Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[Fastpace]

London was missing their 3 best players. Imagine us missing Reid, Pridham and Swick. It’s a huge deal missing 3 players that log a lot of ice time.

People thinking we can upset them please take my money and let’s make a bet!!! We sell 1 or 2 vets and try to get to the western finals. That’s a HUGE success for this team with how young it is. Stay the course that was planned at the beginning of the year (Rehkopf trade…and then some more vet trades). This teams future is very bright…help them out as we have a very little chance to get by the 14 NHL drafted players London.

For the last two years, if any remembers, some hockey experts had the Rangers at the bottom, not making the playoffs. If any went back and read my predicting posts of the past 2 years, they would notice I was one of a very few that had Kitchener above the middle of the pack both seasons. I am now saying the Rangers will be, by the end of this season, very close to where London were last year.

 

[EvenSteven]

London was missing their 3 best players. Imagine us missing Reid, Pridham and Swick. It’s a huge deal missing 3 players that log a lot of ice time.

People thinking we can upset them please take my money and let’s make a bet!!! We sell 1 or 2 vets and try to get to the western finals. That’s a HUGE success for this team with how young it is. Stay the course that was planned at the beginning of the year (Rehkopf trade…and then some more vet trades). This teams future is very bright…help them out as we have a very little chance to get by the 14 NHL drafted players London.

I’m not under any illusions that we’re gonna beat London in a seven game series. But I don’t think they’re blowing us out either. Sure, last night was without their big three players. But we lost to them, with a full lineup, 3-1 in a one goal, empty net goal game at the Aud a little while ago.

That’s not nothing.

 

[rangersblues]

The Soo had a shot at beating London in my opinion. Certainly a better shot than Saginaw did.

If Saginaw wouldn't have gotten into that 7 game battle vs Soo last season they very well could have beaten London in the playoffs. Finishing first last season was a huge advantage.

 

[SFC]

The Soo had a shot at beating London in my opinion. Certainly a better shot than Saginaw did.

Agreed, the Soo had a great team last year. Top 3 in the CHL?

It’s true actually, I think we still would have won, but it might have gone 7 games if it was Soo and London.

Anyways, I’ll get off the Rangers board and let them keep talking about the Rangers.

Personally I love it when other fans come in here and share their insights on other teams. We talk about the Rangers enough! Some posters don't feel the way I do, though.

Guys we're talking about close losses to London like they're achievements. This is not the year. It could have been a year if MM hadn't mismanaged his team so badly two years ago, but here we are.

 

[Jives]

I’m not under any illusions that we’re gonna beat London in a seven game series. But I don’t think they’re blowing us out either. Sure, last night was without their big three players. But we lost to them, with a full lineup, 3-1 in a one goal, empty net goal game at the Aud a little while ago.

That’s not nothing.

While Parsons stood on his head. That was not a 2-1 game. He stood on his head and we lost. He might be able to stand on his head and we get 1 game out of a series. To me….that’s not worth standing pat or going for it. We don’t have the assets needed to compete with London…we need too many pieces.

 

[EvenSteven]

While Parsons stood on his head. That was not a 2-1 game. He stood on his head and we lost. He might be able to stand on his head and we get 1 game out of a series. To me….that’s not worth standing pat or going for it. We don’t have the assets needed to compete with London…we need too many pieces.

We have pieces. But those pieces are too young.

They (07’s) are to this team that Benoit, Richards, Clarkson etc were to the 2003 team. A high end supporting cast to the vets.

But we don’t have enough quality vets and can’t afford to trade for them.

This is the price for the ill advised “all in buy in” at the deadline two years ago.

 

[bobber]

Agreed, the Soo had a great team last year. Top 3 in the CHL?



Personally I love it when other fans come in here and share their insights on other teams. We talk about the Rangers enough! Some posters don't feel the way I do, though.

