Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[EvenSteven]

Can anyone think of an example of a team trading their best player and then turning around and using those assets to go all-in on a run? Gotta be pretty rare if it has ever happened.

Just about as rare as an 8th place team that was pretty much a gong show in the first half of the season, emptying the cupboard in an effort to go all in.

I’m not saying I expect MM to spend draft picks to go all in at this deadline, but just because he sold off Rehkopf doesn’t mean he’ll now continue the sell off of the rest of his valuable vets considering where his team is in the standings today.

But I think he’ll probably try to “have his cake and eat it too”. As Fischhaber suggests, he likely tries to improve this team on the cheap. But I don’t see his Nordh for 2nd’s and 3rd’s deal. More likely, MM preserves his 2nds and 3rds and fills needs via excess young players and later picks.

I don’t see us making big splashes. But a couple Chromiak calibre adds makes sense. Fill that second import spot either with Sale (unlikely but worth waiting until the last minute), or failing that, a selling teams veteran import who’s a rung or two below a Nordh calibre player.

Then pick up a decent, inexpensive middle six F or bottom pairing D to provide some veteran depth.

MM will know more than most of us on here the likelyhood of future flyers reporting. If he “knows” a couple more high end flyers are set to report this year or next, using young players who those flyers would bump down the lineup next year as trade chips this year would make some sense.

 

[EvenSteven]

Does anyone know if Xu made the trip north with the team? Be nice to see him get into a game sooner than later.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

The Rangers are one of the league's top teams this year . They have an elite goaltender and are set to lose 5 of their best 7 players (in my estimation ) after the season. They have assets to spend. This seems like an obvious year to make additions.

The 25/26 season doesn't stand out as a contending season, with a so-so class of 06's and not much in the way of impact OA's (unless Andonovski comes back). Goaltending will also be a big question mark. This seems like an obvious season to sell and recoup assets for the age 19 seasons of elite players in Reid and Romani.

Fan sentiment seems to be that they should sell this year and build around that 06 class, rather than make 2 runs in the next 3 seasons. Help me understand.

That's what we said about this year's team...

 

[LostRangers]

My assumption is that you would recoup those picks next year when you don't have one of the league's best teams and an elite goaltender. I think Parsons gives you a chance against any team, including London. It would be a shame to waste such a good season from him by not attempting to win, at least in my view.

What exactly would you suggest we trade to recoup those picks, given our keen focus on the mem cup 2 years away?

 

[Krangers08]

deleted.

 

[Fischhaber]

What exactly would you suggest we trade to recoup those picks, given our keen focus on the mem cup 2 years away?

The same thing you would trade in any building year. OA's, veterans who won't return, etc.

Ellinas and Vermeulen would get a good return. Andonovski and Pridham would as well if they return. There's always a couple surprises as well.

I was just making conversation. From the outside, it seems odd for a great team with picks to just treat that season as a throwaway. I understand the 2027 angle as well.

 

[K2]

Does anyone know if Xu made the trip north with the team? Be nice to see him get into a game sooner than later.

Xu debuts!

 

[All the Answers]

The same thing you would trade in any building year. OA's, veterans who won't return, etc.

Ellinas and Vermeulen would get a good return. Andonovski and Pridham would as well if they return. There's always a couple surprises as well.

I was just making conversation. From the outside, it seems odd for a great team with picks to just treat that season as a throwaway. I understand the 2027 angle as well.

You don't know the makeup of the Rangers and don't understand the lack of pieces coming back that could be moved for significant return. Sorry.

Minus the goaltender, this team is easily improved next year and the year following. Not gonna beat London, could maybe make 3rd round without adding.

 

[EvenSteven]

The same thing you would trade in any building year. OA's, veterans who won't return, etc.

Ellinas and Vermeulen would get a good return. Andonovski and Pridham would as well if they return. There's always a couple surprises as well.

I was just making conversation. From the outside, it seems odd for a great team with picks to just treat that season as a throwaway. I understand the 2027 angle as well.

You don't know the makeup of the Rangers and don't understand the lack of pieces coming back that could be moved for significant return. Sorry.

Minus the goaltender, this team is easily improved next year and the year following. Not gonna beat London, could maybe make 3rd round without adding.

I suspect the Rehkopf deal was the kick off to the sell off this year. But then the CHL/NCAA Agreement happened. Because of the Agreement and our place in the standings, all bets seem to be off now. Sure it can be taken with a grain of salt, but MM did address the team saying there’ll be no sell off.

The Agreement brought us players that regularly wouldn’t have reported here. Pridham, Ellis, and now Xu will help this team big time in the present and future.

I suspect MM “knows” that there’ll be more reporting flyers between now and next fall. Valentini? Hextall? Bray? Who knows? But for every 07 or 08 born flyer that reports, it should mean one less rental we need picks for in an “all in” year. It also means that the log jam of good OHLers on the roster can be alleviated by trading them for good return, adding to the draft cupboard.

Look at our 07 and 08 groups - along with probable flyers that could be here in the next year. Look at the solid 09 draft picks in the 1st three rounds. Good chance that by 26-27, our roster is such that the top 8 or 9 forwards and 4 or 5 D are in place and solid. Any additions would be supporting players - as what is often the case down the 401.

Hosting duties or not, we’ll be in big trouble if we find ourselves having to trade our way into contention in 26-27.

 

[rangersblues]

You don't know the makeup of the Rangers and don't understand the lack of pieces coming back that could be moved for significant return. Sorry.

Minus the goaltender, this team is easily improved next year and the year following. Not gonna beat London, could maybe make 3rd round without adding.

