Lots on the go this week with the season opener days away.
The Kitchener Rangers will name their captain Tuesday morning at a private Sun Life event.
Be sure and review the candidates.
It's Mississauga in the first game on Friday. Looking forward to seeing how the Steelheads run their organization in comparison to the Majors.
Earlier this week, I had heard whispers that former Rangers centre Andrew Crescenzi may be coming back to Kitchener.
And while that option exists, the chances are slim, very slim. About the only way he returns is if he completely tanks with the Toronto Marlies. And even then, he will be given every opportunity to rebound with the American Hockey League franchise, and Toronto Maple Leafs farm team.
I spoke with Jim Hughes today about the various scenarios and here are the Leafs' director of player development's comments:
"It's doubtful," he said. "Kitchener has done a wonderful job developing players. Kitchener was a fantastic spot for Andrew.
"He has worked so hard and is so physically fit and strong that it's time to play at the next level. Andrew had a good junior career but he needs to move his career forward and be in an environment where he can continue to develop.
Asked if the current NHL labour strife may create a log jam situation where it would make more sense to send Crescenzi back to the OHL, Hughes said:
"There is always that possibility of a log jam and we need to look at each individual case. In Andrew's case, he needs to play at a higher level. It's not an option for Andrew to go back to junior as far as we're concerned. He needs to play with men.
"He might not get minutes right away but he'll be in the right spot."
