Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 2)

[Coaches Coroner]

One or two tough guys could really help IMO, more so if on the same line and that line understands and sticks to its role.

 

[Tim Wallach]

Rangers are tied for the least amount of PIMs in the league. Not because they are disciplined. More to do with being on the hind end of plays. At level if a team is seen as soft they are like a chicken with a spot of blood. You know what the game plan of the opposition will be.

Very true bobber. This has been my issue with Wideman and the defensive coaching for some time. They play a very reactive system. Contain and follow. I'd love to see a more proactive, aggressive approach to stifling opposing offence. Peterborough demonstrated what I'm talking about. But to do that, you have to value those type of players and that type of game. Kitchener has been okay with soft for a long time.

 

[bobber]

Rangers are tied with the Soo in points with 32. In 7th place because of games in hand. If they continue losing on the road they could end up out of the play offs by the time they return. Switching back and fourth between the World Juniors and Ranger game. Looked like two different leagues.

 

[EvenSteven]

One or two tough guys could really help IMO, more so if on the same line and that line understands and sticks to its role.

Oh, how I long for the DeBoer years.

At or near the top of the league in PIMS and could afford to be because we were at or near the top of the league on the PK.

Most of the penalties back in the day were of the “easy to kill off” nature!

 

[bobber]

When the team is short handed as they were last night with 6 players out of the lineup the coaches have to find a way to get the most out of the remaining players. Even Soo fans who weren't impressed with their teams play thought the Rangers were duds last night until late in the game. Not like the Soo didn't give them the opportunities to take advantage of in the game. To beat a dead horse on the grit issue Rangers did have Florian Xhekaj in the rookie camp as an example. not sure about the main camp. He did get into a couple of scraps. I think the Ranger scouts and management just steer clear of these types. They don't draft these players. I remember when Duco was drafted they said Ranger fans would love the kid. Like a bull in a China shop. Also when you look at a team like the Attack they play a gritty style so some has to be coaching.

 

[rangersblues]

When the team is short handed as they were last night with 6 players out of the lineup the coaches have to find a way to get the most out of the remaining players. Even Soo fans who weren't impressed with their teams play thought the Rangers were duds last night until late in the game. Not like the Soo didn't give them the opportunities to take advantage of in the game. To beat a dead horse on the grit issue Rangers did have Florian Xhekaj in the rookie camp as an example. not sure about the main camp. He did get into a couple of scraps. I think the Ranger scouts and management just steer clear of these types. They don't draft these players. I remember when Duco was drafted they said Ranger fans would love the kid. Like a bull in a China shop. Also when you look at a team like the Attack they play a gritty style so some has to be coaching.

Like Tim Wallach pointed out with Arber, who was one of the toughest players in the OHL in recent memory, the team still played soft. Not saying a couple of tougher guys like Florian wouldn't help, but it really doesn't solve it.

It's an organization thing. Our captain has been more than willing to mix it up this season, even crossed the line once. No one is following or being encouraged to do so. You don't have to knock guys through the boards. Just initiate contact and don't back away from it. We just don't seem to do it.

 

[bobber]

Like Tim Wallach pointed out with Arber, who was one of the toughest players in the OHL in recent memory, the team still played soft. Not saying a couple of tougher guys like Florian wouldn't help, but it really doesn't solve it.

It's an organization thing. Our captain has been more than willing to mix it up this season, even crossed the line once. No one is following or being encouraged to do so. You don't have to knock guys through the boards. Just initiate contact and don't back away from it. We just don't seem to do it.

Always remember Brandon Mashinter in scrums in front of the net. If an opposing player face washed him he poked them in the mouth. These types of players keep other teams honest. Just knowing they are on the bench gives opponents pause for thought about taking advantage of your skilled players. They know they have to answer the bell later. Looking away back the Bellow's team was a tough skilled team. They could play any style you wanted.

 

[TheBlueMonster]

Unless there is something else brewing, this is a horrible deal.

I get that Ziddy hasn't produced like we thought he would after a fairly hot start but he was a solid piece and bright part of the future.

He may have asked out but you're telling me he couldn't be a part of a trade for something other than some 4th round picks?

Kitchener Rangers

kitchenerrangers.com

 

[GeoBlue]

I don't want to bring doom and gloom to the team but I don't think it is going to happen this year. I was just looking over all the significant trades over the last little while that involved the, um, contenders. I have the eerie feeling that the higher end teams that did NOT make any trades are waiting for the Junior tourney to be over. Meaning, Shane Wright is probably going to either Ottawa, Peteborough, London or Saginaw. (Though I hear Peterborough rumours!) I know Ottawa is sort of pulling away from the pack as is but they have the picks and Wright would probably put them over the top.