Guys we're talking about close losses to London like they're achievements. This is not the year. It could have been a year if MM hadn't mismanaged his team so badly two years ago, but here we are.

First SFC I have to ask do you have a chicken franchise? Southern Fried Chicken. Kidding. I agree the fans of other teams that come on here are great contributors to the conversation. OHL fans are a passionate bunch and usually save their criticisms for their own teams. Most OHL fans are realistic about their teams skill level and where they fit in to the standings. Lots of knowledgeable posters around the league with great perspectives on the games.

 

[Habsrule]

What do you think that the Rangers do about their second import spot?

Sale got an assist last game but went pointless in his previous 8 games. Playing in the AHL.

Do they go for some depth import player who is 19 to fill the spot for cheap to finish the season? Look to trade with some bottom team.

Do they do nothing and leave it be?

 

[EastAveRangers]

While Parsons stood on his head. That was not a 2-1 game. He stood on his head and we lost. He might be able to stand on his head and we get 1 game out of a series. To me….that’s not worth standing pat or going for it. We don’t have the assets needed to compete with London…we need too many pieces.

A little outside the box thought here. I think there’s a realistic shot the Rangers make it to the 3rd round this year with the team they currently have, which is a bulk of players that will be a part of the 2027 team. Although it’s highly unlikely that they do get past London, there’s something to be said for a deep 3 round run for the 07s and 08s. It sets the bar high for the next 2 seasons to exceed those expectations, so I think that type of experience is invaluable to give to a young group that you’re currently grooming to win a championship. (And adds yet another sour taste in their mouth for future bulletin board material for playoff series vs London in 06 or 07)

 

[Krangers08]

What do you think that the Rangers do about their second import spot?

Pobezal will only be a couple hours away

I think they’ll leave it empty till the draft. If MM wants another import he could go after Nordh in the soo

 

[EvenSteven]

Pobezal will only be a couple hours away

I think they’ll leave it empty till the draft. If MM wants another import he could go after Nordh in the soo

I don’t think we need to fill the second import slot. Especially if it’s at any significant cost.

Obviously, Sale coming back would be ideal. Ditto Pobezal. A high end addition at no cost. Can’t beat that.

I like our draft pick cupboard the way it is. Would I like there to be more picks added up to and at this trade deadline? Yes. But I certainly don’t want to lose any of those picks during that time period.

So, assuming a trade for Nordh would cost the equivalent of what Alriksson went for, I don’t know if I want to do that deal. But, I’d rather send what we may consider an excess younger player, in lieu of those picks, for that player. Would an 07 with decent to good upside qualify as payment enough for Nordh?

We have 07’s on the roster who’ve shown well in their limited minutes who could be the central part of a deal for Nordh. Has the addition of Ellis, or possible Valentini reporting made Arquette or Stark expendable? Has the emergence of Bilecki and expected Xu signing made MacNiel expendable?

Move one or two of them for an over a point a game, NHL drafted player in Nordh? That keeps the draft pick cupboard as it is, improves this year’s team, finds a place for those 07’s to play, and makes room on the roster for more flyers and incoming 08’s, 09’s, and imports next year.

 

[bobber]

MM should stick to a plan and not go for a fairy tale run again as he has in the past. It's a total waste of assets. David might have killed goliath back in the day but chances of the Rangers beating a veteran team like the Knights as an example is less than slim. MM and his staff were successful in drafting some talented players in the last couple of drafts. In my opinion which isn't worth a grain of salt he should keep all of those players and trade off some vets to build up the draft cupboard. This way the Rangers will have both a solid group of vets and talented young rookies going forward in the next couple of years. On a side note Michael Hage is leading the NCAA in goals and 2nd in points as a rookie. As much as I hate to say it as a fan of the Bruins they got a good one in this kid. Hope this doesn't swell Ward's head to big that his Habs touque doesn't fit anymore.

