Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 2)

[rangersblues]

I think the Rangers should add some grit to go along with the deals they have made.

Good point. Even if the 3rd and 4th lines don't add a lot of scoring, they can add a physical element.

 

[EvenSteven]

Sorry but if we're going all in, you go all in. If Rehkopf has to be part of the deal to get Wright, so be it. It's a tremendous upgrade for this season. Chances are we're selling Rehkopf down the road anyway.

Umm, no. I’m not including one of next year’s two top returning players in a deal for Wright. Rehkopf, and Brzustewicz for that matter, are way too important to this year’s team.

The only way either should be included in any deal this year is if it’s a two parter where they go the other way in the off season.

And by the way, both would have no trades and may very well veto a trade to Kingston this year and possibly in the off season.

I’m not sold on Wright being “all in” if returned to the OHL. This is a player who’ll be disgruntled at being returned to the OHL and knows that when his team’s season is done, he’ll go right back to the show or at worst, the AHL.

For me, I’d feel more comfortable going all in on, say, a Harrison in Oshawa for example who’s not a disgruntled player playing on a team that a Rehkopf may be more inclined to report to in the off season if he’s to be included in a two parter.

Or maybe, say, a Mintyukov in Saginaw who’s one of the best players in the league this year playing on a team where Brzustewicz, a Michigan kid, may agree to go to in the off season if he’s to be included in a two parter.

There’s a reason DeBoer wouldn’t part with Kadri straight up in the Steve Mason deal. A reason why Logan Stanley didn’t come to the Rangers immediately in the Bracco deal. They were too valuable to their teams.

London wouldn’t part with Mitch Marner at 17 in any deal because he was too big a part of the team. Ditto Gabe Vilardi in Windsor at that age.

Rehkopf and Brzustewicz hold that value to this team, this year.

 

[rangersblues]

Umm, no. I’m not including one of next year’s two top returning players in a deal for Wright. Rehkopf, and Brzustewicz for that matter, are way too important to this year’s team.

The only way either should be included in any deal this year is if it’s a two parter where they go the other way in the off season.

And by the way, both would have no trades and may very well veto a trade to Kingston this year and possibly in the off season.

I’m not sold on Wright being “all in” if returned to the OHL. This is a player who’ll be disgruntled at being returned to the OHL and knows that when his team’s season is done, he’ll go right back to the show or at worst, the AHL.

For me, I’d feel more comfortable going all in on, say, a Harrison in Oshawa for example who’s not a disgruntled player playing on a team that a Rehkopf may be more inclined to report to in the off season if he’s to be included in a two parter.

Or maybe, say, a Mintyukov in Saginaw who’s one of the best players in the league this year playing on a team where Brzustewicz, a Michigan kid, may agree to go to in the off season if he’s to be included in a two parter.

There’s a reason DeBoer wouldn’t part with Kadri straight up in the Steve Mason deal. A reason why Logan Stanley didn’t come to the Rangers immediately in the Bracco deal. They were too valuable to their teams.

London wouldn’t part with Mitch Marner at 17 in any deal because he was too big a part of the team. Ditto Gabe Vilardi in Windsor at that age.

Rehkopf and Brzustewicz hold that value to this team, this year.

Do we have a team to support Rehkopf for a championship run in the next 2 seasons, particularly after what MM is doing this season? Not a chance.

Is Wright currently a better player than Rehkopf? I think only the most stubborn would not say 100% absolutely. Wright was the 4th overall pick and could easily have gone higher. He'll be a top 6 forward at WJC.

We know London didn't part with Marner. They had other options though. Currently the Rangers almost certainly do not. AND Marner was already a big contributor whereas Rehkopf is not. Marner at 16 years old - 13 G 46 A. Marner at 17 years old - 44 G 82 A. Rehkopf at 16 years old - 18 G 15 A. Rehkopf at age 17 - not even a point per game player. That comparison is ludicrous.

I get that you would rather not part with Rehkopf because of his potential. If the Rangers can hold on to Rehkopf and work out a two part deal, which I'm almost certain he'd be part of anyway like Kadri, by all means do so. But if the Rangers NEED to part with him to get Wright, or any other player(s) that would put them over the top this year, they have to do it. Otherwise why bother with the trades they've made already and making a half hearted attempt at a championship. The 2023 version of Rehkopf is not leading this team to a championship. He's a supporting player.

