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

[dirty12]

Good point. Also of possible relevance (depending on how all this works), London has a 'slot' available because they never intended to sign their first round pick.

London should have slots for Moore, Medvedev, the ‘67s first pick, and any other two of the Knights 2023 OHL priority draft picks

And I think you are right on how Miss ended up with 6 - when Sarnia traded Martone, they also traded the 16 yo 'slot' that he occupied. Sarnia would not have been able to go and sign another rookie to an A card. The important limiting number appears to be 80 (20 teams and 4 players).

 

[Squirrel88]

London should have slots for Moore, Medvedev, the ‘67s first pick, and any other two of the Knights 2023 OHL priority draft picks

Maybe. The OHL likely has a policy on this. The difference between the examples from last year and a defected player like HB is that Ottawa never signed HB. When you trade an unsigned player, do you also trade his 'slot', or does London have to use one of their own slots when they sign him? We may have an answer if London plays 5 07 players wearing half shields at some point this year.

 

[OMG67]

Good point. Also of possible relevance (depending on how all this works), London has a 'slot' available because they never intended to sign their first round pick.

And I think you are right on how Miss ended up with 6 - when Sarnia traded Martone, they also traded the 16 yo 'slot' that he occupied. Sarnia would not have been able to go and sign another rookie to an A card. The important limiting number appears to be 80 (20 teams and 4 players).

Isn’t the restriction on 16 year olds lifted post-deadline?

 

[EvenSteven]

Isn’t the restriction on 16 year olds lifted post-deadline?

I don’t think so. Just that once a B card signed 16 year old’s season is done, he can join his OHL team full time.

 

[Gondrex]

Heads up to those who plan to attend the X-game in Brantford this week. The Ranger website says the game will be played at the Civic Center (as shown above), whereas the online ticket site says Wayne Gretzky Sports Center......

I'm going to notify the organization to have this corrected.

 

[EvenSteven]

For those of us who cannot get to today’s game, updates and insight will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Tim Wallach]

For those of us who cannot get to today’s game, updates and insight will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!!!

Well, as much as can be gleaned from an early exhibition game, I’ll try:

Team looked decent. Relative to the first exhibition game under Chris Dennis, I thought the breakouts were much cleaner and there were way more tape to tape passes. The D were allowed to activate and he seems to want controlled entries rather than dumping it in, which is nice to see.

On the individual level, I thought all of the 16 year olds looked pretty good. Reid got beat wide for a goal but was otherwise very good. He sure knows how to make himself an option and find dead space. Stark was very poised all game and nearly generated some offence. Romano has good vision and will be better once he uses his skating with confidence.

Ellinas would remind you of Serpa in posture and the one hand on the stick. Didn’t do much of note, nor did Mercer or Bottineau. Morey was actually somewhat effective on the puck and with positioning.

Of the returnees, nothing earth-shattering but I was pleasantly surprised with Swick and the jam he showed. He was asserting himself and creating chances.

I’ll stop there as it’s very early returns and a lot more will be known from the early season. But I will say the organization, passing and positioning was noticeably better than this time last year. So that is encouraging.

 

[OhSheilaa]

Well, as much as can be gleaned from an early exhibition game, I’ll try:

Team looked decent. Relative to the first exhibition game under Chris Dennis, I thought the breakouts were much cleaner and there were way more tape to tape passes. The D were allowed to activate and he seems to want controlled entries rather than dumping it in, which is nice to see.

On the individual level, I thought all of the 16 year olds looked pretty good. Reid got beat wide for a goal but was otherwise very good. He sure knows how to make himself an option and find dead space. Stark was very poised all game and nearly generated some offence. Romano has good vision and will be better once he uses his skating with confidence.

Ellinas would remind you of Serpa in posture and the one hand on the stick. Didn’t do much of note, nor did Mercer or Bottineau. Morey was actually somewhat effective on the puck and with positioning.

Of the returnees, nothing earth-shattering but I was pleasantly surprised with Swick and the jam he showed. He was asserting himself and creating chances.

