Kitchener Rangers 2022 Off-season Thread

[EvenSteven]

Does anyone know why Connor Bedard isn't on the list of players for Canada's National junior team?

I may be wrong on this, but I believe there may be a rule that allows players who have played in past WJC, from having to attend the summer camp.

I think.

 

[Gondrex]

Filip Mesar interview:

Regarding this coming season he is basically saying it is up to Montreal, but also stating "I want to leave Slovakia and try something new".

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Rehkopf scores a goal and an assist in Team Canada's Under 18 vs Canada Under 20 White Team (Pinelli)
for a 6-4 win over White.

 

[Gondrex]

Sounds good for Rehkopf. Really looking forward to seeing Rehkop this season.

Going off on a bit of a tangent here, but if I were to bet, I would guess that Rehkopf and Martin both have a big increase in offensive numbers this season. Just as a reference, the top 100 in points last season was 45. Serpa, Pinelli, Valade and Petizian were all part of this club, and Martin wasn't far off. I think those two guys should be able to crack that particular number this year. There is that loss of Petizian's 34 goals, and it will have to have to come from somewhere. I'm confident next year's team will overcome that loss though, and then some.

If Andrew Leblanc manages to get consistent 3rd line minutes (or better ?) maybe he surprises. With Serpa, Pinelli, Valade, Rehkopf, Martin and Fishman in the line-up though, it is hard to imagine him cracking the first two lines.......unless there are trades made. If we were to see Mesar or Veremyev report then that becomes an even more remote possibility.

 

[Jives]

If LeBlanc is on our 2nd line we better be selling at the trade deadline. Decent 3rd line player but that’s about it unless he comes to camp a different player and worked his ass off over the summer. Can’t have him top 2 lines if we are trying to win.

Fishman is an unknown. No one knows how he is going to play after missing so much development time. Start him on 3rd line and see what happens.

We have 5 top 6 players in Pinelli, Serpa, Valade, Martin and Rehkopf in that order. Mesar I think would be our best forward if he comes and I think he is coming. His style of game he would be a great OHL player. I still like Rehkopf on the 3rd line meaning we need to add Mesar and 1 more older player to fill out our top 2 lines. Not because Rehkopf is bad but it’s tough for 17 year olds to really control a game playing top 2 lines. Add him to the 3rd line and he will have some better match ups facing weaker lines. And he can play top 2 PP lines but still on the 3rd line.

Add Mesar and 1 more top 6 forward and the top 3 lines would be solid. Lots of options to fill out the bottom 5 players with Rehkopf being the go to guy on 3rd line. Sop, Zidlicky, LeBlanc, Mercer, Pugliesse, Fishman, Misaljevic and Swick. Maybe add Hage and Veremyev. Too many options which is a very good thing.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

If LeBlanc is on our 2nd line we better be selling at the trade deadline. Decent 3rd line player but that’s about it unless he comes to camp a different player and worked his ass off over the summer. Can’t have him top 2 lines if we are trying to win.

If he comes to camp stronger and can consistently play the way he did when he got hot toward the last 15-20 games or so, it wouldn't be the end of the world...and if he's your 2C after Mesar comes, it means our top line is very heavy. I think you'd see Serpa moved to C.

Was a bit concerned when I saw Rehkopf listed at 152 on the hockey Canada website, but the in game stats shown after a player scores has him listed at 6-1.5 and 193. So far the coaches trust him defensively on PK.

 

[rangersblues]

If he comes to camp stronger and can consistently play the way he did when he got hot toward the last 15-20 games or so, it wouldn't be the end of the world...and if he's your 2C after Mesar comes, it means our top line is very heavy. I think you'd see Serpa moved to C.

Was a bit concerned when I saw Rehkopf listed at 152 on the hockey Canada website, but the in game stats shown after a player scores has him listed at 6-1.5 and 193. So far the coaches trust him defensively on PK.

Some players take giant leaps from year to year. I'm not expecting anything spectacular from LeBlanc but it is possible. I agree he showed signs of great offensive potential at times for most of the season and fairly consistently at the end.

 

[RangerNation]

Hage signs with Chicago Steel

 

[Coaches Coroner]

I believe he was already signed to a tender agreement (as had Rehkopf). It's presented like a new development, but not sure that it is.
The Steel are a great program, but if you look at their roster, they are usually absolutely stacked. If Hage can't earn a spot in the top 6 or at least top 9, he could still bolt (similar to Vukojevic). Unlike Vuk, Hage is a 1st rounder so I still think that when the compensation pick will be 10th overall, you have to trade the rights for whatever or declare defective during the window of opportunity if you can't convince him to come this year.

