Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Season Thread

[MatthewsMoustache]

Regarding moving certain young players.

MM and the Rangers will have to have next year in mind when making their roster moves to go all in this year. That is, if there’s any truth to the rumours that they may bid for the 2024 Memorial Cup hosting duties.

We wouldn’t be able to totally empty the draft pick cupboard in making additions this year. So likely there may have to be a decent young skater or two go the other way in trades if we are to keep from trading away all our high picks. That being said, we’d have to have a damn good returning group next year.

So the notion of possibility moving apparent quality youth in Zidlicky and / or Mercer for example, would affect next years forward group. Especially since we’ll be hit hard up front by graduation.

So for me, I have a hard time believing we can go all in this year and put a team in the ice next year worthy of hosting the Memorial Cup.

With Pinelli, Valade, Serpa, Schmidt all out after this year, it’s hard for me to see how they are ever going to put out a team good enough to compete for the 2024 Memorial Cup. Even if Mesar ends up here, he will have AHL eligibility and likely doesn’t make it back next year. The likes of Rehkopf, Zidlicky, Mercer, LeBlancs would have to take massive steps between now and then for it to even be feasible.

When you have Pinelli, Schmidt, Mesar(?), Valade, Serpa all in their last year I think you have to give it everything you can. It’s also the right thing to do for the guys like Valade, Pinelli and Serpa who have been here for all these years and have never had a real opportunity to go all in on a playoff run due to covid. And this will be their last chance.

 

[GeoBlue]

I think the "elephant in the room' that is not being mentioned much is the new coach. There really hasn't been much of a sample yet to base our expectations on going forward. Other than he expects all his players to work hard. Does anyone have a handle on what type of team fans will expect to see this season?

I recall someone posing the question to Dennis at the Annual Meeting as to whether he considered himself an offensive or defensive coach. He was a bit hesitant to classify himself but ultimately stated that he is more defensive as offensive skills is something you really cannot teach.

 

[Ward Cornell]

I have a feeling complaining about ice time to Deboer is a good way to get less ice time.

A far better approach with Deboer or any coach is to ask "what part or parts of their game that they need to work on to warrant more icetime".

 

[bobber]

A far better approach with Deboer or any coach is to ask "what part or parts of their game that they need to work on to warrant more icetime".

This is true. And if you didn't ask you would soon find out.

 

[rangersblues]

I recall someone posing the question to Dennis at the Annual Meeting as to whether he considered himself an offensive or defensive coach. He was a bit hesitant to classify himself but ultimately stated that he is more defensive as offensive skills is something you really cannot teach.

Not being able to teach offensive skills is something I really don't want to hear out of a coach. Some of it is instinct but a lot of it is development through practice.

 

[GeoBlue]

Not being able to teach offensive skills is something I really don't want to hear out of a coach. Some of it is instinct but a lot of it is development through practice.

Don't quote me on that as my recall goes down as my age goes up. LOL!

 

[Ward Cornell]

Well thought out article on Mesar.

Filip Mesar et les trois scénarios de la saison 2022-2023

Dans l'ombre de Juraj Slafkovsky, Filip Mesar ne sait toujours pas où il évoluera. Est-ce dans la OHL, la SHL ou la LAH ?

www.toutsurlehockey.com

Some selected text:

"However, the Slovak is frail and has never really played in a physical circuit where he has to deal with constant attacks. The SHL is better than the league he's played on the past two seasons, but it's a far cry from what America offers."

"I think the OHL is the most plausible avenue, as we have seen with Fabian Lysell in the WHL this season, but I would still like to see him in the academy for a while to see his level ( if his camp and preseason are going well)."

"Nothing prevents the organization from using their creativity with contracts so that Filip Mesar tries a few games with Laval and then sends him to the OHL. Maybe it would even be better for him who will see what he is missing and who will not have a feeling of injustice in his head. I don't think the Slovak will develop any if the OHL is chosen from the start, but you never know, he is only 18 years old."

I suspect what may sway Mesar more than anything is talking to the vets on the Habs about the positives and negatives about playing in the OHL at this point in his development.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I suspect what may sway Mesar more than anything is talking to the vets on the Habs about the positives and negatives about playing in the OHL at this point in his development.