I’ll stop there as it’s very early returns and a lot more will be known from the early season. But I will say the organization, passing and positioning was noticeably better than this time last year. So that is encouraging.

I agree with your observations Tim and on not going to deep into this as it's early. I'll just add that I like the way they went to the net and stayed in front of it. There were some nice passing plays. They came after the Generals and wanted the puck, The Gennies rested 4 or more regulars. They're going to be a good team this year.

 

[Habsrule]

I will say that I was thoroughly impressed. What got me most was the going to the net in the offensive zone. They didn’t score pretty goals but they got them off of being around the net and getting the pucks on net. The nice thing about that approach is that it doesn’t take a lot of skill to score dirty goals.

I’ll say this and it may be controversial but I think the fans are not going to be big on Rehkopf as much this year. He has a funny skating stride in where he skates very upright and not leaning forward. Think Jack Eichel. It just looks like he is not hustling a lot out there. He will score 40 don’t get me wrong.

Martin looked improved as well. He was skating with the puck a lot more circling in the offensive zone. Swick was playing with more sandpaper to his game. Andonovski will be a physical force on the back end. Fans will love him.

The rookies player well too;
-McNeil player solid. I’d be content if he could be a regular this year which he can’t be.
-Stark played ok and didn’t do a whole lot in the offensive zone but he did get some penalty kill time which is impressive
-Lam scored a but didn’t create a whole lot of chances. He is still raw and will take some time to develop but the skill is there
-Romano looked solid. He plays a good two way game and got some top six minutes
-Reid REALLY impressed me. Like really impressed me. He has poise and was very willing to jump up in the play. He did get walked around for a goal scored but he also created the Lam goal and had multiple other chances. He is a stud


One thing I need to mention is that Oshawa didn’t play their A team roster today and that had a major effect on the game.

 

[gimbznyr]

I was trying to keep my three year old entertained but my big takeaway was reid.... he looks like he's gonna be a damn good one. That and as mentioned earlier, the focus on controlled entries was plesent. Although, Oshawa iced a fairly weak squad.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Well, as much as can be gleaned from an early exhibition game, I’ll try:

Team looked decent. Relative to the first exhibition game under Chris Dennis, I thought the breakouts were much cleaner and there were way more tape to tape passes. The D were allowed to activate and he seems to want controlled entries rather than dumping it in, which is nice to see.

On the individual level, I thought all of the 16 year olds looked pretty good. Reid got beat wide for a goal but was otherwise very good. He sure knows how to make himself an option and find dead space. Stark was very poised all game and nearly generated some offence. Romano has good vision and will be better once he uses his skating with confidence.

Ellinas would remind you of Serpa in posture and the one hand on the stick. Didn’t do much of note, nor did Mercer or Bottineau. Morey was actually somewhat effective on the puck and with positioning.

Of the returnees, nothing earth-shattering but I was pleasantly surprised with Swick and the jam he showed. He was asserting himself and creating chances.

I’ll stop there as it’s very early returns and a lot more will be known from the early season. But I will say the organization, passing and positioning was noticeably better than this time last year. So that is encouraging.

Thanks Tim....your posts are always top shelf in analysis.
Very much appreciated.

I'm not concerned on the wins and losses this yr but more on skill development and the team play within a structured system. Seeing incremental improvements throughout the seasons is what I'll be looking for.
Watching practices this year will be very informative.

 

[Gondrex]

As mentioned the Gens didn’t have 2 of 3 of their big guns - Rolofs and Ritchie. In the 2nd half they also changed to Bender in net (Provincial Jr C ‘22-23 champions Wellesley) for what that’s worth.

The game comments pretty much cover things, so I won’t add much more. One player I was actually impressed with was MacNeil. I know he won’t get many games in this year, and this was just exhibition, but for the most part he played a solid game. He kept things simple and made numerous good zone-clearing passes. Reid was obviously very good today too as mentioned. The Lam goal was largely due to his efforts.

To me, Stark‘s game seemed to get better as the game went on. Nice to see him get a shot at the PK1. Too bad he was unable to handle that pass as he was cruising in through the slot unattended early on. That would have been the opening goal.

