Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[Rangers True Blue]

"Filip Mesar mentally ready to return to the OHL"

"When I was drafted, I told myself that I had to join the Canadian as quickly as possible, he confided. But right now, when I see the way things are going, I tell myself that I have to develop as much as possible and use these years to become the best player possible when I am 21 or 22 years old. I no longer think about finding a position as quickly as possible and I believe that my way of thinking is better than before."

Filip Mesar est prêt à retourner dans la Ligue de l’Ontario

Que ce soit à Laval ou à Kitchener, le Canadien veut d'abord et avant tout que Filip Mesar, un choix de première ronde en 2022, joue abondamment.

ici.radio-canada.ca

A great thorough article here from a former Athletic and La Presse writer about Mesar's current situation and the likelihood of him returning to Kitchener, including quotes directly from Mesar and Mike McKenzie.

The article goes on to say that with the current injuries both in Montreal and Laval, Mesar could very well have the opportunity to play bigger minutes. I say that sure...for now...but it's temporary and meanwhile, he could be in the OHL working every game on what Montreal wants him to do in his development. The new Rangers coaching staff is all about development and with Jussi's style of play, certainly Mesar's defensive game will grow.

 

[K2]

Darren Rumble back to the Aud as a coach. Anyone remember him on the Ranger

Yes, I remember him. He was a standout; Goodall, Noble & Latta too!

​

 

[Ward Cornell]

"Filip Mesar mentally ready to return to the OHL"

"When I was drafted, I told myself that I had to join the Canadian as quickly as possible, he confided. But right now, when I see the way things are going, I tell myself that I have to develop as much as possible and use these years to become the best player possible when I am 21 or 22 years old. I no longer think about finding a position as quickly as possible and I believe that my way of thinking is better than before."

Filip Mesar est prêt à retourner dans la Ligue de l’Ontario

Que ce soit à Laval ou à Kitchener, le Canadien veut d'abord et avant tout que Filip Mesar, un choix de première ronde en 2022, joue abondamment.

ici.radio-canada.ca

A great thorough article here from a former Athletic and La Presse writer about Mesar's current situation and the likelihood of him returning to Kitchener, including quotes directly from Mesar and Mike McKenzie.

Seems like Mesar has done a lot of reflection on his play and aspirations over the summer compared to a year ago. Initially, I wasn't onboard with him coming back but reading his quotes, I think he will be a great addition to this edition of the Rangers.

 

[RangerNation]

Maybe the influence of Jussi (a fellow European) is exactly what Mesar needs. This may even mean, at request from Montreal, that Mesar doesn't get traded once sent back. I don't mind that approach. I don't think the return would be that significant anyways. Either way, this kid needs to play meaningful minutes to continue his development, so stop the talk and play him somehwere!

 

[Smithsy]

If Mesar is returned to Kitchener does it change the goal for this year? At what point do you think that maybe this team is good enough to make a run now, rather than selling off? Rangers have looked very good so far.

 

[Habsrule]

For me if Mesar got sent back to Kitchener I would throw him on the top line.

Mesar - Rehkopf - Misaljevic
Martin - Sop - Lam
Swick - Romano - Pugliese
Ellinas - Mercer - Stark

Line 1 - taking Swick off loses a whole lot of size but with Mesar he could be an assist machine to Rehkopf who could possibly score 50.

Line 2 - stays the same.

Line 3 - this is where Romano comes into play. He was drafted as a centre and with having vets like Swick and Pugliese it really insulates him.

Line 4 - realistically Pugliese, Ellinas, Mercer, Start, Morey and Bottineau are interchangeable. One can be promoted to the third line (I picked Pugliese). Let the players battle it out internally for the ice time.

 

[bobber]

For me if Mesar got sent back to Kitchener I would throw him on the top line.

Mesar - Rehkopf - Misaljevic
Martin - Sop - Lam
Swick - Romano - Pugliese
Ellinas - Mercer - Stark

Line 1 - taking Swick off loses a whole lot of size but with Mesar he could be an assist machine to Rehkopf who could possibly score 50.

Line 2 - stays the same.

Line 3 - this is where Romano comes into play. He was drafted as a centre and with having vets like Swick and Pugliese it really insulates him.

Line 4 - realistically Pugliese, Ellinas, Mercer, Start, Morey and Bottineau are interchangeable. One can be promoted to the third line (I picked Pugliese). Let the players battle it out internally for the ice time.