It's nice that media are making it sound like it's Mesar's choice and that his preferences are of utmost importance, but at the end up the day Kent Hughes and MTL management get to decide where he plays. I think we see him mid to late October unless he can be a big producer in the AHL.

 

[EvenSteven]

I suspect what may sway Mesar more than anything is talking to the vets on the Habs about the positives and negatives about playing in the OHL at this point in his development.

That and maybe (hopefully) a short AHL stint where he quickly learns that he isn’t quite AHL ready yet.

I suspect his playing in that Slovak pro league last year has him thinking he’s above junior hockey. I suspect there’s a big difference between that league and AHL hockey. He may find the OHL to be a little tougher than what he might think it is right now.

 

[K2]

Lots of minutes to go around today!

 

[Ranger77]

Misa was fun to watch today! Puck seems to follow him.

 

[Antiillafire]

That and maybe (hopefully) a short AHL stint where he quickly learns that he isn’t quite AHL ready yet.

I suspect his playing in that Slovak pro league last year has him thinking he’s above junior hockey. I suspect there’s a big difference between that league and AHL hockey. He may find the OHL to be a little tougher than what he might think it is right now.

Tomas Tatar had a very good AHL season right after being drafted out of the Slovak league and he’s arguably been the most successful Slovak player in the last 10-12 years. Mesar’s numbers were actually better than Tatar’s as well in his DY in Slovakia. Both about the same size, Mesar actually probably a bit heavier.

Why would Mesar take the path that has stunted/hindered the development of so many Slovak players in the past 5-8 years? Petrovsky, Roman, Cajkovic, Chromiak, Kmec, etc. Panik (from the Czech league) can also be put in that convo.

I wasn’t sure how he would look after his injury but he’s played very well and as a C. Wouldn’t make sense to go to Kitchener and be forced to play second line C behind Pinelli.

 

[EvenSteven]

Wouldn’t make sense to go to Kitchener and be forced to play second line C behind Pinelli.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he came to Kitchener and forced his way into the #1C role and all the minutes that come with it.

Or would he rather play outside the top six in Laval?

If he wants to play in NA, (and the Habs want him on this side of the pond) and wants premiere minutes this year, his best bet is Kitchener.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

I wouldn’t be surprised if he came to Kitchener and forced his way into the #1C role and all the minutes that come with it.

Or would he rather play outside the top six in Laval?

If he wants to play in NA, (and the Habs want him on this side of the pond) and wants premiere minutes this year, his best bet is Kitchener.

Absolutely. And keeping big bodies away from you on an international size rink is not the same as on a North American size rink. Why play outside the top 6 and risk being punished along the boards? How is that helping Mesar's development. He's been misinformed about the OHL (and CHL) as he will learn. There have been MANY European players who have benefited from playing in the league. Some right here in Kitchener. Landeskog for example.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Morey looked good in his first game as a Ranger. And Dennis had the opportunity to put his 3rd and 4th (2nd when you factor in all the players missing) on the ice more and evaluate their performance. I also saw some new PP strategies. Looking forward to opening night.

 

[dirty12]

Tomas Tatar had a very good AHL season right after being drafted out of the Slovak league and he’s arguably been the most successful Slovak player in the last 10-12 years. Mesar’s numbers were actually better than Tatar’s as well in his DY in Slovakia. Both about the same size, Mesar actually probably a bit heavier.

Why would Mesar take the path that has stunted/hindered the development of so many Slovak players in the past 5-8 years? Petrovsky, Roman, Cajkovic, Chromiak, Kmec, etc. Panik (from the Czech league) can also be put in that convo.

I wasn’t sure how he would look after his injury but he’s played very well and as a C. Wouldn’t make sense to go to Kitchener and be forced to play second line C behind Pinelli.

Petrovsky and Chromiak hindered/stunted by playing in the OHL? I’d be hesitant to place either as 3rd team all-star in their respective conferences.

 

[bobber]

I wouldn’t be surprised if he came to Kitchener and forced his way into the #1C role and all the minutes that come with it.