Looking forward to the game Wednesday night In Brantford.

 

[Jives]

The D is one solid player away from really a solid blue line. Hunter, Hamara and Andonovski are NHL draft picks. Motew is a very solid OHL player. Reid is so smart. It’s really a solid top 5. I’m not saying let’s go get another Dman but it’s kind of funny that we really are underrating the D core this year in tank mode.

The PP1 of Hunter, Sop, Martin, Swick and Carson was really good today. I don’t know if they scored or what they went on the PP today but they really moved the puck around well.

Hamara - looks like he wants to take his game to another level. Offensively he was great today.

Reid….just wow.

Sop - I gave him a not so positive review in the scrimmage game but he was really good today. I’d be shocked if someone doesn’t try to trade for him.

Martin - teams are going to want him.

MacNeil - by no means is he flashy but he can really play in his own end. He will be a solid addition next year.

Romano - the best of the 3 fwd 16 year olds today (and was a mile behind Reid). Although he did get to ride 2nd line with Sop and Martin. This is why I’d like to see Stark or Lam with Carson and Swick. They learn so much playing up on the top lines at a young age.

Ellinas - I’m wanting a lot more.

Swick - he looks more comfortable in his big body this year. I think he will have a solid year.

Bottineau - I thought made some decent plays today.

 

[Gondrex]

The D is one solid player away from really a solid blue line. Hunter, Hamara and Andonovski are NHL draft picks. Motew is a very solid OHL player. Reid is so smart. It’s really a solid top 5. I’m not saying let’s go get another Dman but it’s kind of funny that we really are underrating the D core this year in tank mode.

I'm anxious to see how Runco - somewhat of a throw-in in the Vandenberg deal (?) - fits in this year. Hope he plays in Brantford. Also hoping Scott takes that next step after having a taste of the league late last season.

 

[Petes1987]

Just last season Mississauga played Karmiris, Reenders, VonRichter, and the acquired Martone and VanVolsen.

The rule on underage players drafted in the 1st round but are traded depends when they are traded. A player who is declared defected and is traded in the September window count towards the team they are traded to four, underages. If they are traded in the January window they count towards their previous team’s four underages not the team they are traded to.

 

[OHL4Life]

Isn’t the restriction on 16 year olds lifted post-deadline?

the 5th 16 year old needs to be signed to another teams a card before he can be rostered. in london's case, ottawa never signed him so they will be limited to 4 cards, but it doesnt matter, they wont play or even roster 4. if the 07 they just signed was traded to kitchener at the deadline, they could dress 5 because he was signed and put on an a card by london before the deadline. thats why mississauga was able to do it last year.

 

[EvenSteven]

The rule on underage players drafted in the 1st round but are traded depends when they are traded. A player who is declared defected and is traded in the September window count towards the team they are traded to four, underages. If they are traded in the January window they count towards their previous team’s four underages not the team they are traded to.

So, if Kitchener traded for Henry B, one of their current four 07’s would have to be dropped to B status?

If so, maybe the Rangers were never in on him from the start?

 

[dirty12]

So, if Kitchener traded for Henry B, one of their current four 07’s would have to be dropped to B status?

If so, maybe the Rangers were never in on him from the start?

If so, I agree Kitchener probably did not make an offer.

https://cdn.ontariohockeyleague.com/uploads/ohl/2023/04/20235649/2023OHLDraftGuide.pdf

As stated p. 3/49, I see the ‘67s being able to play only three for 10+ games (until after the season of the affiliate player’s other team is finished).

 

[Rangers True Blue]

A few adds to the comments already made about yesterday's exhibition game.

Player notes have been made and largely, I agree with them. Reid IS a stud.....Romano didn't look out of place and will only get better with time......... Lam is smart with the puck, quick to find space, and scored a nice one (4th line with Morey and Ellinas....a line which was surprisingly good)........Stark is more than he seems and held his own on that 3rd line.....and Parsons looked solid with a few game changing saves (this is a guy that hasn't played in how long??).

