Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Season Thread

[MVarley]

Rangers acquire Kyle Morey….weird with depth on forward the Rangers have.

a surprising pick up for sure

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Rangers acquire Kyle Morey….weird with depth on forward the Rangers have.

Agreed. Why?

Sports Illustrated Prospects take on Morey:

With his dedication and strong work ethic, it does not come as a shock that Kyle Morey has been the captain of his team the last 3 seasons. Morey displays strong leadership qualities and a strong character that is always working to win both on and off the ice. Kyle is a special player that has earned his spot as the team leader. Morey has a strong shot, and his hockey IQ is extremely high. Kyle is a true centreman but has quickly progressed and is also efficient on the wing. Morey is a smart playmaker; he is able to think the game and make plays. Whether on or off the ice, Kyle is always working to better himself and is always finding ways to improve in any way possible. Though at first glance Morey skates with a unique stride, he is very fast and has good edges. Kyle is working to standardize his distinctive stride so that he can swiftly transition to OHL hockey. Morey pushes himself and drives for success, his work ethic is amazing and that, along with his skill should allow him to stay and play at the next level.

 

[Millpond]

Agreed. Why?

Sports Illustrated Prospects take on Morey:

With his dedication and strong work ethic, it does not come as a shock that Kyle Morey has been the captain of his team the last 3 seasons. Morey displays strong leadership qualities and a strong character that is always working to win both on and off the ice. Kyle is a special player that has earned his spot as the team leader. Morey has a strong shot, and his hockey IQ is extremely high. Kyle is a true centreman but has quickly progressed and is also efficient on the wing. Morey is a smart playmaker; he is able to think the game and make plays. Whether on or off the ice, Kyle is always working to better himself and is always finding ways to improve in any way possible. Though at first glance Morey skates with a unique stride, he is very fast and has good edges. Kyle is working to standardize his distinctive stride so that he can swiftly transition to OHL hockey. Morey pushes himself and drives for success, his work ethic is amazing and that, along with his skill should allow him to stay and play at the next level.

Maybe a hidden gem .
He was a strong candidate to make the Attack, just no room .

I hope he works out in Kitchener.

 

[Gondrex]

Appreciate the insight Millpond.

Misaljevic and Pugliese are 04's. I think ideally, assuming all things being equal, it would make more sense to develop a 17 year-old on the 4th line instead of an 18 year-old, if he earns it. I'm not saying that will necessarily happen, but you never know.

Morey apparently comes with leadership qualities and a good work ethic, as indicated in the post above. So I guess we'll see from here.

 

[Tim Wallach]

Acquiring another depth forward at this point without anyone going out was not on my bingo card. I'm assuming there is more to come here.

 

[Gondrex]

Further to my post above, I'm not discrediting Misaljevic and Pugliese. Heck, Pugliese hasn't even been on the ice to prove himself this year yet. I think that they both filled in nicely last year, and they could very will both still be in Ranger plans. But I think that the heat may perhaps have been turned up a bit on them now. Should be some incentive there.

Or perhaps there may even be some other unforeseen move.

 

[EvenSteven]

Or perhaps there may even be some other unforeseen move.

I think this is what we may see. If Mesar comes, that’ll be 15 forwards on the roster. No way we go into the season with all those spots eating up cards. If were to contend this year, we have to expect an addition or two up front sometime between now and the deadline.

Prices go up as the season goes on so we may see a couple bodies moved out with maybe an addition now at a respectable price.

For me, the heat may be on a guy like Sop (and his 22 points last year) as well. Right now I have a hard time finding a top nine slot for him. He may not want to accept a 4th line spot nor should we be using that slot on a 19 year old. As was said, use that slot on developing youth.

 

[EvenSteven]

I might add, since he’s been running the show, MM has seen to it that we have decent toughness on this team. Givani Smith to Xhekaj to Mutter. Don’t be surprised if we bring in a secondary older addition upfront who provides some “character “.

 

[Gondrex]

I might add, since he’s been running the show, MM has seen to it that we have decent toughness on this team. Givani Smith to Xhekaj to Mutter. Don’t be surprised if we bring in a secondary older addition upfront who provides some “character “.

...and if we were to part with Sop - and that certainly could be a real possibility here - I agree, I would think that this team would still need that "upgraded 03", as you mention

If Mesar would just show up it would make life so much better here, and less costly should this team decide to go for it.....and I personally have no reason to doubt that this will ultimately be the decision. And if Mesar were to come (hence leaving more in the draft cupboard for next year), then perhaps the team could start thinking about, thinking about putting in a 2024 Mem Cup bid (?)