If Brandt Clarke is returned, I can possibly see him going to one of these 4 as well though as of this morning, Barrie sits in 7th overall. Would Clarke be enough of an add to make them a true contender?

I project these thoughts without taking into consideration as to who has what picks to offer up. (Lost my link to the "cupboard" pages) I believe Ottawa has a bundle of picks to make the Wright thing happen. Maybe London as well?

While I am on the topic, can we possibly hire one or 2 of Ottawa's scouting team? ;-)

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Don't like the Zidlicky trade unless he asked for a trade, in which case it's at least good from a player recruitment perspective (ie. the way the Knights do things; they get a lot of guys to come and if they don't fit in they don't languish, but a spot is found elsewhere for them). Value not really there otherwise.

 

[HockeyPops]

If Brandt Clarke is returned, I can possibly see him going to one of these 4 as well though as of this morning, Barrie sits in 7th overall. Would Clarke be enough of an add to make them a true contender?

I project these thoughts without taking into consideration as to who has what picks to offer up. (Lost my link to the "cupboard" pages) I believe Ottawa has a bundle of picks to make the Wright thing happen. Maybe London as well?

While I am on the topic, can we possibly hire one or 2 of Ottawa's scouting team? ;-)

Draft Pick Database

Barrie added Savard. It makes zero sense for them to do that unless they are going for it. They are not built for next season at all so they weren't adding Savard as an OA option for next year.

They are adding this year, the only question is how much will they add? If you check out the draft pick database I linked, you will see that they have lots they can use to add with.

 

[GeoBlue]

Unless there is something else brewing, this is a horrible deal.

I get that Ziddy hasn't produced like we thought he would after a fairly hot start but he was a solid piece and bright part of the future.

He may have asked out but you're telling me he couldn't be a part of a trade for something other than some 4th round picks?

Kitchener Rangers

kitchenerrangers.com

This one throws me off. IMO, Zidlicky was our most promising 05 outside of Rake. I don't feel he got the right opportunities or players to play with. Prefer him over Mercer. Do you think MM is making room for someone else? But I agree, I can see him wanting out.

Looking away back the Bellow's team was a tough skilled team. They could play any style you wanted.

100% agree with you! You had guys like Presley and Bruce that could put up 40 or 50 goals and still get into 10 or 15 scrums in a season. LOL! A lot of combined talent and toughness in that team.

 

[GeoBlue]

Draft Pick Database

Barrie added Savard. It makes zero sense for them to do that unless they are going for it. They are not built for next season at all so they weren't adding Savard as an OA option for next year.

They are adding this year, the only question is how much will they add? If you check out the draft pick database I linked, you will see that they have lots they can use to add with.

Thanks for the link. Peterborough's a bit thin but could probably still swing something for one of the 2. Having Othmann AND Wright would certainly give them a leg up. If Ottawa gets him, well....

I know Barrie added Savard and Clarke would give them a real boost. Man, with all those 2nd rounders they have in 2024, they could even swing a Wright deal. It's going to be an interesting few days.

 

[Tim Wallach]

This trade is the rub of not developing players properly. The double edged sword aspect means you also don't get much for them when you trade them. Zidlicky should have been a marketable piece, but they essentially move a 17 year old forward with top-6 horizons for a 4th and 5th? Granted, I assume he asked for a trade for ice time purposes but imagine how much better shape this team would be in if they actually improved their players.

 

[GeoBlue]

This trade is the rub of not developing players properly. The double edged sword aspect means you also don't get much for them when you trade them. Zidlicky should have been a marketable piece, but they essentially move a 17 year old forward with top-6 horizons for a 4th and 5th? Granted, I assume he asked for a trade for ice time purposes but imagine how much better shape this team would be in if they actually improved their players.

I can see him in the top 6 with Missy, if not this year then next. Put him on a line with Misa and you will have a lethal duo next year.

 

[Jives]

This trade is the rub of not developing players properly. The double edged sword aspect means you also don't get much for them when you trade them. Zidlicky should have been a marketable piece, but they essentially move a 17 year old forward with top-6 horizons for a 4th and 5th? Granted, I assume he asked for a trade for ice time purposes but imagine how much better shape this team would be in if they actually improved their players.