Defense.......a couple of defensive mistakes that cost a couple of goals but agreed, this should not be the weakness on this team or any other team for that matter.

Rangers were 4 for 4 on the PK and 1 for 1 for 3 on the PP (which had loads of chances).

Both assistant coaches were engaged with the players and visa versa. Jussi takes in the game and yes, makes adjustments (I know...compared to recent seasons, what's that??). They were drawing up plays and the players were executing them.

When Oshawa went ahead near the end of the 2nd, I wondered how the Rangers would react in the 3rd. Pucked drop and they were on the attack. They had a plan...it was obvious....and scored within seconds. I thought good on them...but they weren't done. In under 2 minutes, 3 goals were scored and Oshawa was stunned. Their coach called a time out to attempt to settle them down but the damage was done.

Note........when Oshawa got more physical, Rangers did not back down....not even the rookies. Nice to see they can't be intimidated.

Considering that the entire coaching team is new and has only had days to work with the team.....and that the team is loaded with rookies, this first "game" was a positive start for them.

 

[EvenSteven]

If so, I agree Kitchener probably did not make an offer.

https://cdn.ontariohockeyleague.com/uploads/ohl/2023/04/20235649/2023OHLDraftGuide.pdf

As stated p. 3/49, I see the ‘67s being able to play only three for 10+ games (until after the season of the affiliate player’s other team is finished).

Likely did not make an offer. Once we signed our four 07’s, never had intention of even exploring the possibility of getting involved in any trade talks, as per the rules. Lol!

Sort of funny the pages of posts on here working out trade possibilities for a player we really never were able to trade for.

Hilarious actually! Ah well, gave us something to talk about!

 

[Squirrel88]

A couple posters have mentioned more structured play from Kitchener. Any details on what type of structure they are implementing? I didn't really see it from either team, which is not unusual for the first pre-season game. The only thing I noted from a style of play perspective was that the defensemen seemed to have more freedom to be aggressive in the offensive zone with a high forward tasked with covering the point when they did. Not many odd-man rushes against, so something was working.

I agree with much of what was said above. I thought Hunter played about as poorly as I have ever seen him play. Not too worried, though. I also thought Rehkopf was off. He may struggle early in the season with the 1C role.

Fourth line - Morey, Lam, Ellinas - outplayed the third line - Mercer, Stark, Bottineau - for much of the game.

PP2 was Hamara, Motew, Romano, Misal and Lam/Stark. Not a lot of offensive depth on the team. Stark and Morey added to the PK rotation.

 

[Antiillafire]

Based on the roster announcement it looks like Tomas Pobezal will not be playing with Slovakia’s U18 national team this season, meaning it’s either HK Nitra in the men’s league or Kitchener if things go south. He’s been rotating between the third and fourth line. I still say there is a good chance he joins Kitchener at least part way through the season

 

[Gondrex]

Based on the roster announcement it looks like Tomas Pobezal will not be playing with Slovakia’s U18 national team this season, meaning it’s either HK Nitra in the men’s league or Kitchener if things go south. He’s been rotating between the third and fourth line. I still say there is a good chance he joins Kitchener at least part way through the season

Appreciate the update. Could definitely use his help this season. For what it’s worth, they have not yet taken down the Slovakian flag in our arena from last year when Mesar played here ….and if we trade off a veteran, the timing would be about right.

 

[EvenSteven]

Appreciate the update. Could definitely use his help this season. For what it’s worth, they have not yet taken down the Slovakian flag in our arena from last year when Mesar played here ….and if we trade off a veteran, the timing would be about right.

Hypothetically, if Pobezal reported here tomorrow, we’d have to trade or release the rights to one of Mesar - Hamara.

Sticky situation. No guarantee Mesar is 100% done at this level.

 

[rangersblues]

Hypothetically, if Pobezal reported here tomorrow, we’d have to trade or release the rights to one of Mesar - Hamara.

Sticky situation. No guarantee Mesar is 100% done at this level.

Isn't there provisions to keep the 3rd import temporarily because Mesar was a first rounder?