Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[OnlyUpFromHere]

I suggested a little while ago, that it wouldn’t surprise me if Schaubel is kept under 10 games, the four A cards does not include him, and he is swapped out with Edwards at Komoka for the rest of the season, maybe at the Christmas break. Then, since Komoka won’t make the playoffs, Schaubel is back with the Rangers at the end of the JrB regular season.

This allows us to give A cards to Bilecki, Anstis, hopefully Valentini, and if Headrick’s return is too distant, a Xu if he were to report.

It will have allowed Edwards to see a lot of action in the first half, get into some games here in the second half to see if he can be up to the task at this level, while getting Schaubel busy minutes in the second half.

(Was this the development path for these two from the start of the season?).

It sure would line up well if it played out like this (preferably the Valentini reporting option).

Side note: Romano shouldn’t miss any additional time according the Record article this morning

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

Valentini I’m pretty sure doesn’t require an A card as he wasn’t drafted by the Rangers.

Bilecki is already on an A card and the only A card we have used I think.

Antsis I can’t see not using an A card. That’s 2.

Leaving us 2 of the following.

Schaubel - most likely
Headrick - most likely
Cameron - unlikely and I think all parties are good with him on a B.
Hextall - if he comes demands an A card and rightfully so. He is that good.
Xu - would he bump Schaubel or Headrick? Or does he sign a B card if he is interested in coming. I’m guessing B.
Bray - I don’t think he bumps Headrick or Schaubel. Would be a solid add but on a B card.

Bilecki and Anstis both take up A’s (Anstis has to as an American) so it does leave two.

Xu, Bray or Hextall I can’t see joining this year personally.

Hextall has close ties with Youngstown and is a longshot at best for his entire junior career, let alone this year.

Bray is currently on a 3rd pair in the BCHL and would be in a fight for ice time in Kitchener even if they sell so let him continue to play there and re-engage next fall, or, hop on a B card as mentioned.

Xu is the likely of the bunch, but just have a hunch he won’t be joining unless he knows ice time is a lock since he’s already playing in a league that he would be on a B card.

It’ll come down to 2 of Headrick, Schaubel and Valentini imo, with the first two being the likely route for obvious reasons of them actually being here.

 

[Jives]

Bilecki and Anstis both take up A’s (Anstis has to as an American) so it does leave two.

Xu, Bray or Hextall I can’t see joining this year personally.

Hextall has close ties with Youngstown and is a longshot at best for his entire junior career, let alone this year.

Bray is currently on a 3rd pair in the BCHL and would be in a fight for ice time in Kitchener even if they sell so let him continue to play there and re-engage next fall, or, hop on a B card as mentioned.

Xu is the likely of the bunch, but just have a hunch he won’t be joining unless he knows ice time is a lock since he’s already playing in a league that he would be on a B card.

It’ll come down to 2 of Headrick, Schaubel and Valentini imo, with the first two being the likely route for obvious reasons of them actually being here.

Correct me if I’m wrong but Valentini doesn’t require an A card by us as he wasn’t drafted by Kitchener? Pete’s had 6 16 year olds all with over 30 games last year because some of them were acquired in trades. If so we could end up with ….

Bilecki
Antsis
Schaubel
Headrick
Valentini

 

[EvenSteven]

Valentini I’m pretty sure doesn’t require an A card as he wasn’t drafted by the Rangers.

Bilecki is already on an A card and the only A card we have used I think.

Antsis I can’t see not using an A card. That’s 2.

Leaving us 2 of the following.

Schaubel - most likely
Headrick - most likely
Cameron - unlikely and I think all parties are good with him on a B.
Hextall - if he comes demands an A card and rightfully so. He is that good.
Xu - would he bump Schaubel or Headrick? Or does he sign a B card if he is interested in coming. I’m guessing B.
Bray - I don’t think he bumps Headrick or Schaubel. Would be a solid add but on a B card.

I thought I read somewhere, maybe here, that icing more than four A cards was possible if you acquired the 5th 16 year old at the deadline (Pete’s last year. Missy two years ago).

But if a 16 year old was acquired via defected player, that acquisition had to be one of your four A cards.

But of course, they’ve adjusted the rules regarding A cards this year so maybe they’ve adjusted that as well.

 

[Jives]

I thought I read somewhere, maybe here, that icing more than four A cards was possible if you acquired the 5th 16 year old at the deadline (Pete’s last year. Missy two years ago).

But if a 16 year old was acquired via defected player, that acquisition had to be one of your four A cards.

But of course, they’ve adjusted the rules regarding A cards this year so maybe they’ve adjusted that as well.

That I am unsure of. I’m not 100% sure either way if Valentini burns an A card for us. Hopefully not….

 

[EvenSteven]

Bilecki and Anstis both take up A’s (Anstis has to as an American) so it does leave two.

Xu, Bray or Hextall I can’t see joining this year personally.

Hextall has close ties with Youngstown and is a longshot at best for his entire junior career, let alone this year.

Bray is currently on a 3rd pair in the BCHL and would be in a fight for ice time in Kitchener even if they sell so let him continue to play there and re-engage next fall, or, hop on a B card as mentioned.

Xu is the likely of the bunch, but just have a hunch he won’t be joining unless he knows ice time is a lock since he’s already playing in a league that he would be on a B card.

It’ll come down to 2 of Headrick, Schaubel and Valentini imo, with the first two being the likely route for obvious reasons of them actually being here.