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I think this is what we may see. If Mesar comes, that’ll be 15 forwards on the roster. No way we go into the season with all those spots eating up cards. If were to contend this year, we have to expect an addition or two up front sometime between now and the deadline.

Prices go up as the season goes on so we may see a couple bodies moved out with maybe an addition now at a respectable price.

For me, the heat may be on a guy like Sop (and his 22 points last year) as well. Right now I have a hard time finding a top nine slot for him. He may not want to accept a 4th line spot nor should we be using that slot on a 19 year old. As was said, use that slot on developing youth.

Sop was on my personal hot seat, and I didn't see the improvements in skating and/or strength that he needs to go with his hands in order to be an offensive contributor, in the pre season games I watched. I haven't seen enough of a defensive game to see him be a really good bottom 6 player. I like Pugliesse a lot, I can see a role on this team or any team, whereas Mislajevic I still don't have a solid grasp on what he is on this team or in this league.

Could be as simple as them having been high on him in the 2021 draft and seeing it as worth the risk of an 8th rounder.

Our D is deep or log jammed enough that I still think we can add a quality player at any position at a relatively low price by upgrading OA (Harper being the odd man out), but maybe that's something you wait on to see which OAs are worth moving pieces around for.

 

[EvenSteven]

Our D is deep or log jammed enough that I still think we can add a quality player at any position at a relatively low price by upgrading OA (Harper being the odd man out), but maybe that's something you wait on to see which OAs are worth moving pieces around for.

If we do upgrade that third OA spot, I’m in favour of acquiring a third forward. I’ve mentioned Diaco before. He or a comparable top six talent would be a high end addition price wise. But, as an OA, he’d likely be a little cheaper and provide the same impact than bringing in a 19-year-old stud.

I’d go with the seven remaining D for the time being. Should we determine as the season goes on that Andonovski / Hollett haven’t solidified the bottom pairing, adding a 19 year old Holden Wale type veteran at the deadline, on the cheap, would be a good idea.

 

[rangersblues]

I might add, since he’s been running the show, MM has seen to it that we have decent toughness on this team. Givani Smith to Xhekaj to Mutter. Don’t be surprised if we bring in a secondary older addition upfront who provides some “character “.

I agree. Generally if you're going to be a contender you'd like the 4th line to be tough nosed vets that can change the complexion of a game, not to develop 16 and 17 year olds. Especially as the playoffs near.

 

[EvenSteven]

I agree. Generally if you're going to be a contender you'd like the 4th line to be tough nosed vets that can change the complexion of a game, not to develop 16 and 17 year olds. Especially as the playoffs near.

I don’t know if you want a full fourth line of veteran hellraisers. As entertaining as it would be, we do still have to get our kids some ice time.

If our 04’s improve to the point where we can have a top-flight third line (I’m thinking LeBlanc and Swick here), and we add a top six high end winger which could knock a Rehkopf to center line 3, we can afford to have a couple kids (two of Zidlicky, Mercer or maybe Morey) develop on the fourth line. Then I’m all for bringing in a 19-year-old Tye McSorley / Navin Mutter type to keep the opposition honest.

 

[K2]

Morey all signed and skating with the team... Rangers sign Kitchener-native Kyle Morey – Kitchener Rangers

 

[MatthewsMoustache]

Assuming the Rangers have Mesar come here after Montreal's camp, they're at 16 forwards and 8 defence. To me, names that could be moved on forward are Sop, Pugliese, Zidlicky, Mercer. I could have included Swick and Misaljevic but I think at this point the return for either wouldn't be of much substance in replacement of what someone like Swick could provide on Kitchener's 4th line.

I think 15 forwards is a good number to have. Pugliese is already hurt, we don't have 100% certainty that Mesar is coming and for all we know Reid Valade could stick in the AHL this year. If they are to have all 15 that allows for some competition and everyone's games should rise up. I'm okay with Bottineau, Swick, Misaljevic, Morey rotating in and out of the lineup

On defence is where I see the real logjam. 8 guys who I think all fit into an OHL D core. You don't want Andonovski in the press box all year again. Hollett could be a guy who goes. I like what Harper brought late in the year but I'm not sold on him yet as the 3rd OA

 

[MatthewsMoustache]

As of today I think a fully healthy Rangers lineup looks like:

Valade-Pinelli-Mesar
Martin-Rehkopf-Serpa
LeBlanc-Sop-Fishman
Zidlicky-Mercer-Pugliese
ex. Swick Misaljevic Bottineau Morey

Hamara-Schmidt
Brzustewicz-Motew
Andonovski-Harper
Hollett-LeBlanc

Parsons
Vandenberg

Obviously some question marks. Does Mesar get sent here, where is Fishman's level of play at, does Valade come back being the main ones.

