Not sure why that would matter for them. I dont believe they would care whether he is on a winning team. They just need him to get minutes. Would be good to get him in a leadership role as well. . He blossomed in the playoffs in Kitchener. Did not happen for him in Barrie. A trade may not be what is best for his development is all. That said, I think they could read the tea leaves and see there is a good chance he will be dealt by the deadline although given the fact he is an import and would be a rental, it may not be easy or value. (I am pretty new to following junior hockey but this would be my thinking if I were running the Kraken.)
Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part I
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Krangers08
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- Sep 11, 2023
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2 goals for Sop in his AHL preseason debut
Super solid resume and should be an excellent coach. I am somewhat curious to see if the “Finnish” game that they preach can translate at the OHL level? This much I know he has to be given a team that he can mould to follow the plan. So far of course he hasn’t really had that but this year should be the start of his judgement days. Good Luck this year guys all about development and maximizing what pieces MM can move. The first trade off of the big man Rehkopf (sp?) was I think a solid return.I hope that MM has already handed Jussi a juicy offer to sweeten his 2 year mutual extension option
robertmac43
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I got a feeling this kid will see some NHL ice. Maybe a couple years out but he just seems to keep growing year over year.
Matttheleaf
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I guess that Barlow has been traded now we can compare the haul to that of Rehkopf. On the surface they look similar with the Rangers getting more picks, but the Attack getting 2 players, 1 being and 06 and the other being an 07.
I'd take all the Rehkopf picks vs. the two players OS got personally
Matttheleaf
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I'm leaning the same way, Both of them don't have great stats but obviously that could change, especially cause the 07 player was a true rookie last year.
rangersblues
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For the timeline we are looking at I like our return better.
Krangers08
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Rangers acquired Chris Grisolia for a conditional 2027 15th round pick. Was released by Barrie last week
A warm body I guess. They are definitely thin this weekend due to injuries/suspensions.
EvenSteven
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- Sep 3, 2009
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Regarding the imports we hold the rights to:
I believe the Rangers still hold the rights to all of Mesar (OA import rule), Sale, Pobezal, Chrenko, and Kos.
If it already hasn’t been, once it’s determined Mesar has graduated (they are reportedly very happy with him in Laval), that list goes down to four. If Sale is returned, I assume a two week window will start where we have to get the protected list down from four imports to three? (Kivijarhu was released when Mesar was returned last year).
I assume that means either move Sale out during the two week window or we’ll have to release one of the other three?
With us rebuilding, would we move Sale or have him remain on the roster going forward? The trade return would be thin based on the circumstances.
The question is, would Sale’s services as a Ranger this year (including his possible trade value at the deadline should he excel this year) or the trade return during the two week window be more valuable to the organization than the rights to one of the three not yet reported imports we hold the rights to?
Also, if Sale isn’t returned any time soon, would it make sense for the Rangers to acquire, on the very cheap, an excess import from another team currently going through this same scenario?
Again the question: Would that import’s services be more valuable to the Rangers this year (Lord knows we are waaay young and could use a little inexpensive veteran depth, even in a rebuilding year), than the rights to one of the not yet reported imports we hold the rights to?
I believe the Rangers still hold the rights to all of Mesar (OA import rule), Sale, Pobezal, Chrenko, and Kos.
If it already hasn’t been, once it’s determined Mesar has graduated (they are reportedly very happy with him in Laval), that list goes down to four. If Sale is returned, I assume a two week window will start where we have to get the protected list down from four imports to three? (Kivijarhu was released when Mesar was returned last year).
I assume that means either move Sale out during the two week window or we’ll have to release one of the other three?
With us rebuilding, would we move Sale or have him remain on the roster going forward? The trade return would be thin based on the circumstances.
The question is, would Sale’s services as a Ranger this year (including his possible trade value at the deadline should he excel this year) or the trade return during the two week window be more valuable to the organization than the rights to one of the three not yet reported imports we hold the rights to?
Also, if Sale isn’t returned any time soon, would it make sense for the Rangers to acquire, on the very cheap, an excess import from another team currently going through this same scenario?
Again the question: Would that import’s services be more valuable to the Rangers this year (Lord knows we are waaay young and could use a little inexpensive veteran depth, even in a rebuilding year), than the rights to one of the not yet reported imports we hold the rights to?
If Sale is returned, I like the option to play him to give space to some of the younger players and hopefully as a bridge to the return of a couple injured players. Then see what you can get at the deadline and make the call at that point with more information. Frankly, if he gets you the 2nd round pick that was part of the deal to get him and Savard (and hopefully a couple other picks) that's a win. Take it and run.
Of the others, unless Pobezal comes this year, really only Chrenko has value since he would be here when they intend to next contend.
