Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[RB76]

Even with potential flyers joining the team, IMO we are probably going to still need a goalie, one/two stud defenders, and a couple of elite forwards to be in the running for a 2027 Championship Run. Projected 2027 lineup:

Arquette/Elinas/Romano
Cameron/Valentini/Lam
Ellis/Headrick/Stark
Hlacar/Labrash/Vermeulen

Reid/Campbell
Xu/MacNeil
Dirracalo/Bilecki
Anstis

Schaubel/ Edward

Question is, do we have enough picks to make the necessary changes? If not, I agree Swick may hold the greatest value followed by Ando. Both would be tough to replace but likely not change the final outcome this year.

 

[EvenSteven]

Even with potential flyers joining the team, IMO we are probably going to still need a goalie, one/two stud defenders, and a couple of elite forwards to be in the running for a 2027 Championship Run. Projected 2027 lineup:

Arquette/Elinas/Romano
Cameron/Valentini/Lam
Ellis/Headrick/Stark
Hlacar/Labrash/Vermeulen

Reid/Campbell
Xu/MacNeil
Dirracalo/Bilecki
Anstis

Schaubel/ Edward

Question is, do we have enough picks to make the necessary changes? If not, I agree Swick may hold the greatest value followed by Ando. Both would be tough to replace but likely not change the final outcome this year.

I’m not sure whether or not guys like Andonovski and Swick have NTC’s, but how do you approach either and tell them they’re being traded to a contender to give them a better chance to go deep in the post season, maybe win a championship, when you’re trading them from a third place team in the west to a 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th team in the east? Teams that currently have 10 or more less points than the Rangers do?

In moving them to teams like Kingston, Sudbury, Brantford or Brampton, are you giving them less of a chance to go deep in the post season? Would they be happy with those moves or would they rather stay here where they could very well have a better shot at a deep playoff run?
If I’m either of those guys, I’m not happy with those destinations. Oshawa or Barrie? Maybe a different story. But those teams’ draft cupboards aren’t deep.

That lineup you have posted will need to be trimmed down. Only three of Ellinas, Vermeulen, Hlacar, Campbell and Dirracolo will make up our OA group.

Also factor in three or four 09’s who’ll be in their NHL draft year and should be part of a pretty good supporting cast. Also assume our 1st rounder two years from now should be a trade chip.

 

[scotty171]

I’m not sure whether or not guys like Andonovski and Swick have NTC’s, but how do you approach either and tell them they’re being traded to a contender to give them a better chance to go deep in the post season, maybe win a championship, when you’re trading them from a third place team in the west to a 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th team in the east? Teams that currently have 10 or more less points than the Rangers do?

In moving them to teams like Kingston, Sudbury, Brantford or Brampton, are you giving them less of a chance to go deep in the post season? Would they be happy with those moves or would they rather stay here where they could very well have a better shot at a deep playoff run?
If I’m either of those guys, I’m not happy with those destinations. Oshawa or Barrie? Maybe a different story. But those teams’ draft cupboards aren’t deep.

That lineup you have posted will need to be trimmed down. Only three of Ellinas, Vermeulen, Hlacar, Campbell and Dirracolo will make up our OA group.

Also factor in three or four 09’s who’ll be in their NHL draft year and should be part of a pretty good supporting cast. Also assume our 1st rounder two years from now should be a trade chip.

Also need to factor in that Xu, Ellis and Valentini have college commitments that are for the 26-27 season at this point.

 

[GeoBlue]

I’m not sure whether or not guys like Andonovski and Swick have NTC’s, but how do you approach either and tell them they’re being traded to a contender to give them a better chance to go deep in the post season, maybe win a championship, when you’re trading them from a third place team in the west to a 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th team in the east? Teams that currently have 10 or more less points than the Rangers do?

You say, "It's not you; it's me" and then pull the trigger. You tell them it's part of the business, and if they want to play pro, they need to get used to it. I am sure it would be tough leaving your friends and team mates from a 3rd overall situation but the future of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club is not so important to them as it is for a STH or the organization itself. They should understand.

 

[EvenSteven]

Also need to factor in that Xu, Ellis and Valentini have college commitments that are for the 26-27 season at this point.

True. Though those commitments could be bumped to 27-28 depending on their NHL status and roster availability at the NCAA school they’ve committed to.