My takeaways from this are:
- The top 6 isn't the greatest. I like Pinelli, Mesar, Serpa, Valade and I think Rehkopf could be a more than viable top 6 option considering how he finished last year and that it is his draft year. Martin IMO is a 3rd line guy on a contending team. Going to need to add at least 1 more high end forward.

- From what we have seen from Zidlicky in the preseason, he is far better than a 4th line left wing. If that's the case, he will likely have to decide on if he would rather compete for a championship here or get more ice time elsewhere.

- Mercer is in a similar boat as Zidlicky but not to the same extent based on what we've seen to date. Reminds me of Isaac Langdon in 19-20. Very solid player but I'm not sure if the high-end speed and scoring is there.

- Harper as the 3rd OA is still up in the air for me. I like what he brought late last year but I don't know if it's enough to warrant using an OA spot on him. I'd like them to round out that top 6 forward group as I said before. Someone mentioned George Diaco, but I think with the 6 they have right now they could really use a guy like Riley Piercey. Brings a little bit of what's lost in Navrin Mutter and is a much better finisher.

 

[Gondrex]

Martin came close to cracking the top 100 in league scoring last year. That, and along with his point / game clip in the 2021-22 playoffs, has me looking forward to seeing him reach another level in production this season. Hard to gauge things thus far because there has been a lot of line experimenting, but I'm still waiting for any indication that he may do just that. Same with Mercer. Mind you, it is still very early, everyone has an opinion, and this is just an observation from my untrained eyes.

My skeptic mind doesn't allow me to mentally pencil Mesar into the line-up until I see him with a Ranger sweater on. It will be interesting to see if he gets his own way (go back to Europe) with the team that drafted him - the Montreal Canadiens no less.....gotta say, he's one gutsy kid.

 

[EvenSteven]

Martin came close to cracking the top 100 in league scoring last year. That, and along with his point / game clip in the 2021-22 playoffs, has me looking forward to seeing him reach another level in production this season. Hard to gauge things thus far because there has been a lot of line experimenting, but I'm still waiting for any indication that he may do just that. Same with Mercer. Mind you, it is still very early, everyone has an opinion, and this is just an observation from my untrained eyes.

In Martin, I see Yantsis possibilities in him. Maybe not 50 this year. But with a playmaking center (Mesar) he could push for 40.

 

[EvenSteven]

As of today I think a fully healthy Rangers lineup looks like:

Valade-Pinelli-Mesar
Martin-Rehkopf-Serpa
LeBlanc-Sop-Fishman
Zidlicky-Mercer-Pugliese
ex. Swick Misaljevic Bottineau Morey

Hamara-Schmidt
Brzustewicz-Motew
Andonovski-Harper
Hollett-LeBlanc

Parsons
Vandenberg

Obviously some question marks. Does Mesar get sent here, where is Fishman's level of play at, does Valade come back being the main ones.

My takeaways from this are:
- The top 6 isn't the greatest. I like Pinelli, Mesar, Serpa, Valade and I think Rehkopf could be a more than viable top 6 option considering how he finished last year and that it is his draft year. Martin IMO is a 3rd line guy on a contending team. Going to need to add at least 1 more high end forward.

- From what we have seen from Zidlicky in the preseason, he is far better than a 4th line left wing. If that's the case, he will likely have to decide on if he would rather compete for a championship here or get more ice time elsewhere.

- Mercer is in a similar boat as Zidlicky but not to the same extent based on what we've seen to date. Reminds me of Isaac Langdon in 19-20. Very solid player but I'm not sure if the high-end speed and scoring is there.

- Harper as the 3rd OA is still up in the air for me. I like what he brought late last year but I don't know if it's enough to warrant using an OA spot on him. I'd like them to round out that top 6 forward group as I said before. Someone mentioned George Diaco, but I think with the 6 they have right now they could really use a guy like Riley Piercey. Brings a little bit of what's lost in Navrin Mutter and is a much better finisher.

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.

 

[GeoBlue]

As of today I think a fully healthy Rangers lineup looks like:

Valade-Pinelli-Mesar
Martin-Rehkopf-Serpa
LeBlanc-Sop-Fishman
Zidlicky-Mercer-Pugliese
ex. Swick Misaljevic Bottineau Morey

Hamara-Schmidt
Brzustewicz-Motew
Andonovski-Harper
Hollett-LeBlanc

Parsons
Vandenberg

Obviously some question marks. Does Mesar get sent here, where is Fishman's level of play at, does Valade come back being the main ones.