If Mesar comes back he needs to prove he deserves first line minutes. The kid has some speed and talent but apparently has some flaws. I think Jussi and his staff will evaluate the situation at practice before making any decisions on where to place Mesar. It sounds like he is still playing the same way in pro as he was here last year. I give the kid a mulligan because even after Dennis was removed Mesar wasn't given any proper direction which I believe held back a lot of players. Look at Missile under new coaching as an example. If Mesar happens to be thrown on the top line and it works out that would be great also. All hypothetical of course.

 

[Billyjack]

If Mesar is returned to Kitchener does it change the goal for this year? At what point do you think that maybe this team is good enough to make a run now, rather than selling off? Rangers have looked very good so far.

Mesar or not they need to sell. AS a season ticket holder I would be pissed if they didn't. It would be another wasted year of disappointment. MM should grab a couple high end prospects and picks.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Mesar or not they need to sell. AS a season ticket holder I would be pissed if they didn't. It would be another wasted year of disappointment. MM should grab a couple high end prospects and picks.

 

[EvenSteven]

Mesar or not they need to sell. AS a season ticket holder I would be pissed if they didn't. It would be another wasted year of disappointment. MM should grab a couple high end prospects and picks.

I’m still selling period. Brzustewicz. Rehkopf. One of Sop / Martin.

If returned, I let the Habs dictate what they want us to do with Mesar. Sell to a contender or let him assume the top forward role after the sell off is complete.

If Mesar stays, I see if Hamara can be of interest to anyone. Also. If Parsons continues his play up to the deadline, there may be interest out there but I’d prefer he play his OA season here. But if the price is right.

 

[Habsrule]

To me it is sell, sell, sell in Kitchener this year regardless if Mesar comes or not.

London, Saginaw, Owen Sound, Soo and Guelph are the best teams in the conference. I can’t see Kitchener beating any of them in a playoff series. It makes no sense to stand pat and not be a seller just to get knocked out of the playoffs in the first round.

Their players values are elevated now from their hot start so why not capitalize on it.

 

[bobber]

I doubt we see too many trades early unless some team jumps the gun. Saginaw has to jockey for position because they are hosting so they may take a player they are targeting sooner than later. As for Ranger players I think a smart GM will wait and see if some players putting up points now will level off as the season goes on. It's too early in the season to make solid evaluations of where players would be at the deadline. Rangers took a shot in the dark at a run last season. Their trophy was the Spit's hide. Now they are in a rebuild. See what MM and the staff come up with going forward.

 

[EvenSteven]

I doubt we see too many trades early unless some team jumps the gun. Saginaw has to jockey for position because they are hosting so they may take a player they are targeting sooner than later. As for Ranger players I think a smart GM will wait and see if some players putting up points now will level off as the season goes on. It's too early in the season to make solid evaluations of where players would be at the deadline. Rangers took a shot in the dark at a run last season. Their trophy was the Spit's hide. Now they are in a rebuild. See what MM and the staff come up with going forward.

Last year the November 12th Othmann deal kicked off the festivities. That was considered early. But it didn’t stop other deals from happening shortly after.

So it seems once one deal breaks, we may see others to follow … whenever that may be.

 

[Krangers08]

Malboeuf tonight, Parsons tomorrow.
I think stark will draw in tomorrow if healthy.

 

[Ward Cornell]

He was passed over at the NHL draft. He’s now the OHL’s top goal scorer | Globalnews.ca

Kitchener Rangers forward Adrian Misaljevic is off to a hot start this OHL season having recorded nine goals and seven assists in just eight games.

globalnews.ca

 

[RangerNation]

Who knew Hunter B had a wrist shot! Solid 1st period.

 

[Krangers08]

Is the Aud becoming a tough place to play/win again with this staff? For many years Friday night at the aud was almost a guaranteed win.

 

[blkhawk]

Fun team to watch very entertaining after last year

 

[Krangers08]

Ellinas is looking better every game. Trade looks good so far

 

[ohloutsider]

May have to rethink the trade thing. Team in 1st place.

 

[EvenSteven]

Ellinas is looking better every game. Trade looks good so far

Looked great on that rush.

May have to rethink the trade thing. Team in 1st place.

Um. I don’t think so. A lot of hockey to play yet.

 

[Billyjack]

May have to rethink the trade thing. Team in 1st place.

better not, stay the course, would just be same as last year

 

[Ward Cornell]

better not, stay the course, would just be same as last year

Agreed...Keep this squad they may have a 6 game first round lost. Make trades and may lose a 5 game first round lost.

 

[ohloutsider]

First place teams don't sell but yes lots of hockey to be played yet.

 

[Krangers08]

Looked great on that rush.

The flip pass into the open ice for Martin resulting in the empty netter was a veteran move