 

[RangerNation]

Yeah, not getting Wright, a top 4 NHL pick returning to the OHL, because you don’t wanna give up a guy like Rehkopf in a season you’re already buying is insane.

The problem I see is Rehkopf next year can be traded to start restocking some picks. If he goes for Wright, so are more picks, and maybe another player. The Aud is suddenly a casino after a trade like that. Unless it's one of these two way deals next year. I don't know.

 

[RangerNation]

wow, your team looks a whole lot better than it did a couple days ago. now i'm not so excited for fridays game haha.

Just get yourself a nice cold beer, maybe a Rangers ornament for the tree, some beer nuts, definitely a roast beef sandwich from the random carver station, and enjoy the circus!

 

[Rangers True Blue]

As we stand now, when healthy, the lineup could look like this:

Martin. Pinelli. Mesar.
Arcuri. Rehkopf. Valade.
Swick. Sop. Fishman.
Zidlicky. Mercer. Miseljevic.
Morey. Bottineau. Pugliese.

Schmidt. Moore.
Brzustewicz. Hamara.
Motew. Andonovski.
Hollett. Scott.

Costantini.
Vandenberg.
Parsons (out for season).

I think we need a middle six RW to bump Valade down to strengthen the 3rd line and maybe a depth D comparable to the Harper acquisition last year.

MM did say "I'm done for now...." not "I'm done". Might just happen.

 

[GeoBlue]

MM did say "I'm done for now...." not "I'm done". Might just happen.

Yes, never under estimate MM. Need goaltender (Constantini)- check. Need Leadership (Moore) - check. Need scoring punch (Arcuri) - check. MM has been addressing needs mentioned on this board, and though I am sure he is NOT reading this board, I think he realizes that the work is not done. Seems we need grit and maybe a bottom six. I definitely see more moves coming either in the next few days or after the blackout. They could be minor, shore up moves in nature or one big surprise bang. It is now very obvious that MM is "going for it" because, well, it is not going to happen next year or the year after.

 

[EvenSteven]

Do we have a team to support Rehkopf for a championship run in the next 2 seasons, particularly after what MM is doing this season? Not a chance.

Is Wright currently a better player than Rehkopf? I think only the most stubborn would not say 100% absolutely. Wright was the 4th overall pick and could easily have gone higher. He'll be a top 6 forward at WJC.

We know London didn't part with Marner. They had other options though. Currently the Rangers almost certainly do not. AND Marner was already a big contributor whereas Rehkopf is not. Marner at 16 years old - 13 G 46 A. Marner at 17 years old - 44 G 82 A. Rehkopf at 16 years old - 18 G 15 A. Rehkopf at age 17 - not even a point per game player. That comparison is ludicrous.

I get that you would rather not part with Rehkopf because of his potential. If the Rangers can hold on to Rehkopf and work out a two part deal, which I'm almost certain he'd be part of anyway like Kadri, by all means do so. But if the Rangers NEED to part with him to get Wright, or any other player(s) that would put them over the top this year, they have to do it. Otherwise why bother with the trades they've made already and making a half hearted attempt at a championship. The 2023 version of Rehkopf is not leading this team to a championship. He's a supporting player.

Not saying Rehkopf is the same player as Marner (your points comparison). I’m saying his value to the team is the same as Marner’s was at 17 years old. Both top sixers who, if you traded leaves a hole.

And again, would he waive his no trade?

 

[bobber]

I'm not denying DeBoer emptied the draft cupboard. But that was never the reason for the mostly lacklustre teams of the past decade. We quickly recovered from that and moved on.

You read too much into what I said in the post. I was only going along with Even about emptying the cupboard. I really don't need a history lesson on the Rangers. I sat in the same seats watching them for a couple of decades or more. Some teams do recover from not having picks others have spun their wheels for years. GMs have to go for it some time and MM is doing that now. He has no choice now but to do whatever it takes. I am fine with whatever he does.

 

[EvenSteven]

Yes, never under estimate MM. Need goaltender (Constantini)- check. Need Leadership (Moore) - check. Need scoring punch (Arcuri) - check. MM has been addressing needs mentioned on this board, and though I am sure he is NOT reading this board, I think he realizes that the work is not done. Seems we need grit and maybe a bottom six. I definitely see more moves coming either in the next few days or after the blackout. They could be minor, shore up moves in nature or one big surprise bang. It is now very obvious that MM is "going for it" because, well, it is not going to happen next year or the year after.