 

[RangerNation]

I believe he was already signed to a tender agreement (as had Rehkopf). It's presented like a new development, but not sure that it is.
The Steel are a great program, but if you look at their roster, they are usually absolutely stacked. If Hage can't earn a spot in the top 6 or at least top 9, he could still bolt (similar to Vukojevic). Unlike Vuk, Hage is a 1st rounder so I still think that when the compensation pick will be 10th overall, you have to trade the rights for whatever or declare defective during the window of opportunity if you can't convince him to come this year.

Ahh, gotcha. Makes sense why they are still using 'tender agreement' wording.

 

[GeoBlue]

I believe he was already signed to a tender agreement (as had Rehkopf). It's presented like a new development, but not sure that it is.
The Steel are a great program, but if you look at their roster, they are usually absolutely stacked. If Hage can't earn a spot in the top 6 or at least top 9, he could still bolt (similar to Vukojevic). Unlike Vuk, Hage is a 1st rounder so I still think that when the compensation pick will be 10th overall, you have to trade the rights for whatever or declare defective during the window of opportunity if you can't convince him to come this year.

If you can get him to come over, IMO, we would have a pretty awesome 3rd line in Hage, Rehkoph and Zidlicky.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

If he comes to camp stronger and can consistently play the way he did when he got hot toward the last 15-20 games or so, it wouldn't be the end of the world...and if he's your 2C after Mesar comes, it means our top line is very heavy. I think you'd see Serpa moved to C.

Was a bit concerned when I saw Rehkopf listed at 152 on the hockey Canada website, but the in game stats shown after a player scores has him listed at 6-1.5 and 193. So far the coaches trust him defensively on PK.

The Hockey Canada site had Rehkopf on an entirely different team at first....other players as well. So not surprised that he was 152 at first. When he was on split teams, they also had him on the PP. Then when on Team Canada, he had a goal and an assist against an Under 20 split team. He now has some great line mates. He should do well at Hlinka Gretsky and gain some valuable experience!

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Some players take giant leaps from year to year. I'm not expecting anything spectacular from LeBlanc but it is possible. I agree he showed signs of great offensive potential at times for most of the season and fairly consistently at the end.

Andrew LeBlanc did not live up to his credentials while his brother Jacob surpassed his. Crazy. I can't help but feel that there's more to Andrew's season than we realize. Whether it was a nagging injury or a head game or both, he had a disappointing season for sure. Hoping that new coach Chris Dennis can get Andrew out of his funk and onto the scoreboard this season.

 

[HockeyPops]

.44 pts per game is not terrible for an OHL rookie. Tye Kartye was .38 in his rookie 17 year old season, and that worked out pretty well in subsequent seasons.

 

[EvenSteven]

Just for this discussion, I’m going to assume we get Mesar, Hamara, Veremyev and Hage to report. Longacre, may choose to wait a year citing possible lack of ice time on a deep backend this year. As an underaged American, I don’t believe he can play B here unless rules have changed? (Jesse Young situation from a few years ago). Someone may correct me on that.

If we get both Mesar and Hamara here, MM will go all in (if he hasn’t already decided to). Add in a Veremyev (as an 03, I don’t see him reporting for 4th line minutes) and we’ll be very crowded up front. That means we’ll deal off excess forwards bringing in a modest return to go with what we have in the cupboard to allow us a couple significant adds at the deadline.

Spitballing here, but perhaps we add a high end point getter to play LW on the top line? Maybe a depth D for the bottom pairing? Perhaps a veteran backup tender?

In any case, my top nine going into the home opener:

Rehkopf-05
Pinelli-03
Mesar-04

Martin-03
Serpa-02
Valade-02

Veremyev-03
Hage-06
Fishman-03

Then:

Zidlicky-05
Bottineau-06
Mercer-05
Miseljevic-04
Pugliese-04

Out:
Sop-03
Swick-04
A LeBlanc-04

I’m keeping Zidlicky and Mercer as they are 05’s and look to have a high ceiling down the road. I doubt we’d get much for Pugliese or Miseljevic in trade so I’d keep them around. Pugliese’s work ethic and enthusiasm is infectious. I think he’d be a good guy to have around. Both could possibly be decent OA’s in a couple years.

