Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part I

[Jives]

Blockbuster!!

 

[EvenSteven]

Blockbuster!!

Campbell cost us a 5th and 8th rounder.
Ellinas cost us a 4th rounder.
Dirracolo was a FA signing.

MM has shown that there’s nothing wrong with taking a chance on a player when the price is minimal.

The value a 9th rounder as far off as 2028 is as close to FA cost as you’re going to get.

Vermeulen had decent numbers in his OHL draft year. Roll the dice. Maybe he works out.

Also allows for probable veteran forward movement down the road with guys like Headrick and Anstis out long term.

 

[Krangers08]

Big 4th line. Labrash 6,5 196 Hlacar 6,3 205 Vermeulen 6,1 190

 

[Ref Hannah]

Campbell cost us a 5th and 8th rounder.
Ellinas cost us a 4th rounder.
Dirracolo was a FA signing.

MM has shown that there’s nothing wrong with taking a chance on a player when the price is minimal.

The value a 9th rounder as far off as 2028 is as close to FA cost as you’re going to get.

Vermeulen had decent numbers in his OHL draft year. Roll the dice. Maybe he works out.

Also allows for probable veteran forward movement down the road with guys like Headrick and Anstis out long term.

Out Long Term? I don't think Headrick will be back at all. Anstis could be back next month.

 

[Petes1987]

Out Long Term? I don't think Headrick will be back at all. Anstis could be back next month.

How bad is Evan Headrick’s injury?

 

[EvenSteven]

Out Long Term? I don't think Headrick will be back at all. Anstis could be back next month.

That would be “long term”.

 

[Ref Hannah]

That would be “long term”.

4 weeks into the season is not long term.

 

[Ref Hannah]

Go figure...OA rule changes already?

 

[blkhawk]

Well Ref goes on block

 

[EvenSteven]

Go figure...OA rule changes already?

?

 

[Petes1987]

Go figure...OA rule changes already?

What are the overage rule change?

 

[Ref Hannah]

Just sayin...

Even Steven needs to keep up!

 

[OnlyUpFromHere49]

The annual AGM takes place Monday evening. I won't be able to attend this year. Could someone please ask MM why the Rangers have had so much trouble getting imports to show up in the last few years? Why can't they draft players who are actually willing to come here to develop?

This question wasn’t asked but Ahokas did say this group is even closer than last year’s group, which I think is great for a young team and core.

They also touched on Valentini and that he’s obviously still committed to Chicago atm but McKenzie is going to the USHL Classic this weekend … which I would assume would include getting the chance to chat with him and maybe even Jack Hextall (Youngstown)

 

[Krangers08]

*They are releasing a report on the future of the aud in 2025.
*They are revealing a jersey sponsor on opening night.
* there will be a OHL top prospect game.

 

[Petes1987]

Just sayin...

Even Steven needs to keep up!

I doubt it will change for this season. However if they did the Petes could keep their three overage forwards and Liam Sztuska.

 

[frontsfan67]

I doubt it will change for this season. However if they did the Petes could keep their three overage forwards and Liam Sztuska.

Pete’s are the best!

 

[Petes1987]

Pete’s are the best!

What has this got to do about the topic at hand???

 

[Gondrex]

Just sayin...

Even Steven needs to keep up!

?

 

[dirty12]

Just sayin...

Even Steven needs to keep up!

That would be a big deal for 6-10 teams this season, including a handful of wannabe contenders.

 

[Gondrex]

That would be a big deal for 6-10 teams this season, including a handful of wannabe contenders.

Yeah, this would obviously help Kitchener too, as well as Peterborough as mentioned above. Would be nice to keep the (4) OA's the Rangers currently have.

However, had this change been officially announced as of yesterday? Dan mentioned this thought - just for the sake of discussion - in the OHL podcast last week. So if it has in fact now happened then I will say I missed it. Otherwise this subject is not really new. If it is to be implemented this season, then obviously it will need to be done soon, if it hasn't been done already.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Written prior to his draft:

One of the better forwards from the SCTA, Andrew Vermeulen is basically a lock to be one of the higher round picks in the 2022 OHL draft. Formerly playing for Southern Tier, Vermeulen decided to take his talents to the Niagara North Stars, where he was producing at well over a point per game pace in both the regular season and especially the playoffs and OHL cup. Vermeulen has an amazing offensive ability, with solid hands and strong edges, allowing him to cut then go wide, and while he is not the most explosive forward, he’s effective. Vermeulen also is capable of using his large frame quite well, using it to muscle guys off the puck, or displaying extremely high puck protection skills. Vermeulen is not someone who will shy away from danger either, putting his body on the line to block a shot, or sticking up for one of his teammates. Vermeulen has been working the most on his skating, which could use some improvement, which, if corrected, would amplify the young forwards offensive capabilities even further. Vermeulen is seen as a leader amongst his teammates, and displays amazing poise, alongside a patient yet feisty attitude on the ice. With Vermeulen being one of the most highly touted SCTA forwards for the coming draft, it would not be surprising to see him in the league sooner rather than later, where he could use his size and skill as a middle to top 6 winger as a sort of complimentary piece who can provide additional support to his teammates in all zones of the ice.

Also before his draft.......

Playing part in one of the most lethal duos in the SCTA, Andrew Vermeulen is a player that has every coach on high alert when he steps onto the ice. Vermeulen is a player who is known well for his stick work, where he displays very good hands, as well as an exceptional ability to protect the puck. Vermeulen serves as one of the leadership members on Southern Tier, and is known to lead by example, but also just for being a good leader overall in the dressing room and on the ice. Vermeulen is working hard on his speed, which he can utilize to help with creating space for both himself and his teammates. During the 2019/20 season, Vermeulen was able to put up an impressive 27 goals and 22 assists for a grand total of 49 points over the span of 32 games, a definite indication of his dominance over the league. At the OHL level, Vermeulen could end up going in the higher rounds, where he could find himself developing into a steady two way forward and scoring threat as well. The future is bright for Vermeulen moving forward, and right now he is only getting started.

 

[Kingpin794]

Just sayin...

Even Steven needs to keep up!

What's the actual source on that other than just putting out a rumor? This has been mentioned in past seasons but has never really been close to coming true.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Glad to see MM going after Valentini. I would imagine there have been contact with his agents and his parents.

No news that I can find on Ondrej Kos. Back playing in Finland?

 

[Habsrule]

I am all for having a fourth OA as a goalie. I can’t see it starting this year as teams have already planned their rosters and it wouldn’t be fair to change this rule just before the season starts. But starting next year I am all for it.

An example would be that Malboeuf could have landed a spot somewhere this year. He could have been an insurance policy / veteran presence for some team.

Plus Canada has been terrible at developing goalie over the last 15 years or so. Give goalies one more year of development.

 

[OHL4Life]

OHL needs to get proactive! They will lose OA players to both AHL and NCAA in 26/27.

but they will get way better 16 and 17 year olds?

so whats the issue?

What has this got to do about the topic at hand???

its the only reply that we can give you without a moderator being called on