 

[Jives]

MM should stick to a plan and not go for a fairy tale run again as he has in the past. It's a total waste of assets. David might have killed goliath back in the day but chances of the Rangers beating a veteran team like the Knights as an example is less than slim. MM and his staff were successful in drafting some talented players in the last couple of drafts. In my opinion which isn't worth a grain of salt he should keep all of those players and trade off some vets to build up the draft cupboard. This way the Rangers will have both a solid group of vets and talented young rookies going forward in the next couple of years. On a side note Michael Hage is leading the NCAA in goals and 2nd in points as a rookie. As much as I hate to say it as a fan of the Bruins they got a good one in this kid. Hope this doesn't swell Ward's head to big that his Habs touque doesn't fit anymore.

Agree. Keep all 2007 / 2008 as you have no idea how they are going to progress in the next 2 years. Trade the vets to get picks. Very slim chance to get through the Knights. MM must accept that and continue the rebuild.

 

[RangerNation]

At this point I feel like everyone is on the same page of what needs to be done. It just has to happen now!

 

[EvenSteven]

MM should stick to a plan and not go for a fairy tale run again as he has in the past. It's a total waste of assets. David might have killed goliath back in the day but chances of the Rangers beating a veteran team like the Knights as an example is less than slim. MM and his staff were successful in drafting some talented players in the last couple of drafts. In my opinion which isn't worth a grain of salt he should keep all of those players and trade off some vets to build up the draft cupboard. This way the Rangers will have both a solid group of vets and talented young rookies going forward in the next couple of years. On a side note Michael Hage is leading the NCAA in goals and 2nd in points as a rookie. As much as I hate to say it as a fan of the Bruins they got a good one in this kid. Hope this doesn't swell Ward's head to big that his Habs touque doesn't fit anymore.

Agree. Keep all 2007 / 2008 as you have no idea how they are going to progress in the next 2 years. Trade the vets to get picks. Very slim chance to get through the Knights. MM must accept that and continue the rebuild.

I agree. Stick to the plan. But I’m looking at things from an MM point of view when looking at the standings and how we’ve played the top teams.

I can see him not wanting to sell, but stand pat, and add only on the very cheap, and the logic behind it.

He’ll counter our “stick to the plan” arguments with:
A) I “know” we have flyers on the way negating the need for a deep draft cupboard. We can afford to have our cake and eat it too.
B) We were given no chance of beating London two years ago, and Windsor last year. But…..
C) The trade market for OA’s looks to be weak and I’ll not accept poor return for any of our OA’s.
D) I feel I can add to this team on the very cheap to make it a little better via a second import or another flyer.
E) I’m not so sure Andonovski won’t return as an OA next year. Based on Hamara as an OA this year, the Ottawa/Brantford ownership could decide to have Ando play his OA season, if not here, in a forced trade to Brantford where we’d get some return.

MM has the benefit of discussions around the hockey world with agents and managers of other teams that we aren’t privy to that could have him making his above arguments.

Rehkopf was a no brainer for Brampton to acquire. Blue chip as there ever will be. But Ando is different. He had a big year last year. A little unexpected some may say. Prospective buyers may have been on a “wait and see” on him to start the season, if MM had him on the market with Rehkopf.

Since the Agreement, agents may have already assured him that certain flyers are coming. That alone, along with what looks to be the deepest 16 and 17 year old groups in years, will affect how he goes about his business.

IMO, he crapped the bed at the last two trade deadlines. Will he do it again? Remains to be seen.

 

[SFC]

First SFC I have to ask do you have a chicken franchise? Southern Fried Chicken. Kidding. I agree the fans of other teams that come on here are great contributors to the conversation. OHL fans are a passionate bunch and usually save their criticisms for their own teams. Most OHL fans are realistic about their teams skill level and where they fit in to the standings. Lots of knowledgeable posters around the league with great perspectives on the games.