Or would he rather play outside the top six in Laval?

If he wants to play in NA, (and the Habs want him on this side of the pond) and wants premiere minutes this year, his best bet is Kitchener.

If Mesar is as fast and skilled as projected for his age, he may end up being the top line center. One article suggested he would be the top forward if sent to the Rangers Org. It's a problem Dennis or any other OHL coach would love to have going forward. Pinelli seems to have a lot of tools necessary to develop into a decent NHL forward but is some games he isn't as noticeable as I thought he would be going forward. He can be a difference maker for sure but still has some short comings as do all OHL players with ambitions of playing pro hockey. Physically is Mesar ready for the grind of the AHL given he size? There are some rough customers making a living in that league by trying to impress the scouts with some big hits.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Tomas Tatar had a very good AHL season right after being drafted out of the Slovak league and he’s arguably been the most successful Slovak player in the last 10-12 years. Mesar’s numbers were actually better than Tatar’s as well in his DY in Slovakia. Both about the same size, Mesar actually probably a bit heavier.

Why would Mesar take the path that has stunted/hindered the development of so many Slovak players in the past 5-8 years? Petrovsky, Roman, Cajkovic, Chromiak, Kmec, etc. Panik (from the Czech league) can also be put in that convo.

I wasn’t sure how he would look after his injury but he’s played very well and as a C. Wouldn’t make sense to go to Kitchener and be forced to play second line C behind Pinelli.

I hope you don't know him, because your posts tend to paint a really entitled, not willing to work to earn his position kind of picture of Mesar. You make it sound like he wouldn't be willing to go anywhere unless he is handed exactly what he wants.
I'd wager the guys you think were "stunted" coming to NA, would have been even more stunted staying in Slovakia. If we're going back 8 years, Slovakia hasn't really been producing quality players on its own and hasn't been sending great players to the OHL to begin with until the last year or 2.

He wants to be in NA, MTL doesn't want him going to Sweden, the Slovak league would stunt his growth worse and there's no telling if he's ready for the AHL at 18, 5'9 and maybe 165.

 

[Jives]

Who cares if he his 1A or 1B Center. I really can’t see him complaining that Pinelli is here and the team has 2 solid centers. Either line is going to have solid wingers to play with. The 1A and 1B Center (if he comes) will both be on PP1 and come down to the last 2 minutes of a game when needing a goal both will be on the ice. 1 game 1A might get an extra minute and the next game 1B might get an extra minute of ice time. If he is taking 3C then I get he wouldn’t want that but he will be a go to player here in Kitchener 100%.

 

[bobber]

Who cares if he his 1A or 1B Center. I really can’t see him complaining that Pinelli is here and the team has 2 solid centers. Either line is going to have solid wingers to play with. The 1A and 1B Center (if he comes) will both be on PP1 and come down to the last 2 minutes of a game when needing a goal both will be on the ice. 1 game 1A might get an extra minute and the next game 1B might get an extra minute of ice time. If he is taking 3C then I get he wouldn’t want that but he will be a go to player here in Kitchener 100%.

Years ago, the Soo coach called the Rangers 1st and 2nd lines a two headed snake. Love to see that happen again.

 

[Antiillafire]

Petrovsky and Chromiak hindered/stunted by playing in the OHL? I’d be hesitant to place either as 3rd team all-star in their respective conferences.

Yeah Chromiak for sure. Kingston molded him into a totally different player than he was back here, to fit with Shane Wright. Brock Otten has a good passage on Chromiak in his write up, one of the links he recently posted. Petrovsky went from playing a premier role with the U18 project and premium shut down minutes at the Hlinka Gretzky cup to Owen sound where he almost went undrafted. I forgot Repcik to .

I’m not saying Canadian junior hasn’t helped any Slovaks recently, Ruzicka and Cernak are 2 good examples although the former I still say should have stayed and played in the Czech league.

