzustewicz 15 / Andonovski 5
Hamara 10 / Motew 10
Reid 5 / Scott 2
Runco 2


I figured out the max of what I think the players can / will get. Total of 279.

Now keep in mind that is what I think the max is. The Rangers scored 257 last year. If and when players get traded off that number will drop quickly. When a player gets injured their number will drop.

Niagara and Kingston both had the least amount of goals last year at 199. I suspect Kitchener to be in the 200-220 range this year.

 

[rangersblues]

Sop 30 / Rehkopf 40 / Martin 30
Swick 20 / Mercer 10 / Misaljevic 15
Morey 5 / Bottineau 10 / Lam 15
Pugliese 10 / Romano 15 / Hlacar 5
Stark 10 / Akimov 10 / Ellinas 5

Brzustewicz 15 / Andonovski 5
Hamara 10 / Motew 10
Reid 5 / Scott 2
Runco 2


I figured out the max of what I think the players can / will get. Total of 279.

Now keep in mind that is what I think the max is. The Rangers scored 257 last year. If and when players get traded off that number will drop quickly. When a player gets injured their number will drop.

Niagara and Kingston both had the least amount of goals last year at 199. I suspect Kitchener to be in the 200-220 range this year.

I know you said those are maximum estimates but I don't think the bottom 6 forwards that you have listed (9 players) will score anywhere near 85 goals.

 

[Habsrule]

I know you said those are maximum estimates but I don't think the bottom 6 forwards that you have listed (9 players) will score anywhere near 85 goals.

True. I just listed 15 forwards and didn’t want to give a 0 to anyone. With 15 forwards that means that 3 will be healthy scratches or someone playing Junior B. That will automatically lower their numbers.

 

[Gondrex]

If interested, from the OHL site, Futures Watch: Kitchener Rangers:

Futures Watch: Kitchener Rangers - Ontario Hockey League

 

[Squirrel88]

Pre-season roster is up on the Rangers site. It is just a list of the signed players, of course.

Romano is listed as a RW, FWIW. Six players listed as C, including Stark, Bottineau and Ellinas. Not sure that it means much at this stage, but KIT has used high upside rookies on the wing to get them playing higher in the lineup in the past. Romano may end up on the second line or something.

 

[Jives]

I’d like to see the solid rookies giving a chance on the top 2 lines through out the season.

 

[Habsrule]

I can see the lineups changing quite frequently this season.

Sop, Martin, Rehkopf and Swick are the only guaranteed top six forwards at this point.

Lots of room for players to play up and down the lineup. Nice thing too is it is a whole brand new coaching staff so all players should be on an even playing field.

 

[EvenSteven]

On deeper Ranger teams, Pinelli and Rehkopf saw some PP1 time as 16 year olds.

No doubt, these rookies will get opportunity in situations the coaching staff think they can excel in.

 

[OhSheilaa]

I think the coaches will have a lot of say in the make up of the team. Jussi Ahokas wouldn't leave Finland to come here and not have a say in the players he wants for his system. There are 2 new members of the coaching staff too. It's going to a be fresh new approach and new systems and philosophies. I'm sure they'll align with the plans for the franchise and what they team is building for in the future.

I expect we'll see a fast, hard working team that's defensively responsible and creative while on offence. Players that fit Jussi's systems will play. I don't think every spot from last year's team will be an automatic spot on this year's team. This is a building year and a year when the personality of this team is changing. Not everyone will be coming along as things evolve.

Let's be realistic, Ahokas came here because he wants to coach in the NHL. The only way that will happen is if he's successful at developing players and his systems and coaching work well.

 

[bobber]

I think the coaches will have a lot of say in the make up of the team. Jussi Ahokas wouldn't leave Finland to come here and not have a say in the players he wants for his system. There are 2 new members of the coaching staff too. It's going to a be fresh new approach and new systems and philosophies. I'm sure they'll align with the plans for the franchise and what they team is building for in the future.

I expect we'll see a fast, hard working team that's defensively responsible and creative while on offence. Players that fit Jussi's systems will play. I don't think every spot from last year's team will be an automatic spot on this year's team. This is a building year and a year when the personality of this team is changing. Not everyone will be coming along as things evolve.

Let's be realistic, Ahokas came here because he wants to coach in the NHL. The only way that will happen is if he's successful at developing players and his systems and coaching work well.

Great post Sheilaa! I think fans expect to see changes. Rangers haven't had an identity for a long time. Hopefully these new coaches come in and change the narrative. When they hired Dennis it was like the time Roger Neilson came out to the Leaf bench with a bag over his head. Fans had no idea of what was coming. Neilson was an innovator not a "video coach". On paper these new coaches seem have the goods to install a system here fans can recognize. Rangers have some players on the roster that never really added anything to the mix last season. Hopefully they give every player in camp a decent chance and move the players that don't fit the system they want to put in place.

 

[Gondrex]

I have no idea whether or not it has any impact on any interest that Saginaw would potentially have in Brzustewicz, but the Spirit have acquired two D-men in the last two days - Haché and Bishop.