LOL, Bobber, sadly no fried chicken here, although I have been known to enjoy chicken and waffles on a rare occasion. I'm actually ScoresFromCentre from six or seven years ago, I left when the HFBoards management embarrassed themselves with how they mismanaged the Givani Smith racism incident in SSM during the 2017 playoffs. I still loathe the management here but I do like the fans so I'm giving this place another shot. I don't have access to my old account, though.

I used to write a bit about the OHL for The Hockey Writers and I created the Draft Pick Database. Happy to see that someone picked it up after I and coolkid stepped away.

Anyway, great to see you again and hope neither of us has to eat too much crow at the end of the season!

I agree. Stick to the plan. But I’m looking at things from an MM point of view when looking at the standings and how we’ve played the top teams.

I can see him not wanting to sell, but stand pat, and add only on the very cheap, and the logic behind it.

He’ll counter our “stick to the plan” arguments with:
A) I “know” we have flyers on the way negating the need for a deep draft cupboard. We can afford to have our cake and eat it too.
B) We were given no chance of beating London two years ago, and Windsor last year. But…..
C) The trade market for OA’s looks to be weak and I’ll not accept poor return for any of our OA’s.
D) I feel I can add to this team on the very cheap to make it a little better via a second import or another flyer.
E) I’m not so sure Andonovski won’t return as an OA next year. Based on Hamara as an OA this year, the Ottawa/Brantford ownership could decide to have Ando play his OA season, if not here, in a forced trade to Brantford where we’d get some return.

MM has the benefit of discussions around the hockey world with agents and managers of other teams that we aren’t privy to that could have him making his above arguments.

Rehkopf was a no brainer for Brampton to acquire. Blue chip as there ever will be. But Ando is different. He had a big year last year. A little unexpected some may say. Prospective buyers may have been on a “wait and see” on him to start the season, if MM had him on the market with Rehkopf.

Since the Agreement, agents may have already assured him that certain flyers are coming. That alone, along with what looks to be the deepest 16 and 17 year old groups in years, will affect how he goes about his business.

IMO, he crapped the bed at the last two trade deadlines. Will he do it again? Remains to be seen.

ES, did you copy and paste this from last year? Hahaha. The Rangers upset London three years ago and Windsor two years ago. It really does feel like deja vu.

 

[Jives]

I think crapping the bed is not getting any more picks this year. On top of that giving up on 2007 too early and not letting them fully develop.

Matt Sop (17 years old) had 2 games played and 1 point as a Ranger. The 2007 are 17 years old. I’m not ready to give up on any of them.

If rather get picks back and keep all 2007 then give away 2007 too early and have a very marginal improvement on beating London.

 

[bobber]

On the flyers that could report yet. Would it be too late in their seasons to come here now or are we talking next season? Just asking?

 

[Tim Wallach]

On the flyers that could report yet. Would it be too late in their seasons to come here now or are we talking next season? Just asking?

I would expect the trade deadline is the last two major way post for kids deciding to jump. That's when they'll know what teams have done to finalize the roster and have a good idea of where they'd slot. Also towards the end of first semesters, so a cleaner break from school around that time.

 

[Krangers08]

I haven’t chimed in yet on this topic but Thinking out loud here…
With many on here being still in the sell mindset. If MM does end up selling, would the coaching staff take it as a slap in the face being a 3rd place team?
I am on the stand pat train. I don’t believe the market is there.
1) OA are hard to move let alone a goalie
2) Soo has the top available OA, Import, and defenceman. Once they go I see the market shrinking fast. Could throw Guelph in that category as well with Allen and Luchanko
3) don’t believe MM will get the value he was maybe planning on at the start of the year unless team become desperate at the last minute and give a offer he can’t refuse (Meet his price)

What I think he’ll do..
Put a bottom 6 player on waivers/JR B over the break to make room for Headrick. wait until the summer and build the team through recruitment (I don’t think we will see Valentini)
Result..
Gives the young guys that playoff experience- make playoff revenue- keeps the staff happy with a competitive team to win a round or 2