I can’t find anywhere for Sop, A LeBlanc, or Swick to play among that top nine. If Veremyev doesn’t come, or maybe can’t cut it at this level, maybe a LW spot on the third line at best for one of them. For me, they are likely more valuable to us in trade than playing outside the top nine. Especially A LeBlanc. He may welcome a change of scenery. I know the LeBlanc’s are a package deal but so were the Christopoulos brothers and they were split up.


Schmidt-03
Brzustewicz-04

Hamara-04
Motew-03

J LeBlanc-04
Harper-02

Andonovski-05
Longacre-06

That’s a pretty good D. If Andonovski bursts out of the gate earning a top six spot, it’s possible that MM goes in another direction regarding the third OA. If Harper doesn’t work out, perhaps we trade for an upgrade there - perhaps a stud OA who will be in our top four who would bounce Motew down to the third pairing. (Kingston’s Murray or Windsor’s Renwick?). Or, perhaps we go with another OA forward to play LW on the top line? (Hamilton’s Diaco?).

Or, perhaps the LeBlanc’s have to stay together meaning Jacob’s the odd D out and both are dealt. Who knows?


Parsons-04
Vandenberg-04

I’d look into acquiring a better backup unless Vandenberg proves to be capable. I’d give him every opportunity to prove himself. But, look at what happened to London last year. Also, when Dan Turple went down in the 05 playoffs, we were able to bring in veteran Eric Pfligler who was solid.

Bringing in a veteran backup shouldn’t be an expensive move.

 

[rangersblues]

I think people are writing off Andrew Leblanc a little early. He did start out slow but the last 34 games (half season) he had 6G 14A 20P. For a 17 year old that's not bad production. And like I said I thought he was showing some high end stuff pretty consistently as the season went on.

Looking at the lineups posted on Facebook it appears he missed 6 or 7 games. Mostly 3rd and 4th line minutes.

 

[Gondrex]

I think people are writing off Andrew Leblanc a little early. He did start out slow but the last 34 games (half season) he had 6G 14A 20P. For a 17 year old that's not bad production. And like I said I thought he was showing some high end stuff pretty consistently as the season went on.

That is a good point. Just an example, former Ranger first rounder Mike Wehrstedt got 6 G 8 A all season in his as a 17 year-old rookie. Brent Pederson was 9-5-14 as a 16 year-old, and then 14-16-30 in his 2nd full season. London's Luke Evangelista was 0-2-2 in 27 games as a rookie. I don't need to point out his stats after that. Anything can happen in junior as they say.

If we have a scenario like EvenSteven's line-up then a player like A LeBlanc may not get the chance to increase those numbers on this team. I now see Hage as a longshot coming to Kitchener now though, after yesterday's post. I sure would be glad to be wrong on that.

 

[EvenSteven]

That post above about Hage is old news? No? He signed that tender agreement before the draft. As Coach’s Corner said, just like Rehkopf did the year before. Unless there’s been announcement since then that he is going to Chicago and not coming to Kitchener, I feel he’s still in the mix here until otherwise announced.

Yes, Wehrstedt and Pederson. Both considered by many as Ranger first round busts. In fact, their biggest contribution to the Rangers came in trade.

Wehstedt was traded under pretty much the same circumstances as I suggest LeBlanc could be dealt - being surpassed on the F depth chart by younger players. He and others went to Missy for young stud D Marcus Smith.

Pederson brought multiple high picks in trade after a less than stellar stint in Kitchener. Expectations may have been little unfair to him though after having been drafted by Spott in the first round when he was ranked in the 2nd.

Could Andrew LeBlanc follow in the footsteps of Wehrstedt and Pederson? Time will tell.

But for me, being healthy scratched multiple times in the post season in favour of guys like Pugliese and Miseljevic is telling.

 

[RangerNation]

That post above about Hage is old news? No? He signed that tender agreement before the draft. As Coach’s Corner said, just like Rehkopf did the year before. Unless there’s been announcement since then that he is going to Chicago and not coming to Kitchener, I feel he’s still in the mix here until otherwise announced.

Yes, it is old news. Why the Steel felt the need to repost it, I don't know, but it caught me off guard!

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Yes, it is old news. Why the Steel felt the need to repost it, I don't know, but it caught me off guard!

Maybe Hage's not a lock....so they posted a reminder. ; )

Anyone hear more about Hage's injury at the Under 17 camp earlier this month? He never played because of it. Wondering how serious it is and if he will be ready to play this coming season.

 

[Gondrex]

That post above about Hage is old news? No? He signed that tender agreement before the draft. As Coach’s Corner said, just like Rehkopf did the year before. Unless there’s been announcement since then that he is going to Chicago and not coming to Kitchener, I feel he’s still in the mix here until otherwise announced.