I agree on Bray. But I’d keep an eye out just because of the exodus of players out of that league.

It sure would line up well if it played out like this (preferably the Valentini reporting option).

Side note: Romano shouldn’t miss any additional time according the Record article this morning

Any mention of Ellinas?

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

Any mention of Ellinas?

Nothing in the article re: Ellinas but Farwell on the post game show did mention he thought with how animated Ellinas was on the play and the fact he didn’t return thought it could be a bit more serious. Especially since he didn’t return and Ellinas seems like one that would do whatever to at least try to come back and play (which he never did)

I agree on Bray. But I’d keep an eye out just because of the exodus of players out of that league.

Agreed for sure. The list of guys leaving the BCHL is long and it isn’t going to stop I don’t think

 

[Ward Cornell]

When will Schaubel get his next start/ how many? Playing quality teams leading into the break
Nov 29-Owensound
Dec 1-Guelph
Dec 3-Brantford
Dec 6-Soo
Dec 7-Windsor
Dec 13-Kingston
Dec 15-London
Dec 18-Sarnia
Dec 20-Ottawa

I would play Parsons vs OS Brantford, Windsor and London. Then Schaubel can play 3+ games in the remainder. Of course keep Schaubel under that 10 games limit

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

I thought I read somewhere, maybe here, that icing more than four A cards was possible if you acquired the 5th 16 year old at the deadline (Pete’s last year. Missy two years ago).

But if a 16 year old was acquired via defected player, that acquisition had to be one of your four A cards.

But of course, they’ve adjusted the rules regarding A cards this year so maybe they’ve adjusted that as well.

Again, unless the rules have changed since, I actually recall having this conversation over a year ago when the idea of acquiring “defected” Henry Brzustewicz was a potential opportunity and because Kitchener had their four “A” cards in place most likely, it wouldn’t be able to happen because of that rule (bolded)

 

[bobber]

I doubt Valentini shows up in KW but I am willing to swallow another crow pie feathers and all if he does.

 

[frontsfan67]

When will Schaubel get his next start/ how many? Playing quality teams leading into the break
Nov 29-Owensound
Dec 1-Guelph
Dec 3-Brantford
Dec 6-Soo
Dec 7-Windsor
Dec 13-Kingston
Dec 15-London
Dec 18-Sarnia
Dec 20-Ottawa

Guelph, soo if they go with Landon miller, sarnia probably.

I thought I read somewhere, maybe here, that icing more than four A cards was possible if you acquired the 5th 16 year old at the deadline (Pete’s last year. Missy two years ago).

But if a 16 year old was acquired via defected player, that acquisition had to be one of your four A cards.

But of course, they’ve adjusted the rules regarding A cards this year so maybe they’ve adjusted that as well.

I predict they send Antsis down if Valentini shows

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

I predict they send Antsis down if Valentini shows

Anstis wouldn't be allowed to be sent down since he's American. There are some loopholes (whatever London did with Arrowsmith) related to family living in area which I don't think Kitchener has done.

 

[frontsfan67]

Anstis wouldn't be allowed to be sent down since he's American. There are some loopholes (whatever London did with Arrowsmith) related to family living in area which I don't think Kitchener has done.

In that case maybe Bilecki? Seems like a project anyways- is he getting top 4 minutes right now?

 

[Jives]

In that case maybe Bilecki? Seems like a project anyways- is he getting top 4 minutes right now?

Bilecki is doing just fine as a 16 year old dman in this league….huge upside imo. Plus he has already burned an A card.

If Valetini comes it’s between Schaubel and Headrick on who gets the last A card. Valetini 100% gets one.

 

[frontsfan67]

Bilecki is doing just fine as a 16 year old dman in this league….huge upside imo. Plus he has already burned an A card.

If Valetini comes it’s between Schaubel and Headrick on who gets the last A card. Valetini 100% gets one.

Wow what a tough spot to be in. Either your first round pick or your goalie of the future

 

[MetalheadPenguinsFan]

I haven’t been to a Rangers game or followed them since before the pandemic.

Does the Aud still sell candy apples?? Asking for future reference.

 

[EvenSteven]

Wow what a tough spot to be in. Either your first round pick or your goalie of the future

Truth be told, Headrick is still out long-term (months I understand). It wouldn’t be the end of the world if when he did return, he finished the season at JrB.

 

[ohloutsider]

Anstis wouldn't be allowed to be sent down since he's American. There are some loopholes (whatever London did with Arrowsmith) related to family living in area which I don't think Kitchener has done.

I think the rules have changed on that? Windsor sent Weibell down to JrB this year and he is a 16 yr old American kid.

 

[Krangers08]

Per Josh brown. The whole team is heading to the prospects game to support Cam Reid.

 

[frontsfan67]

Per Josh brown. The whole team is heading to the prospects game to support Cam Reid.

Awesome to support their guy.

I understand the prospects game was put in place after the schedule was made but why would they put it on the same day other teams play their games on Wednesday?

 

[Fastpace]

It’s a tall order but If Jackson Parsons can get 4 more shutouts this year (7)He will pass Dan Turple for most shutouts as a Ranger (10)

That's a tall order, but you do have a capable goalie on your hand that can. Unfortunately for Parson he's playing in the Western Conference, in Turple days, his conference parity was not as strong, and he did have a lot more player experiences out front.