Final 2016-17 Season Thread: http://hfboards.mandatory.com/showthread.php?t=2201979
Begin offseason talk here.
Begin offseason talk here.
The following from Josh Brown's blog:
- Other teams have been swirling around McKenzie all season and the Rangers wanted to lock him up before he went elsewhere.
This leads me to believe that MM was Steve B's GM of the future. Therefore, I'm of the opinion that MH's retirement from the GM position was "nudged along" by the team in order to get MM under contract as the GM long term.
MH may or may not have been planning on retiring at the end of next year, but now he'll do so anyway under a different title. Either MH wasn't actually planning to retire after next season but was given an ultimatum, or he actually did express a desire to retire after next year and agreed to the current situation.
The following from Josh Brown's blog:
- Other teams have been swirling around McKenzie all season and the Rangers wanted to lock him up before he went elsewhere.
You got to give him 3 to 4 years to put his stamp on the team - remember that when some will be calling for removal next year - Rangers need a total rebuild from the ground up so give him time.I'm thankful every day that we were able to promote Troy Smith. Especially after Paul Fixter got away.
I think anyone that even remotely follows the rangers realized MM was going to be the next GM one day. Let's just hope he brings a new dynamic.
You got to give him 3 to 4 years to put his stamp on the team - remember that when some will be calling for removal next year - Rangers need a total rebuild from the ground up so give him time.
You got to give him 3 to 4 years to put his stamp on the team - remember that when some will be calling for removal next year - Rangers need a total rebuild from the ground up so give him time.
Not sure I agree with the total rebuild. You will never have more returnees than we will have next year. We have 19 or 20 returning players, including our vaunted 98s. There's just no way this can be considered year one of a rebuild.
Unless you're saying we have to give MM 3-4 years before judging? That's fair. But he certainly doesn't have to start over.
I guess looking from the outside I see a young team with a number of good puzzle pieces - problem is they don't all come from the same box - MM needs to decide which puzzle he wants to build and then keep the pieces that come from that box set - then move some pieces/bring in some pieces that matches the puzzle he wants to build. You have lots of talent they just don't compliment each other well. This takes a couple of years - can't be forced but needs to start with drafting the same style players.Not sure I agree with the total rebuild. You will never have more returnees than we will have next year. We have 19 or 20 returning players, including our vaunted 98s. There's just no way this can be considered year one of a rebuild.
Unless you're saying we have to give MM 3-4 years before judging? That's fair. But he certainly doesn't have to start over.
When is the import draft?
I think Schiemenz shows glimpses of promise. Then goes back to being invisible.
We will know more after the draft for next years team.
But mostly I think the team depends on who they can recruit.
That's where I'm hoping McKenzie to really prove himself, who can he get into a Kitchener Jersey. The sooner he can get reports to commit, the more others will want to show, and could help our import draft situation. If others are coming here, maybe we can get a better import to report.
I guess looking from the outside I see a young team with a number of good puzzle pieces - problem is they don't all come from the same box - MM needs to decide which puzzle he wants to build and then keep the pieces that come from that box set - then move some pieces/bring in some pieces that matches the puzzle he wants to build. You have lots of talent they just don't compliment each other well. This takes a couple of years - can't be forced but needs to start with drafting the same style players.
Taylor Raddysh will likely be on the market next year if he returns to junior next year since Erie will be rebuilding. Anyone think we have a shot at getting him/would make sense for the MM to try to acquire him?
That was if Erie got a bargain for whatever reason because of the shortage of picks. I think Oshawa got the right amount back so I don't think that is really in the cards. Also without the MC, Oshawa might wait 1 more year to go for itRumour still is that Otters will send Raddysh to Oshawa in the off-season as part of their dealings at this year's deadline.
I caught several Ranger games down the stretch and into the post-season and I think this team is in decent shape. Those young players work hard and will only continue to develop.
I don't think McKenzie needs to make a huge splash right away....but would trading Mascherin be something to consider? I know that's probably not popular, but the assets you would receive in return would compliment the young players and make the Rangers a legit contender in two seasons.
Mascherin won't be back as an OA and if you wait to the deadline you could get another Bracco situation all over again.
I would be all for trading Mascherin and Bunnaman. Opilka I suspect will be back as an overager to get at least one full season in??...maybe send him to OS since McNiven probably won't be back as an overager and the Attack has all the pieces except in net for next year. But will be trading within the Midwest be done??? HmmmmRumour still is that Otters will send Raddysh to Oshawa in the off-season as part of their dealings at this year's deadline.
I caught several Ranger games down the stretch and into the post-season and I think this team is in decent shape. Those young players work hard and will only continue to develop.
I don't think McKenzie needs to make a huge splash right away....but would trading Mascherin be something to consider? I know that's probably not popular, but the assets you would receive in return would compliment the young players and make the Rangers a legit contender in two seasons.
Mascherin won't be back as an OA and if you wait to the deadline you could get another Bracco situation all over again.
I would be all for trading Mascherin and Bunnaman. Opilka I suspect will be back as an overager to get at least one full season in??...maybe send him to OS since McNiven probably won't be back as an overager and the Attack has all the pieces except in net for next year. But will be trading within the Midwest be done??? Hmmmm
Good point Sheila on scouting. McKenzie has to take a hard look at scouting. Keep adding some character to the team to make it more palatable for the fans. Nothing wrong with getting the fans into the game and more involved. Would be nice to hear some cheering other than that recording they play. I am really going to be watching this next draft to see what direction this team is going in. I want to see McKenzie do well. Hopefully he wants to change direction and is in charge of future picks. We heard Smith say he would change things and we all know where that went. I liked what I saw from some of our young guns also. On a side note Roberts put on a little skating demonstration in the last game. Makes me wonder if the coaches have been holding him back for some reason this last season?I completely agree with Connor Hall being captain next season. His presence on the ice is evident. I'm sure it would be in the dressing room too.
I was very happy with the compete level during the Owen Sound series. They had more talent and hustled hard, but we at least matched their work ethic.
Agree too with some scouting changes and picking players based on how they fit within our team identity.
Rumour still is that Otters will send Raddysh to Oshawa in the off-season as part of their dealings at this year's deadline.
I caught several Ranger games down the stretch and into the post-season and I think this team is in decent shape. Those young players work hard and will only continue to develop.
I don't think McKenzie needs to make a huge splash right away....but would trading Mascherin be something to consider? I know that's probably not popular, but the assets you would receive in return would compliment the young players and make the Rangers a legit contender in two seasons.
Mascherin won't be back as an OA and if you wait to the deadline you could get another Bracco situation all over again.
Trading Mascherin may be more popular than you think. If for one, and many fans I have spoken to, are fed up with him. If he doesn't have the puck on his stick, he doesn't seem to care. I look at him as a "me first" and not a "team firt" type of player.
I know that's a lot of goals to trade away, but it's like watching Bailey all over again, and it annoys me lol