The answer lies in not having immediate needs to fill and not needing a 16 year old to be an impact player in their first year.
A message board comment about Ladd seemingly looking lost in exhibition games where there is not a system or structure in place has to be taken for what it is, a comment. It's not a fair evaluation. Vukojevic is a good player and we will see what happens for next season. It's not critical that he plays this season because we have some decent depth and skill on D.
With our D of Hall, Blaisdell, Stanley, Vallatii, Gentles, Pederson all being veterans, there is no need to rush Ladd's development. He and Jack York can ease their way into the OHL.
Same with the #3 pick Gordon. He's better getting loads of ice time in JR B than Playing behind Bunnaman, Mascherin, Garreffa, Damiani, McHugh, Meireles, Guest, Peyton, Yantsis, Henderson, Carter, Seitz, Hugg, Liska, Petizian, etc.
The Rangers are finally in a position where they don't have to rush anyone's development. Players will have to earn their way onto this team. They can also transition into the speed and size of the OHL more gradually than if we didn't have the depth we currently do.
A message board comment about Ladd seemingly looking lost in exhibition games where there is not a system or structure in place has to be taken for what it is, a comment. It's not a fair evaluation. Vukojevic is a good player and we will see what happens for next season. It's not critical that he plays this season because we have some decent depth and skill on D.
With our D of Hall, Blaisdell, Stanley, Vallatii, Gentles, Pederson all being veterans, there is no need to rush Ladd's development. He and Jack York can ease their way into the OHL.
Same with the #3 pick Gordon. He's better getting loads of ice time in JR B than Playing behind Bunnaman, Mascherin, Garreffa, Damiani, McHugh, Meireles, Guest, Peyton, Yantsis, Henderson, Carter, Seitz, Hugg, Liska, Petizian, etc.
The Rangers are finally in a position where they don't have to rush anyone's development. Players will have to earn their way onto this team. They can also transition into the speed and size of the OHL more gradually than if we didn't have the depth we currently do.