There's no doubt that Parsons play is a huge part of the Rangers success this season. But Schaubel has shown well for a 16 year old and could easily take a big step forward. There's also goalies to be found from non - contenders. Not to mention what London did getting Austin on waivers from the WHL.

This season is a stepping stone to next year which is a stepping stone to possibly hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup. Is it possible that Fischaber is just wishfully hoping that Kitchener takes a run at this season to jeopardize their standing for 2027 so Soo can put in another bid?

 

[RangerNation]

I understand most camera operators in this league are volunteers, but I do believe the bare minimum to qualify for the job should be to follow the puck. One job. I'm begging you.

 

[All the Answers]

I understand most camera operators in this league are volunteers, but I do believe the bare minimum to qualify for the job should be to follow the puck. One job. I'm begging you.

Was about to post the same. I'm thankful the game is televised but this is atrocious. Along with the incorrect and poorly pronunciation of guys who have been in the league 4+ years.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Was about to post the same. I'm thankful the game is televised but this is atrocious. Along with the incorrect and poorly pronunciation of guys who have been in the league 4+ years.

Way way too much colour commentary.

I think Xu hasn't looked out place in the least. Showing a lot of maturity.

 

[GeoBlue]

Was about to post the same. I'm thankful the game is televised but this is atrocious. Along with the incorrect and poorly pronunciation of guys who have been in the league 4+ years.

It sounds like the 2 in the booth are flirting with each other. LOL!

One thing I have never noticed was the arena design in Sudbury. The benches are on opposite sides of the rink and they are both quite deep past the blue line.

 

[bobber]

There's no doubt that Parsons play is a huge part of the Rangers success this season. But Schaubel has shown well for a 16 year old and could easily take a big step forward. There's also goalies to be found from non - contenders. Not to mention what London did getting Austin on waivers from the WHL.

This season is a stepping stone to next year which is a stepping stone to possibly hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup. Is it possible that Fischaber is just wishfully hoping that Kitchener takes a run at this season to jeopardize their standing for 2027 so Soo can put in another bid?

Good thing MM isn't influenced by opposing posters pipe dreams.

 

[bobber]

Rangers not playing with the same urgency today as we have seen in some games. Maybe playing a road game style. Wolves have some skilled vets on their squad.

 

[Matttheleaf]

Ando has to stop taking penalties late in games. Didn't cost them today but has in the past and will in the future.

 

[rangersblues]

Good thing MM isn't influenced by opposing posters pipe dreams.

I'm also hoping he isn't influenced by Rangers fans posting either. Even when we're right

 

[bobber]

I'm also hoping he isn't influenced by Rangers fans posting either. Even when we're right

Gees I thought everyone considered us Ranger posters as hockey influencers. You just flattened all my tires!

 

[LostRangers]

Ando has to stop taking penalties late in games. Didn't cost them today but has in the past and will in the future.

I know he is an important piece, but was hoping the coach would sit Ando after the first penalty. You are out on a kill and take a selfish penalty. Not the first time. Some games he seems to play on his own agenda.
Hard to comment on the game with the camera work. Seemed to go left when the puck went right and zoomed out when they needed to zoom in. Never tried that before so will just hope they learn and move on.
Was impressed with Xu. Got better as the game went on. Still not sold on Bilecki. Too slow to do much offensively and gets walked around far too often in our end. Think he could benefit from more ice at the Jr B level.
Hoping this goal from “Mislevik”, as they call him in the Nickel City means a big second half from him.
The boys are off to my hometown, and I am off to the kitchen for more turkey!

 

[GeoBlue]

Hoping this goal from “Mislevik”, as they call him in the Nickel City means a big second half from him.

I kind of liked the sound of "Misljelik"

 

[Fischhaber]

There's no doubt that Parsons play is a huge part of the Rangers success this season. But Schaubel has shown well for a 16 year old and could easily take a big step forward. There's also goalies to be found from non - contenders. Not to mention what London did getting Austin on waivers from the WHL.

This season is a stepping stone to next year which is a stepping stone to possibly hosting the 2027 Memorial Cup. Is it possible that Fischaber is just wishfully hoping that Kitchener takes a run at this season to jeopardize their standing for 2027 so Soo can put in another bid?

I just want London to lose to be honest

It will be a travesty if the Soo doesn't get the 2027 Memorial Cup in my view. They essentially had it in 2021 before the season was cancelled and should have had it last year as well. They made a large number of expensive upgrades after being given some assurances after 2021. The biggest host snub in the OHL's history last year really sent negative shockwaves through the community

Northern Ontario has been consistently screwed by Branch and hasn't hosted a cup in over 30 years, despite being the heart and soul of the league. They have already said they will be bidding in 2027. Kitchener would undoubtedly be a great host and may have the best team, I was there in 2009, but there are some debts to be paid.

I look forward to good battles between the two teams either way. Both are loaded with 07 talent and look to be the best teams in that year.

 

[Squirrel88]

Does Ando's 5 min penalty come with an automatic 2 game suspension?

 

[Matttheleaf]

Does anyone know any other ways to get tickets for the Bulldogs game? Ticketmaster only has resale tickets now and they start at $60. I know it's a small arena but thought id as since they are close to us.

 

[Krangers08]

Does anyone know any other ways to get tickets for the Bulldogs game? Ticketmaster only has resale tickets now and they start at $60. I know it's a small arena but thought id as since they are close to us.

Brantford might have some type of fan group on Facebook, where some might be selling. If not you could head down early and hit the roulette.