 

[Antiillafire]

I hope you don't know him, because your posts tend to paint a really entitled, not willing to work to earn his position kind of picture of Mesar. You make it sound like he wouldn't be willing to go anywhere unless he is handed exactly what he wants.
I'd wager the guys you think were "stunted" coming to NA, would have been even more stunted staying in Slovakia. If we're going back 8 years, Slovakia hasn't really been producing quality players on its own and hasn't been sending great players to the OHL to begin with until the last year or 2.

He wants to be in NA, MTL doesn't want him going to Sweden, the Slovak league would stunt his growth worse and there's no telling if he's ready for the AHL at 18, 5'9 and maybe 165.

We just had a guy go second overall who stayed in Slovakia (also Sykora, Mesar) while most of the guys who came to North America almost go undrafted or get molded into completely different players to placate to their specific teams direction. I’m just looking at what I see, sure maybe Mesar goes to Kitchener and booms and the development path is great. I never said that was not possible, I’m merely looking at the examples of the last legion of players who have gone to Canadian junior (and by the extension the USHL). I need to say I’m not saying Kitchener is a terrible option or bad organization, not at all, Liska from my memory had a solid experience there.

The OHL and Canadian junior leagues is probably the best or second best junior league in the world, and has produced franchise players, everyone knows that. However just as the Russians argue, the fit may not be there for all European players. Peter Repcik to me is the absolute perfect example. Very good season in Slovakia2 for the project, than 8 pts in 5 games at HGC and was among the top scorers. He is than forced to play this cookie cutter role in Lethbridge with almost no ice time, and not even as C for the most part. Would he have been drafted if he played in Kosice or with the project for another year? I believe so.

 

[dirty12]

We just had a guy go second overall who stayed in Slovakia (also Sykora, Mesar) while most of the guys who came to North America almost go undrafted or get molded into completely different players to placate to their specific teams direction. I’m just looking at what I see, sure maybe Mesar goes to Kitchener and booms and the development path is great. I never said that was not possible, I’m merely looking at the examples of the last legion of players who have gone to Canadian junior (and by the extension the USHL). I need to say I’m not saying Kitchener is a terrible option or bad organization, not at all, Liska from my memory had a solid experience there.

The OHL and Canadian junior leagues is probably the best or second best junior league in the world, and has produced franchise players, everyone knows that. However just as the Russians argue, the fit may not be there for all European players. Peter Repcik to me is the absolute perfect example. Very good season in Slovakia2 for the project, than 8 pts in 5 games at HGC and was among the top scorers. He is than forced to play this cookie cutter role in Lethbridge with almost no ice time, and not even as C for the most part. Would he have been drafted if he played in Kosice or with the project for another year? I believe so.

Maybe it is best to stay home in draft year in less competitive leagues, I would not doubt or question that. Playing in the CHL in draft year means direct comparison to at least one future and past 1st-3rd round pick (in a NA size rink and NHL style of play) every single game.
The cookie cutter role for Repcik, Petrovsky, Chromiak, …is most likely due to the kids ability to perform at the Canadian major junior level at the time. It’s a bit rare for 17 yr olds to dominate.

 

[Gondrex]

Mesar: ....."maybe OHL for one year will be good for me"..... (around the 3:30 mark in this interview).

Canadiens: Filip Mesar a la cote - TVA Sports

 

[Rangers True Blue]

More on Mesar.........2 days ago........

"For his part, Mesar, five-foot-nine, 176 pounds, admitted he was going to need some time to truly compete at this level with NHL players. “I think I have good speed; I’m as fast as those guys, but maybe they’re a little bigger,” Mesar said. Maybe in two years I’ll be more ready for the NHL. »

He prefers to stay in North America precisely to adapt to physical play on smaller rinks. “In Slovakia, yes, there was a good physical level, but the ice rink is smaller here. There are more battles. It’s different than in Slovakia,” he insisted."

NHL: Juraj Slafkovsky continues to shine; Filip Mesar wants to take his time - Archyde

Saturday, Sep 24, 2022. 1:52 PM BROSSARD, Que. — Defenseman Chris Wideman compared Juraj Slafkovsky and Filip Mesar to Batman and Robin earlier this week, as the Montreal Canadiens’ two most recent first-round picks are inseparable. The two Slovaks were however separated on the ice on Saturday...

www.archyde.com