My bad EvenSteven. You're absolutely right about Hage signing just days before the draft. I should have recalled that. The post with the video had thrown me off. Glad that I'm already partly wrong .

 

[RangerNation]

Friendly reminder for STH, deadline to pay is at 4pm today.

 

[K2]

Pederson brought multiple high picks in trade after a less than stellar stint in Kitchener. Expectations may have been little unfair to him though after having been drafted by Spott in the first round when he was ranked in the 2nd.

Cam Fowler was the 1st rounder that left me PO'd and Mike Davies never really seemed to be a solid OHL level skater. Other guys too and every team picking outside the top 3-5 similarly shares 1st round successes and disappointments.

Pedersen was OK, not a big points guy but certainly a versatile big minute guy while here that we flipped surprisingly well before he went on to play USports/CIS and some minor pro. Curiously, we did end up with more lackluster 1st rounders Mitchell Dempsey (11th), Scott Teskey (21st), eventual standout Robinson (7th) & even a 2nd round G (30th) DeKort from that draft class on the cheap plus somehow managed to snag outperformers Josh Sterk & Justin Bailey in the middle rounds. Heck, DeKort is still a Ranger

Our new coach Chris Dennis adds some unique new credentials and perhaps can even potentially enlist help from his dad, renown Sports Psychologist Paul Dennis, that might be a real difference maker with helping struggling guys like Leblanc move forward.

Time will tell but I think Andrew's play will improve with the change of scenery on East Ave. Still, we're likely to have multiple roster dilemmas.

Yes, it is old news. Why the Steel felt the need to repost it, I don't know, but it caught me off guard!

Between him attending our camp and the Steel now flailing away with re-runs, I'm feeling optimistic

 

[EvenSteven]

Cam Fowler was the 1st rounder that left me PO'd and Mike Davies never really seemed to be a solid OHL level skater. Other guys too and every team picking outside the top 3-5 similarly shares 1st round successes and disappointments.

Pedersen was OK, not a big points guy but certainly a versatile big minute guy while here that we flipped surprisingly well before he went on to play USports/CIS and some minor pro. Curiously, we did end up with more lackluster 1st rounders Mitchell Dempsey (11th), Scott Teskey (21st), eventual standout Robinson (7th) & even a 2nd round G (30th) DeKort from that draft class on the cheap plus somehow managed to snag outperformers Josh Sterk & Justin Bailey in the middle rounds. Heck, DeKort is still a Ranger

Our new coach Chris Dennis adds some unique new credentials and perhaps can even potentially enlist help from his dad, renown Sports Psychologist Paul Dennis, that might be a real difference maker with helping struggling guys like Leblanc move forward.

Time will tell but I think Andrew's play will improve with the change of scenery on East Ave. Still, we're likely to have multiple roster dilemmas.


Between him attending our camp and the Steel now flailing away with re-runs, I'm feeling optimistic

Can Fowler probably comes to Kitchener instead of Windsor if we didn’t have to dump his rights to get the Tregunna deal done. That deal was essentially Fowler and a 2nd for a few months of Tregunna.

But whatever. We were hosting and it was all or nothing for DeBoer in trying to win the big prize. It is what it is.

Pederson was ok but just ok. We did get an eye opening return for him though. But not as eye opening a return as what we got for Davies. Getting a 2nd in the deal for him was robbery.

It will get crowded for Andrew up front. Especially if all three of Mesar, Veremyev and Hage report. But if just one of them doesn’t report, look for him to get every opportunity to excel in the top nine.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Can Fowler probably comes to Kitchener instead of Windsor if we didn’t have to dump his rights to get the Tregunna deal done. That deal was essentially Fowler and a 2nd for a few months of Tregunna.

But whatever. We were hosting and it was all or nothing for DeBoer in trying to win the big prize. It is what it is.

Pederson was ok but just ok. We did get an eye opening return for him though. But not as eye opening a return as what we got for Davies. Getting a 2nd in the deal for him was robbery.

It will get crowded for Andrew up front. Especially if all three of Mesar, Veremyev and Hage report. But if just one of them doesn’t report, look for him to get every opportunity to excel in the top nine.

I think there's a good chance that Hage reports here. It may not be ths yr but that's ok considering the crowded forward depth. Will the icetime for him as a 16 yr old in the USHL be any greater? Thats the great unknown and may be the determining factor for Hage to report here. A few trades which is inevitable with the forward depth and the Rangers could give Hage appropriate icetime for a 16 yr old.