I’m betting Moore and Arcuri were MM’s big “gets”. It’s possible may have been negotiating Wright but settled on Arcuri.

He’s probably is outbid on Wright anyway at this point based on the available draft cupboards of teams like Ottawa and Barrie.

We have 2x2nds, 4x3rds, 5x4ths in the bank. Possible bodies that could bring big return are Rehkopf and Brzustewicz via two part deals should they agree to waive.

And actually, since we’re not slated to contend the next couple years, and with Vandenberg and DiFelice in the stable, moving Parsons could be an option to sweeten a deal. He’s lost to us this year anyway.

For me, I see one or two minor adds left. A middle six forward and maybe a depth D. That middle six forward could be a bigger add if MM decides to. A very good or better RW to play on line 2.

 

[Gondrex]

Landing Arcuri and Moore is obviously a big improvement to this team. When looking out into the future, this year was MM's chance of making any type of noise. Will it be enough ? Some other teams haven't made their big moves yet.

It would be nice to land an additional guy like Wright and spend every remaining nickel + perhaps part with a Rehkopf, but in my opinion you would never be able to recoup the adequate picks needed down the road as EvenSteven pointed out in a previous post. The team would only likely get picks of any significance from a guy like Brzustewicz going forward. This would put the team in a period of futility for years IMO, and not help them in the future when perhaps they take the next run with their 07's. The team would then have to rely on some incredible luck at the draft table. Based on recent draft history, I'm not holding my breath. Yes, you could certainly debate this point all day long. This is only my view.

Aside from "around the edges" inexpensive tweaking, I believe this is the most prudent way to go this season. It may not be enough, but it gives them a shot.....and with any luck the addition of these two will elevate the overall team's game - something we've only seen glimpses of so far, and perhaps more so recently.

​

 

[RangerNation]

For me, I see one or two minor adds left. A middle six forward and maybe a depth D. That middle six forward could be a bigger add if MM decides to. A very good or better RW to play on line 2.

If his plan is only 1 more player, I hope it's at D. This team has had its blowout games this year and with Arcuri added, I dont feel as uneasy looking at our forwards given the added goals that are coming. Give us that shutdown D that doesn't need the coaching anymore, he knows what to do.

 

[EvenSteven]

Landing Arcuri and Moore is obviously a big improvement to this team. When looking out into the future, this year was MM's chance of making any type of noise. Will it be enough ? Some other teams haven't made their big moves yet.

It would be nice to land an additional guy like Wright and spend every remaining nickel + perhaps part with a Rehkopf, but in my opinion you would never be able to recoup the adequate picks needed down the road as EvenSteven pointed out in a previous post. The team would only likely get picks of any significance from a guy like Brzustewicz going forward. This would put the team in a period of futility for years IMO, and not help them in the future when perhaps they take the next run with their 07's. The team would then have to rely on some incredible luck at the draft table. Based on recent draft history, I'm not holding my breath. Yes, you could certainly debate this point all day long. This is only my view.

Aside from "around the edges" inexpensive tweaking, I believe this is the most prudent way to go this season. It may not be enough, but it gives them a shot.....and with any luck the addition of these two will elevate the overall team's game - something we've only seen glimpses of so far, and perhaps more so recently.

​

That Sirizzotti deal was intriguing. Is there another deal out there like that? He would have looked good on our middle six. And for a 3rd and 8th?

 

[LDN]

That Sirizzotti deal was intriguing. Is there another deal out there like that? He would have looked good on our middle six. And for a 3rd and 8th?

Perhaps with Niagara there’s Michaud who has 17 points in 24 games. I recall him being highly touted in around the time of the 2019 OHL draft.

Seems like a guy who could produce with some better line mates.


You could also swap Valade for Jesus and improve your D a bit

 

[EvenSteven]

Perhaps with Niagara there’s Michaud who has 17 points in 24 games. I recall him being highly touted in around the time of the 2019 OHL draft.

Seems like a guy who could produce with some better line mates.


You could also swap Valade for Jesus and improve your D a bit

I’m wondering if we couldn’t improve the D in a major way if we moved Hamara and picks in favour of Mintyukov. Or Hamara for Grushnikov straight up.