Pridham and Montgomery, both NCAA commits, but 05’s, still weren’t playing NCAA though old enough to be out of high school.

 

[scotty171]

True. Though those commitments could be bumped to 27-28 depending on their NHL status and roster availability at the NCAA school they’ve committed to.

Pridham and Montgomery, both NCAA commits, but 05’s, still weren’t playing NCAA though old enough to be out of high school.

Yes, they can be pushed back. Depends on different factors like you said. High end recruits like Valentini don't usually get pushed back though.

 

[EvenSteven]

Yes, they can be pushed back. Depends on different factors like you said. High end recruits like Valentini don't usually get pushed back though.

Very true. We’d have to hope he reports here. Then as an early NHL draftee, talked into signing with his NHL team.

 

[EvenSteven]

You say, "It's not you; it's me" and then pull the trigger. You tell them it's part of the business, and if they want to play pro, they need to get used to it. I am sure it would be tough leaving your friends and team mates from a 3rd overall situation but the future of the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club is not so important to them as it is for a STH or the organization itself. They should understand.

I’m on board. But you have to wonder if MM wants to take what might be below market value for Swick because there won’t be many landing spots for him as an OA. Most teams are set at the OA position though he’d be an upgrade on some.

And it wouldn’t surprise me one bit if he thinks the odds of Andonovski coming back at some point next year as an OA are relatively good and that has him a little hesitant on moving him unless it’s for a landslide return.

For me, I’d love nothing better than to see Swick moved to a team like Brampton with Lefebvre coming back to give us depth up front. Then move Ando to Brantford where Noah Roberts would come back. Roberts would be a better bet as an OAD next year.

Do those two trades, bring back those two players plus a bunch of picks, and we address the cupboard, and can still make some noise in this year’s playoffs

 

[OMG67]

Also need to factor in that Xu, Ellis and Valentini have college commitments that are for the 26-27 season at this point.

Commitments are meaningless and non-binding for either side. They can be delayed and cancelled entirely.

 

[scotty171]

Commitments are meaningless and non-binding for either side. They can be delayed and cancelled entirely.

I know they can change and be delayed. I wouldn't call them meaningless. I was just stating the year of their current "commitment".

 

[OMG67]

I know they can change and be delayed. I wouldn't call them meaningless. I was just stating the year of their current "commitment".

I would say they are meaningless especially because they were agreed to (by both sides) prior to the NCAA agreement being in place.

I can see a school like Michigan cancelling their commitments across the board if/when higher end players become available.

Look at Clarkson. Three OHL OAs signed already so far. How does that affect their commitments and current scholarships for next year?

Teams will want to stay competitive and if they keep their commitments as agreed, they could end up with a bunch on 19 year olds going up against 21 year olds that are racking up quality CHL OAs.

 

[scotty171]

I would say they are meaningless especially because they were agreed to (by both sides) prior to the NCAA agreement being in place.

I can see a school like Michigan cancelling their commitments across the board if/when higher end players become available.

Look at Clarkson. Three OHL OAs signed already so far. How does that affect their commitments and current scholarships for next year?

Teams will want to stay competitive and if they keep their commitments as agreed, they could end up with a bunch on 19 year olds going up against 21 year olds that are racking up quality CHL OAs.

I agree with what you are saying but teams will still take the high end players like Valentini at 19 over most OAs. Those commitments won't change unless those players chose to sign NHL deals.

 

[OMG67]

I agree with what you are saying but teams will still take the high end players like Valentini at 19 over most OAs. Those commitments won't change unless those players chose to sign NHL deals.

Maybe but one year from Valentini vs four from a high end OA may make a real difference…. Depending on the school.

Also keep in mind all the arguments made for players going NCAA vs CHL. A lot of those arguments are now gone. Only the (Canadian) players that truly want to go to school are likely to go NCAA.

It means nothing to a kid like Valentini from a development perspective to jump to NCAA for one season. Those are the players that will turn pro at 20. Throw that out the window if their true intention is to go to school but if that’s the case, he’s not coming to Kitchener ever. So, again, the commitment doesn’t matter.

