Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part I

[Ward Cornell]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1854610250336551185

Seems like it's becoming officially official next season.

seems official here... An Open Letter to the OHL Community Regarding NCAA Player Eligibility Changes - Ontario Hockey League

 

[Jives]

“Hello Adam, it’s Mike McKenzie calling. How about we get you out of Chicago.”

 

[RangerNation]

Suddenly "wasting" a pick in a flyer might pay off tenfold, for everyone. I think we will finally have a draft where the best of the best actually get picked in the first two rounds.

 

[Krangers08]

And it starts…
Jackson parsons has committed to Clarkson university next year

 

[robertmac43]

Wow this is all happening so fast.

Guess a lot of players were doing some work behind the scenes.

 

[EvenSteven]

“Hello Adam, it’s Mike McKenzie calling. How about we get you out of Chicago.”

Hey Mike. Don’t stop at just Adam!!

 

[Matttheleaf]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1854657199697440824

Can't say I disagree. But I'd call it planning ahead instead .

 

[gimbznyr]

Suddenly "wasting" a pick in a flyer might pay off tenfold, for everyone. I think we will finally have a draft where the best of the best actually get picked in the first two rounds.

 

[EvenSteven]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1854657199697440824

Can't say I disagree. But I'd call it planning ahead instead .

Players of note that Kitchener currently hold the rights to, with NCAA commitments, currently playing in lesser leagues, who could make the jump at some point to the Rangers.

2022 draft:

06 D- Cole Longacre (2nd round)
Passed over last NHL draft
Green Bay (USHL)
Committed: Merrimack (25-26)

2023 draft:

07 F- Haeden Ellis (8th round)
NHL Eligible 2025
Cedar Rapids (USHL)
Committed: Northeastern (26-27)

07 F- LJ Mooney (11th round)
NHL eligible 2025
USNTDP
Committed: Minnesota (26-27)

07 F- Niles Benson (13th Round)
NHL eligible 2025
Green Bay (USHL)
Committed: Harvard (26-27)

07 D- Matthew Grimes (15th round)
NHL eligible 2025
Sioux Falls (USHL)
Committed: Minnesota (26-27)

2024 draft:

08 F- Adam Valentini (1st round)
NHL eligible 2026
Chicago (USHL)
Committed: Michigan (26-27)

08 D- Jacob Xu (8th round)
NHL eligible 2026
Trenton (OJHL)
Committed: Harvard (26-27)

08 D- Jude Bray (10th round)
NHL eligible 2026
Sherwood Park (BCHL)
Committed: Penn State (27-28)

08 F- Jack Hextall (13th round)
NHL eligible 2026
Youngstown (USHL)
Committed: Michigan (26-27)

 

[Ward Cornell]

This probably has lowered the value of players at the trade deadline.
But it also enhanced the value of lower draft picks.
Sure makes the Rehkopf trade look better and better.