Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

[rangersblues]

I don’t think it would ever happen but I thought I’d do a “what if” as far as the roster goes.

I’m in favour of a buy, and wouldn’t shy away from moving a Romano, but for quantity as opposed to quality.

Again, I like our top two lines if Martin returns as 2nd LW. Adding a big piece like Beck or the equivalent wouldn’t address our needs IMO.

It’s the third line and defensive depth that need to be addressed.

That may be done relatively inexpensively if it means including Romano, maybe an Ellinas, whatever the return is for Schmidt, and picks not in ‘24.

I have to disagree. I'm in the add one really good player camp. I don't mind the players on the 4th line. They play with some jam and chip in scoring on a regular basis. And in really big games you can cut back their minutes if need be.

 

[Wolf on a Wire]

If you can get anyone’s 1st rounder for Martin that would be unbelievable. Adding 3 2nds….wow. He won’t be healthy be the trade deadline it seems. If a 2nd is offered that might be the higher offer out there.

The only Martin trade to WOLVES will include an OA going back and a couple mid range picks. At best. Health will most likely prevent any deal. Luv the kid and his game but we’d need him on the ice.

 

[EvenSteven]

The only Martin trade to WOLVES will include an OA going back and a couple mid range picks. At best. Health will most likely prevent any deal. Luv the kid and his game but we’d need him on the ice.

I think Martin going anywhere for value is a dead issue. Period. End of story.

 

[All the Answers]

I think Martin going anywhere for value is a dead issue. Period. End of story.

Which is all the more reason we keep him. I'd be inclined to ship Schmidt and use whatever picks plus Romano to getting the best 18 or 19yo defenseman available.

 

[Krangers08]

12th round pick Tyler Meireles was named MVP for the Eojhl prospect game. No idea on the skill level there but maybe he turns into a Leyton Moore type.
“To me, ‘07 Tyler Meireles was the obvious standout among all players on the ice tonight. He’s a step ahead of everyone, all the time. What an impressive young talent. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Navan Grads give him a longer look later this season”.

* Haeden Ellis was added to the USNTDP today and joins fellow pick Niles Benson ( added last week) and LJ mooney. I had no idea they add players throughout the year.

 

[GeoBlue]

Looks like Rake got to scrimmage with "The Kid"...........

Team White

Wood - Geekie - Firkus
Allard - Minten - Danielson
Barkey - Vidicek

Mateychuk - Bonk
Donovan - Warren
Nelson

DiVincentiis
Samuel St-Hilaire

Team Red

Rehkopf - Celebrini - Dumais
Cowan - Beck - Yager
Ludwinski - Savoie

Buchinger - Luneau
Furlong - Lamoureux

Rousseau
Ratzlaff

 

[Gondrex]

12th round pick Tyler Meireles was named MVP for the Eojhl prospect game. No idea on the skill level there but maybe he turns into a Leyton Moore type.
“To me, ‘07 Tyler Meireles was the obvious standout among all players on the ice tonight. He’s a step ahead of everyone, all the time. What an impressive young talent. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Navan Grads give him a longer look later this season”.

* Haeden Ellis was added to the USNTDP today and joins fellow pick Niles Benson ( added last week) and LJ mooney. I had no idea they add players throughout the year.

Skill-wise, I personally really liked what I saw in both McLennan and Meireles at training camp, and especially in spring camp playing with kids roughly their own age. Both are good skaters and move the puck well. Hopefully they both put on the beef though because their lack of size as Dmen was noticeable - especially at main camp where McLennan got levelled with an open ice hit by a vet in one scrimmage.

Hopefully the stars finally align and a longshot U.S. kid finally shows up on our doorstep in the next year or two. I have a feeling this team is going to need that sort of luck after further parting with whatever assets remain for a run this year.

 

[bobber]

Hasn't been too much info on Martin's progress as far as getting back on the ice at practice. I think it was mentioned he would not return until sometime in the new year. If it comes down to the OA deadline and Martin is not ready to skate it puts a lot of pressure on MM to make a tough decision. MM will likely lean towards the defense in this situation. It's not an area one would want to weaken going into the new year. MM doesn't have a ton of options with the lack of assets he has available. Can't see him making more than one or two moves at the most. Why upset the apple cart?

 

[Ward Cornell]

Hasn't been too much info on Martin's progress as far as getting back on the ice at practice. I think it was mentioned he would not return until sometime in the new year. If it comes down to the OA deadline and Martin is not ready to skate it puts a lot of pressure on MM to make a tough decision. MM will likely lean towards the defense in this situation. It's not an area one would want to weaken going into the new year. MM doesn't have a ton of options with the lack of assets he has available. Can't see him making more than one or two moves at the most. Why upset the apple cart?

Agreed 100%.....if Martin's return is scheduled for mid to late February, it just too much of the roll of dice.
Question: I know the countdown to get down to 3 OA is fast approaching, but can you cut Martin if he's injured? I know in some pro sports, you can't cut an injured player. I assume that's not the case here. Darn it, imagine having Swick and Martin on the top 2lines come the playoffs. Oh well, injuries are part of every teams decisions this time of the yr.
I still think we need a solid seasoned dman to to slot into the lineup.