Zid was giving a shot on the top 6 early in the season but really didn’t go much with that chance. I’d have to believe he asked to be moved with the top 9 set and imo a piece still coming. No doubt in my mind he would if out of ok points next year and then would of been able to get more for him mid next season but this really seems like a player request for added ice and in that situation MM is stuck taking what he can.

He was one of the few players that could have been included in a trade to help out weak puck cupboard. We do add a couple picks but 2nds and 3rds are the wanted ones so it doesn’t add much. MM only piece to add another big piece is a handshake off season trade of a Hunter, Rehkopf or someone else but those are the big 2. I was really hoping he didn’t have to do that type of trade as we will need these pieces to add 2nds and a 16/17 year old next season. He can be creative and I really think he isn’t done yet so we will just have to wait and see.

I think Wright goes to the Pete’s. I’d be willing to bet money on it actually.

 

[rangersblues]

Don't like the Zidlicky trade unless he asked for a trade, in which case it's at least good from a player recruitment perspective (ie. the way the Knights do things; they get a lot of guys to come and if they don't fit in they don't languish, but a spot is found elsewhere for them). Value not really there otherwise.

The thing is Mark Hunter almost always gets more than mid round draft picks when he deals spare parts. But like Tim says we don't develop players and London does.

 

[sirius67fan]

I don't want to bring doom and gloom to the team but I don't think it is going to happen this year. I was just looking over all the significant trades over the last little while that involved the, um, contenders. I have the eerie feeling that the higher end teams that did NOT make any trades are waiting for the Junior tourney to be over. Meaning, Shane Wright is probably going to either Ottawa, Peteborough, London or Saginaw. (Though I hear Peterborough rumours!) I know Ottawa is sort of pulling away from the pack as is but they have the picks and Wright would probably put them over the top.

If Brandt Clarke is returned, I can possibly see him going to one of these 4 as well though as of this morning, Barrie sits in 7th overall. Would Clarke be enough of an add to make them a true contender?

I project these thoughts without taking into consideration as to who has what picks to offer up. (Lost my link to the "cupboard" pages) I believe Ottawa has a bundle of picks to make the Wright thing happen. Maybe London as well?

While I am on the topic, can we possibly hire one or 2 of Ottawa's scouting team? ;-)

Stay away from our scouts!

 

[HockeyPops]

London also rarely signs 6+ rounders to contracts. Typically, the higher a player was drafted, the more the return when traded.

 

[EvenSteven]

I don’t like the deal. It would be a little easier to take if we could have held onto that 3rd instead of sending it with him. Steal for Missy on this one.

Looks like there’s going to be big pressure put on these two 1st rounders we’ll be selecting to help turn this thing around … with no supporting cast in their age group.

 

[rangersblues]

I don’t like the deal. It would be a little easier to take if we could have held onto that 3rd instead of sending it with him. Steal for Missy on this one.

Looks like there’s going to be big pressure put on these two 1st rounders we’ll be selecting to help turn this thing around … with no supporting cast in their age group.

I'm pretty sure we sent a 4th not a 3rd.

In any case this will be a massive rebuild, the likes we've never seen. I'm fine with that if MM has done enough, but....

 

[robertmac43]

Really got to enjoy this coming run.... Next year is going to be a tough viewing experience lol

 

[bobber]

The thing is Mark Hunter almost always gets more than mid round draft picks when he deals spare parts. But like Tim says we don't develop players and London does

Read an article the other day talking about where NHL drafted players are sent to when traded. Two teams it mentioned were North Bay and London. Said both develop 200 foot players to get them ready for pro. This is basically the actual description of the OHL. A developmental league for pro. Looking at next season are there some 2006 Ranger drafted players ready to step in and fill rolls? Presently Bottineau is the only one playing. Zidlicky was mentioned as a decent future prospect in Brock Otten's write up. I find the further away drafted players get from the year they are drafted the slimmer it gets they are signed to the roster.

 

[RangerNation]

FYI (didn't see anyone post this) Penilli is out 1-2 weeks with an upper body injury. Maybe the 20th we'll see what a full team looks like.

 

[EvenSteven]

I don’t like the deal. It would be a little easier to take if we could have held onto that 3rd instead of sending it with him. Steal for Missy on this one.

Looks like there’s going to be big pressure put on these two 1st rounders we’ll be selecting to help turn this thing around … with no supporting cast in their age group.

A 4th it was. My bad!

Still don’t like the deal.