 

[LDN]

I’m wondering if we couldn’t improve the D in a major way if we moved Hamara and picks in favour of Mintyukov. Or Hamara for Grushnikov straight up.

I feel like you can definitely improve your OA in Valade…. Imagine a swap for Morrison. Your top 6 would be pretty deadly!


If London sells you could trade for Mailloux. Mintyukov or Clarke are the big fish on D this year though

 

[EvenSteven]

I feel like you can definitely improve your OA in Valade…. Imagine a swap for Morrison. Your top 6 would be pretty deadly!


If London sells you could trade for Mailloux. Mintyukov or Clarke are the big fish on D this year though

Like the Moore deal and Serpa, Valade would be a throw in. Morrison would be, what, 2x2nds 2x3rds? Rangers have the picks…

 

[LDN]

Like the Moore deal and Serpa, Valade would be a throw in. Morrison would be, what, 2x2nds 2x3rds? Rangers have the picks…

Likely. I think that makes a lot of sense for you guys. One of the better scorers in the league

 

[GeoBlue]

I feel like you can definitely improve your OA in Valade…. Imagine a swap for Morrison. Your top 6 would be pretty deadly!

Valade for Morrison? Done! And we'll throw in the Freeport bridge!

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Do we have a team to support Rehkopf for a championship run in the next 2 seasons, particularly after what MM is doing this season? Not a chance.

Is Wright currently a better player than Rehkopf? I think only the most stubborn would not say 100% absolutely. Wright was the 4th overall pick and could easily have gone higher. He'll be a top 6 forward at WJC.

This makes little sense. He slid to 4 in a weak draft. I don't think he could have "easily gone higher" when every team in front of Seattle had him lower than where they picked. A lot of Scouts were unimpressed with his compete level and tendency to beat up on weaker teams and phoning it in against top teams.

I'm not paying extra for his "4th overall NHL pick" pedigree when he also seems to have baggage that comes with him. If the price is Rehkopf+, I think you can improve the team in other ways, addressing real needs (wright would improve but doesn't fill a need), for less. I'm not touching the kid at the price until I see him play amazing at the WJC, until he does that I don't care that he played a whopping 8 NHL games and 5 AHL games all season.

You can probably upgrade on Valade to Morrison, get a similar impact OHLer, and still have just enough assets to get a strong 3rd liner with attributes the rest of the lineup lacks.

 

[EvenSteven]

A lot of Scouts were unimpressed with his compete level and tendency to beat up on weaker teams and phoning it in against top teams.

This is exactly the feeling in Montreal and played a big part in them passing on him at the draft.

Also not helping was the fact that Bedard outplayed him at the abbreviated WJC last winter. For what Wright was supposed to be, he was underwhelming.

 

[Tim Wallach]

I honestly am quite fine with the D. I think it's a high end group. When Andonovski and Hollett will have trouble getting in the lineup, that's a deep, solid group. Could stand to be more physical, but it's very solid now.

If anything else happens, I still think it needs to be up front. He still had 5 or 6 forwards who literally contribute nothing. I think this team is still vulnerable to being shutdown offensively in tough battles. Martin back will be huge, but I still think some chaff needs to be replaced with purpose players - even if they're not prime pieces. At least some grit.

 

[EvenSteven]

I honestly am quite fine with the D. I think it's a high end group. When Andonovski and Hollett will have trouble getting in the lineup, that's a deep, solid group. Could stand to be more physical, but it's very solid now.

If anything else happens, I still think it needs to be up front. He still had 5 or 6 forwards who literally contribute nothing. I think this team is still vulnerable to being shutdown offensively in tough battles. Martin back will be huge, but I still think some chaff needs to be replaced with purpose players - even if they're not prime pieces. At least some grit.

I agree. Sure would be nice to have more quality physicality on the back end. But for sure that top five is really nice. If anything, I do add a cheap veteran primarily for depth the way we added Harper last year.

Upfront, if we could add two more pieces, a second line right winger, and a decent third liner, both with a little edge, that should give us three solid lines.

And I agree, we need to start moving out a couple of the insignificant players.

 

[Tim Wallach]

That's what I'm thinking Even. Just need a dash of spice in the forward lines to give the group some flavour. Right now it's all vanilla on the bottom of that group.

 

[GeoBlue]

And I agree, we need to start moving out a couple of the insignificant players.

I think this will happen naturally once our WJC players and Martin come back, and the final trades are made, of course.