 

[GeoBlue]

Swick-Ellinas-Pridham
Misaljevic-Romano-Lam
Grisolia-Mercer-Headrick
LaBrash-Vermeulen-Ellis

Reid-Campbell
Andonovski-Xu
Dirracolo-Bilecki

Parsons

Even with potential flyers joining the team, IMO we are probably going to still need a goalie, one/two stud defenders, and a couple of elite forwards to be in the running for a 2027 Championship Run. Projected 2027 lineup:

Arquette/Elinas/Romano
Cameron/Valentini/Lam
Ellis/Headrick/Stark
Hlacar/Labrash/Vermeulen

Reid/Campbell
Xu/MacNeil
Dirracalo/Bilecki
Anstis

Schaubel/ Edward

Question is, do we have enough picks to make the necessary changes? If not, I agree Swick may hold the greatest value followed by Ando. Both would be tough to replace but likely not change the final outcome this year.

You have Anstis as a defenceman?

 

[EvenSteven]

Swick-Ellinas-Pridham
Misaljevic-Romano-Lam
Grisolia-Mercer-Headrick
LaBrash-Vermeulen-Ellis

Reid-Campbell
Andonovski-Xu
Dirracolo-Bilecki

Parsons


You have Anstis as a defenceman?

He’s a RW.

 

[LostRangers]

Another slow start….Parsons holding us close. Hope for better in the second. We did seem to come on in the last few shifts.

 

[Ward Cornell]

Even with potential flyers joining the team, IMO we are probably going to still need a goalie, one/two stud defenders, and a couple of elite forwards to be in the running for a 2027 Championship Run. Projected 2027 lineup:

Arquette/Elinas/Romano
Cameron/Valentini/Lam
Ellis/Headrick/Stark
Hlacar/Labrash/Vermeulen

Reid/Campbell
Xu/MacNeil
Dirracalo/Bilecki
Anstis

Schaubel/ Edward

Question is, do we have enough picks to make the necessary changes? If not, I agree Swick may hold the greatest value followed by Ando. Both would be tough to replace but likely not change the final outcome this year.

With the only foreseen weakness being goal, I could see a US free agent goalie could be attracted here. Along the lines of Unice or Murray. At least, I think they were free agents.

 

[bobber]

Rangers watching Team Canada too much. Not playing with the same intensity like they were earlier in the season. Some players aren't as noticeable.

 

[bobber]

Pridham comes through with a beauty in OT. Wicked shot. Rangers come through on the road.

 

[East Avenue Bully]

I am impressed with how Campbell has improved his play, he's been looking solid as of late

 

[LostRangers]

Another comeback win for this team. Really took over the 3rd. Great rush goal for Pridham. Credit to Missile for a great back check on the 2 on 1 for Brantford just before that winner. Another W for Parsons, improves his stellar save %, and GAA. He may lose that scholarship when he gets offered a pro contract!

 

[EvenSteven]

I am impressed with how Campbell has improved his play, he's been looking solid as of late

He’s my most improved player this year. Healthy scratch at times last year. This year? One of our most valuable D on the defensive side of the puck.

 

[Krangers08]

Dirracolo made a great read on his goal. Caught them all watching the puck.

 

[Ranger77]

Pridham comes through with a beauty in OT. Wicked shot. Rangers come through on the road.

And what a save by Parsons going cross crease earlier in OT. He's having himself quite the season!

 

[Jives]

What I hope MM does is sell Ando, Swick and Misel. If a blow me away offer comes for Parsons then I take it. This gives the ice to the kids and helps the draft cupboard for mem cup year. I’d probably look for a vet cheap goalie to help Schaubel and I’d go 50/50 on starts until playoffs and then pick a starter.

What I think MM does. He adds an import. This could be a Ranger property import or a cheap import via trade (more then likely a trade). Might clear out an extra player or 2 to make room for some of the kids. Maybe move out 1 or 2 of Mercer, Gris or Velm to give Arquette, Ellis, Headrick, Labrash, Hlacar, etc more ice moving forward. If we can get a cheap import Dman then I think he still might move out Ando.

I think he doesn’t do much. We lose in 2nd or 3rd round of playoff (again) and waste an opportunity to replenish the draft cupboard and maybe pick up a 2008 or 2007 via trade.

I’m hearing there is no way MM is a selling. Trying to go to add some vets. Big mistake imo. Now…maybe the price ends up being too much and he decides do a light sell but as of right now he is in buy mode. If we can get Sale or an import to report plus Valentini then I don’t mind adding on the cheap if something else comes up. I just can’t see adding 1 or 2 decent guys will give us a chance against London if we don’t get players free added (Sale, etc).