One thing that plays into this consideration is cards. Has anyone counted how many A cards are now used? If feels like more than in previous years. This year is starting to get a bit of a 2013/14 vibe to it, where they sign a bunch of players to see what works (Teskey/Soper/JMD and others). At this point, I assume that Cameron, Schauble and Antsis are all on B cards to maintain some flexibility (and given the information provided by OHL4Life). Likely to be revisited post-deadline.
TheBlueMonster
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- Sep 14, 2022
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Sale was awesome in the playoffs but it took a while for him to get going.
Also, I can't imagine the Kraken want him in the AHL full time. It is very weird that as a first round pick he wasn't even invited to main camp.
I would hold onto him if he gets sent back. Let him come back and show everybody why he was a first round NHL pick. Put up some points (Hopefully alot) and then move him at the deadline for more. Or maybe we take back a young import. Oshawa has 2 imports. Could Sale be an upgrade on one of them? I got a strong feeling they're going to be all in on Ando at the deadline so im sure a package could be built.
I'd like to see actual drafted imports start coming back to Kitchener however. If I am not mistaken, Mesar was the last one and he was a 2021 pick. Hopefully moving forward towards 2027 which is our next run I guess, we can start getting 2 quality imports through the draft.
Also, I can't imagine the Kraken want him in the AHL full time. It is very weird that as a first round pick he wasn't even invited to main camp.
I would hold onto him if he gets sent back. Let him come back and show everybody why he was a first round NHL pick. Put up some points (Hopefully alot) and then move him at the deadline for more. Or maybe we take back a young import. Oshawa has 2 imports. Could Sale be an upgrade on one of them? I got a strong feeling they're going to be all in on Ando at the deadline so im sure a package could be built.
I'd like to see actual drafted imports start coming back to Kitchener however. If I am not mistaken, Mesar was the last one and he was a 2021 pick. Hopefully moving forward towards 2027 which is our next run I guess, we can start getting 2 quality imports through the draft.
EvenSteven
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Our target year is the 26-27 season. But with our 07 group entering its third OHL season, and our 08’s entering their draft year, we should be pretty damn good next year.
MM has improved the 06 group bit by bit. We may not have a stud OHL 1st round type among that group, but guys like Ellinas, Dirracolo, Bottineau and Campbell have given us a decent group nonetheless. If we were to add 06 imports Pobezal and Kos to that group by next year, both NHL drafted by then, dare I say this team could be in the ballpark of where Brampton is this year? Pre Rehkopf acquisition?
Much like Brampton this year, our OA’s next year leave a lot to be desired. But decent OA’s can be had on the cheap if and when we find ourselves in the mix next year.
The real strength of Brampton’s team is their 06 group (our 07 group next year). They look to be peaking a year early. They’re set up for a two year run and have the assets to do so. Think Oshawa last year and this year. Brampton this year and next. Rangers next year and 26-27?
Sell off our graduating assets this year (Andonovski, Swick, Sale if he’s returned) overloading the draft cupboard, get ourselves into an early 1st round position in the next draft, and we’ll go into next year with an 09 1st rounder who’d contribute to next year’s team the way Pinelli, Rehkopf and Reid did in their 16 year old years.
With a full draft cupboard, we go into the next two years with a team that will be at or near the top of the league.
As much as we are targeting 26-27, this really is a two year window of contention. Truth be told, if the Rangers aren’t among the top third of the league next year, it tells me that 26-27 may not be as elite as we think.
K2
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I definitely would, on the very cheap, if it filled a need. I might have even flipped a 3rd/15th on bruiserweight hulk Gabriel Eliasson in hopes he appreciated for a deadline flip or at least could step into Ando's big skates to keep any opposing goons honest
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Two Rangers prospects there now joining Nathan Gaitens
I think I would rather see Pug on the 3rd line. Basically keep that unit together from last year. They probably have him on the 4th to "watch over" the rookies but I feel they are big boys that can take care of themselves. Or maybe Grisolia can fill that role though I am not that familiar with him.
All the Answers
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- Jan 19, 2020
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Stark on D experiment over or was the "can't bounce back and forth" merely lip service and he's Joe Gareffa 2.0?
At this point in time, I would say they need him more up front. Ahokas might have to eat his words for now. But I do wonder about the accuracy of these lines? Stark on the #1? Romano, Lam and Missile on #2?
All the Answers
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Ranger's captain's mural. What is the rhyme or reason for when the sticks go from blue to red and then back? Is it people who can't count to 10 consistently? Is there an answer or is it just to annoy my ocd?
I would love to see that line back together but my guess is they will keep Pug on the 4th when he’s in the line-up as he’s the odd man out when Swick returns.
rangersblues
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- Mar 21, 2010
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Stark has been one of the best F through 2 periods. I’ve never liked the idea of him on D.
Bilecki I think is looking great again for a 2008. Him and Reid on separate pairings in 2 years will be very fun to watch.
Bilecki I think is looking great again for a 2008. Him and Reid on separate pairings in 2 years will be very fun to watch.
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