Rangers face big questions with plenty of roster changes
KITCHENER — A lot has changed at the Aud.
Longtime Kitchener Rangers that have entertained fans for years have moved on to the pro ranks or been traded.
Flashy veterans that were brought in for a run at last season’s Ontario Hockey League crown are gone, too. And the transition from contender to challenger comes with a lot of questions. So, let’s answer a few. Who’s in?
F Reid Valade, F Isaac Langdon, F Matt Gordon, F Carter Tresoor, F Joseph Serpa, D Donovan Sebrango, D Justin MacPherson, D Arber Xhejak, G Lucas Pfeil, athletic therapist Cody Birk, director of analytics Mike Zsolt adds hockey operations assistant to his title, former director of hockey operations Murray Hiebert is now a senior advisor and scout, and Brandon Merli goes from head strength and conditioning coach to director of sports science and development coach.
Who’s out?
F Adam Mascherin, F Connor Bunnaman, F Logan Brown, F Kole Sherwood, F Givani Smith, F Adam Liska, D Logan Stanley, D Austin McEneny, D Giovanni Vallati, G Mario Culina, G Chris McGonigle, assistant trainer Austin Denstedt and media and communications manager Alyscia Warner.
Who will be the captain? Connor Hall and Joseph Garreffa make sense. Hall is a veteran rearguard, hails from Cambridge, leads by example and loves to stand up for teammates. Garreffa works hard, is versatile, puts up points and brings a positive attitude to the rink. Riley Damiani is only 18 but it’s hard to ignore the increased role he took on the team last season, especially in the playoffs. Greg Meireles donned the “C” at times in pre-season play and would also be a worthy choice.
Who will lead the team in scoring?
Garreffa, who had 65 points in 68 games, is the only top six scorer from last season that’s back. The Toronto native had 25 goals two years ago but was in helper mode last season with 53 assists while being used mostly as a defenceman. Coach Jay McKee is committed to playing Garreffa at forward this season and, after finishing second in team scoring in each of the past two years, it’s his turn to win the title. What is the overage situation? The Rangers head into the season with defencemen Hall and Kyle Gentles as overage players after parting ways with McGonigle. The team can ultimately keep three 20-year-olds and isn’t in a rush to add a third. A veteran presence up front is a glaring need since most of the forward group is young and inexperienced, but the club won’t ignore players at other positions if the price is right.
What is the team’s biggest strength?
Normally, you’d think that the departure of Winnipeg Jets prospects Stanley and Vallati and overager McEneny would decimate the blue line. But the defence remains surprisingly strong with Hall, a former Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick, and 17-year-old Michael Vukojevic, who already plays like a veteran. Toss in an improving Jack York, the ever-steady Kyle Gentles, MacPherson, Sebrango and Xhekaj, and it’s an impressive bunch. If Swedish import Axel Andersson (Boston Bruins) shows up, the back end could be one of the best in the west.
What is the team’s biggest need?
About 70 per cent of the team’s goal scoring from last season is gone. That’s a lot of markers to make up, especially for a roster whose bottom six have yet to play meaningful minutes in the OHL. The team returns just four players that scored more than six goals last season. Adding an OA forward might help offset the loss but, for now, it’s up to others to step up.
Who’s on the comeback? Eric Guest came into the league with a lot of hype as a third-round pick but, so far, has yet to deliver on that promise. He played 43 games in each of his first two seasons and had six points as a rookie and 10 as a sophomore. But there is a lot to like about the third-year forward. He has speed, skill and a knack for finding open ice. He came to camp with a renewed focus and has looked sharp in the pre-season. He’ll get his chances, likely as a top six forward, and is primed to produce career highs across the board.
Who’s ready to breakout? Greg Meireles took a step back offensively, going from 42 points as a rookie to 30 this past season. To be fair, he was asked to play a new role as a shutdown winger on the third line. This season, he’ll get top minutes and be a key cog on the power play. Remember, he did stay home during his draft year so, despite being 19 years old, this is only his third full campaign. It all adds up to a breakout season for the Ottawa native. In the back end, I’ll take York to perform so well that he’ll be selected in next year’s NHL draft.
What are three bold predictions?
Luke Richardson is a top 10 goalie leaguewide in goals against average and save percentage, winger Jonathan Yantsis eclipses the 20-goal mark, and first-year forward Isaac Langdon finishes top five in OHL rookie scoring.
Where will the Rangers finish?
The to-do list is long for Kitchener if it wants to sneak into the top four in the west and secure home ice advantage in the playoffs. To achieve that, the team needs its youngsters to take massive steps forward in development, the stingy defence to keep games close so the club can grind out some victories, and Richardson will have to be consistent all season long. The reality is that this is a club that lost its starting netminder, three solid defencemen, and six top forwards. If the Rangers are struggling at the midway mark it would be GM Mike McKenzie’s duty to flip some assets. That would make being a surprise team difficult. When the dust settles, look for the Rangers to snag sixth in the conference.