Edit: If I have read correctly, it seems like the thinking in Spiritland is that one would be sent down to tier II.

 

[the dog]

Where did overage defensemen ty howlett go?

 

[bobber]

Where did overage defensemen ty howlett go?

I believe he lives in the Ottawa area and wants to play closer to home this season. Someone else might want to correct this but I read this somewhere.

 

[OhSheilaa]

In a recent story Josh Brown said Hollett wanted to remain close to his home in Orleans and won't be back for his OA season.

I liked Hollett, he stood up for his team mates. Did what was asked of him. I wish him the best

 

[Habsrule]

Where did overage defensemen ty howlett go?

He is by far the fourth out of three overagers.

Martin, Sop and Motew are a lot better than him. I liked Hollett much better as a forward but typically overagers are your top six forwards, top four defencemen or starting goalie. Hollett would have been depth forward or depth defenceman.

 

[EvenSteven]

He is by far the fourth out of three overagers.

Martin, Sop and Motew are a lot better than him. I liked Hollett much better as a forward but typically overagers are your top six forwards, top four defencemen or starting goalie. Hollett would have been depth forward or depth defenceman.

We’re rebuilding. We should be shopping all three of Martin, Sop, and Motew in an effort to move probably two of them. Our cupboard is empty.

Hollett would have been a good OA option in a rebuilding year. Last year, our forward group was criticized for being all the same type of player. Then we brought in the same kind of players at the deadline.

But when Hollett was moved to forward, he was one of the few forwards who was different. A different kind of player. He brought toughness and jam. He agitated. He started to become a fan favourite. Too bad he didn’t play forward all year.

If we are successful in moving a couple of our current OA’s, we may have to take back an OA or two in return to give them a place to play, like when we took Mutter back from Hamilton in the Xhekaj trade.

These OA’s that we may be taking back, would be, you guessed it, depth type players.

 

[Ward Cornell]

We’re rebuilding. We should be shopping all three of Martin, Sop, and Motew in an effort to move probably two of them. Our cupboard is empty.

Hollett would have been a good OA option in a rebuilding year. Last year, our forward group was criticized for being all the same type of player. Then we brought in the same kind of players at the deadline.

But when Hollett was moved to forward, he was one of the few forwards who was different. A different kind of player. He brought toughness and jam. He agitated. He started to become a fan favourite. Too bad he didn’t play forward all year.

If we are successful in moving a couple of our current OA’s, we may have to take back an OA or two in return to give them a place to play, like when we took Mutter back from Hamilton in the Xhekaj trade.

These OA’s that we may be taking back, would be, you guessed it, depth type players.

Trade trade and more trades. This is an OHL Memorial Cup host yr in which the sellers could get higher returns than other yrs.

 

[dirty12]

Trade trade and more trades. This is an OHL Memorial Cup host yr in which the sellers could get higher returns than other yrs.

There will be more buyers than usual, but there will have to be a shortage of sellers to top the prices of last season considering the number of transactions.

It was a crazy year. There were 8 buyers; plus Flint as more buyer than seller, and Erie & Niagara as buyers and sellers. There were at least eight 16 & 17 yr old 1sts moved. Three top ten picked 18 yr olds were traded for ~3-2nds, 2-3rds. An import went for an obscene 3-2nds, 4-3rds, 2-4ths. I don’t recall ever seeing nearly the equivalent of the 4, 5, 6, 15 overall picked 16 yr olds traded in one year.

 

[Gondrex]

There will be more buyers than usual, but there will have to be a shortage of sellers to top the prices of last season considering the number of transactions.

It was a crazy year. There were 8 buyers; plus Flint as more buyer than seller, and Erie & Niagara as buyers and sellers. There were at least eight 16 & 17 yr old 1sts moved. Three top ten picked 18 yr olds were traded for ~3-2nds, 2-3rds. An import went for an obscene 3-2nds, 4-3rds, 2-4ths. I don’t recall ever seeing nearly the equivalent of the 4, 5, 6, 15 overall picked 16 yr olds traded in one year.

Yeah that was crazy. As for this year, Kitchener is the obvious seller in the west. As for others, depending how their respective seasons go, maybe one could make a case for Sarnia and / or Windsor...and maybe Flint (?) Not sure about the east but perhaps Niagara and Peterborough, although maybe the Petes surprise. North Bay may be in a similar situation as the Petes (?)

In the end it will be supply and demand, and how bad a buying team wants a certain player. As Ward mentioned, in theory, one would think that there could be potentially more buyers this season than on an average year because of the league being Memorial Cup hosts.

I see the Rangers providing extra ice time for their vets in the first half to give them every opportunity to show their worth (at least I hope). In the meantime the rookies will still get plenty opportunities too, but moreso in the 2nd half assuming some pieces get traded off. Of course there's always that risk of injury, which can potentially throw a wrench in plans in getting some much needed assets from a planned trade.