My takeaways from this are:
- The top 6 isn't the greatest. I like Pinelli, Mesar, Serpa, Valade and I think Rehkopf could be a more than viable top 6 option considering how he finished last year and that it is his draft year. Martin IMO is a 3rd line guy on a contending team. Going to need to add at least 1 more high end forward.

- From what we have seen from Zidlicky in the preseason, he is far better than a 4th line left wing. If that's the case, he will likely have to decide on if he would rather compete for a championship here or get more ice time elsewhere.

- Mercer is in a similar boat as Zidlicky but not to the same extent based on what we've seen to date. Reminds me of Isaac Langdon in 19-20. Very solid player but I'm not sure if the high-end speed and scoring is there.

- Harper as the 3rd OA is still up in the air for me. I like what he brought late last year but I don't know if it's enough to warrant using an OA spot on him. I'd like them to round out that top 6 forward group as I said before. Someone mentioned George Diaco, but I think with the 6 they have right now they could really use a guy like Riley Piercey. Brings a little bit of what's lost in Navrin Mutter and is a much better finisher.

Interesting. Going by what I saw in 3 camp scrimmage games and 2 exhibition games, I would definitely put Zidlicky on the 3rd line and if Mesar does not show then that would be the guy being bumped up. Not yet sold on A-Blanc. Your #2 line could end up being the #1 as I felt the Martin-Rehkopf duo showed a lot of chemistry when they were together. Hollet showed a lot of improvement and agree that keeping Harper around is not viable. Seems we are solid in goal.

Have we given up on Gleb Veremyev or is he 100% college bound? Can the Flames talk him into going Junior? Wouldn't that be a great problem to have if him and Mesar showed up!

 

[bobber]

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?

 

[Rangers True Blue]

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."

 

[Rangers True Blue]

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?

All we can do at this point is look at his past experience....gleaned for several sources:

During his time with the Leafs, the Toronto native worked alongside head coaches like the hall of famers Pat Quinn, Ron Wilson, Paul Maurice and Randy Carlisle.

After departing from the Leafs in 2015, Dennis spent two seasons as the head coach at York University where he was acclaimed as the two-time Ontario University Athletics coach of the year. He took over a last-place program and transformed it from worst-to-first in just one season, becoming regular-season champions of the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West Conference in 2016. He then led the Lions to capture the Queen's Cup in 2017 as champions of the 20-team OUA conference.

As an Assistant Coach with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. Dennis helped the team to a 2019 Calder Cup Finals appearance and was responsible for the defence and penalty kill.

 

[bobber]

All we can do at this point is look at his past experience....gleaned for several sources:

During his time with the Leafs, the Toronto native worked alongside head coaches like the hall of famers Pat Quinn, Ron Wilson, Paul Maurice and Randy Carlisle.

After departing from the Leafs in 2015, Dennis spent two seasons as the head coach at York University where he was acclaimed as the two-time Ontario University Athletics coach of the year. He took over a last-place program and transformed it from worst-to-first in just one season, becoming regular-season champions of the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West Conference in 2016. He then led the Lions to capture the Queen's Cup in 2017 as champions of the 20-team OUA conference.

As an Assistant Coach with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. Dennis helped the team to a 2019 Calder Cup Finals appearance and was responsible for the defence and penalty kill.

Thanks Ranger True Blue. Sounds like as solid a resume as you could get. Guess a lot of what happens with a team depends on the skill level and how the players respond. It is a challenge coaching an OHL team with the different age groups and still trying to satisfy fan expectations. Hopefully the new coach here does well. It's not the old Deboer days where you ruled with an iron fist. There was an element of fear in the dressing room back then. One father I talked to at practice years ago said his son complained about ice time to him. The father told him to go into Deboer's office and explain the issue. He said no one does that here.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Thanks Ranger True Blue. Sounds like as solid a resume as you could get. Guess a lot of what happens with a team depends on the skill level and how the players respond. It is a challenge coaching an OHL team with the different age groups and still trying to satisfy fan expectations. Hopefully the new coach here does well. It's not the old Deboer days where you ruled with an iron fist. There was an element of fear in the dressing room back then. One father I talked to at practice years ago said his son complained about ice time to him. The father told him to go into Deboer's office and explain the issue. He said no one does that here.

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