 

[EvenSteven]

Agreed 100%.....if Martin's return is scheduled for mid to late February, it just too much of the roll of dice.
Question: I know the countdown to get down to 3 OA is fast approaching, but can you cut Martin if he's injured? I know in some pro sports, you can't cut an injured player. I assume that's not the case here. Darn it, imagine having Swick and Martin on the top 2lines come the playoffs. Oh well, injuries are part of every teams decisions this time of the yr.
I still think we need a solid seasoned dman to to slot into the lineup.

IMO, that’s a solid seasoned dman even if we keep Schmidt.

Years ago, after a season ending injury to OA Marcus Smith, we traded for OA Alex MacDonell and I believe Smith was released.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Hockey News, Joely Stokl interview with Rehkopf. (PS I do believe Rangers are more than just Rehkopf)...........

https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/short-interview-with-carson-rehkopf-after-day-1-of-canadas-world-junior-selection-camp

 

[Ward Cornell]

IMO, that’s a solid seasoned dman even if we keep Schmidt.

Years ago, after a season ending injury to OA Marcus Smith, we traded for OA Alex MacDonell and I believe Smith was released.

I know it's not much of an advantage, but the Rangers has played the most games in the league. Anywhere from 2 games to 5 games(Saginaw) where the the team can be more rested and get into more practice time.

 

[RangerNation]

I know it's not much of an advantage, but the Rangers has played the most games in the league. Anywhere from 2 games to 5 games(Saginaw) where the the team can be more rested and get into more practice time.

Kitchener will be the only team to finish half the season before Christmas (34 games). They got lucky with the 3in3 weekends (no more left), but they still played a lot of hockey in 3 months.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Ya, the Martin ship has sailed for me. Unless someone else has a major injury that leaves them out until playoff time, I think you have to send him wherever he wants to finish his OHL career; he's too good to waive through to get picked up by the Corvairs, take what you can get and run.

 

[HockeyPops]

He is a good enough player that someone will offer a good conditional package for him.

 

[Billyjack]

Hasn't been too much info on Martin's progress as far as getting back on the ice at practice. I think it was mentioned he would not return until sometime in the new year. If it comes down to the OA deadline and Martin is not ready to skate it puts a lot of pressure on MM to make a tough decision. MM will likely lean towards the defense in this situation. It's not an area one would want to weaken going into the new year. MM doesn't have a ton of options with the lack of assets he has available. Can't see him making more than one or two moves at the most. Why upset the apple cart?

Talking to MM in Guelph on Sunday, he said Martin will start skating in New Year (early Jan)

 

[Tim Wallach]

He is a good enough player that someone will offer a good conditional package for him.

I think it has to be this. We know what a beast Martin is and a massive playoff add for anyone if healthy. Surely MM can milk a conditional package here rather than give away an asset with that much potential. No risk at all for an acquiring team to offer that.

 

[Krangers08]

Anyone know where to watch the Wj/Usports game?
Rehkopf might have to be dominate the next 2 games to make the team. If he does get sent back at least he gets to play in his hometown Saturday.

 

[sbpointer]

Anyone know where to watch the Wj/Usports game?
Rehkopf might have to be dominate the next 2 games to make the team. If he does get sent back at least he gets to play in his hometown Saturday.

It's available on the Hockey Canada website for $14.99 seems steep for a single exhibition game..
I was hoping it would be on TSN+ but doesn't look good..

 

[Krangers08]

Schmidt to Kingston. 2nd 2026 3rd 2027 can complain with value. MM was always going to trade for value and must have got some positive news on Martin. Rangers basically got a free 2nd and 3rd as they didn’t expect him to come back

 

[RangerNation]

Amazing return. A 2nd and 3rd for an OA we thought was long gone? Count me in!

HOWEVER! I want Hamara back now.

 

[bobber]

What does trading Schmitd tell us about the Rangers plans going forward? Interesting to say the least.

 

[Krangers08]

What does trading Schmitd tell us about the Rangers plans going forward? Interesting to say the least.

That he had the most interest. Can save the picks to restock a little or flip them for a import/defence

 

[RangerNation]

What does trading Schmitd tell us about the Rangers plans going forward? Interesting to say the least.

Sop wasn't being moved.
Motew would gain little return.
Martins injury would cause hesitancy from GM's, plus, he is what this team needs right now.

It makes sense. Keeping Schmidt also makes sense, but if we want to compare Martin's return with Schmidt's (as of today), Schmidt get's more. In fact, it got way more than what I was expecting. Is Kingston going for it? That's a lot for an OA in their position.

EDIT: Kingston get's picks back in a trade with Guelph immediately after.

 

[Krangers08]

I didn’t see Schmidt having a higher return than Christopoulos coming. Maybe the signing pedigree came in place. Was hoping Kingston would be sellers and hemstrom would be available