Alright.
It feels good to be back on the blog after a few days out of the country.
And it seems like I’ve broken the streak of the Rangers announcing major news while I’m away.
I was on alert overseas the entire time convinced that Kitchener would name its new coach but, alas, it has not happened yet.
The Rangers and Mike Van Ryn continue to talk and, from what I’ve heard, it is only a matter of time until it is official. The former NHLer has a young family and has to sort out that end of a career move and, I presume, is also seeking some security after Troy Smith was ushered out despite making gains during his second year behind the bench.
The only way this falls apart is if Van Ryn accepts a job on the pro circuit, which is his ultimate goal. He has received some bites in that regard.
I have it on good authority that assistant coach Mike McKenzie has been offered an assistant general manager job with the organization. It’s a big leap for the 29-year-old who only has three years as an assistant under his belt.
No deal has been signed yet but it's in the works.
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So former bench boss Steve Spott has interviewed for the vacant Vancouver Giants job.
I doubt he lands there, even if he’s offered the gig.
But for those wondering why he wasn’t interested in returning to Kitchener for the same kind of job I offer these words – cash and city.
Word is the coin is way better in Van city and, well, with no offence to K-dub, it’s Vancouver.
That being said, I’ll be shocked if Spott doesn’t surface as an assistant with the San Jose Sharks or as a head coach in the AHL.
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The London Knights strike again.
Add American Sam Miletic to the growing number of off-season signings. He joins Max Jones, Matt Tkachuk, Evan Bouchard and Robert Thomas.
American Zach Werenski should be next after the NHL draft.
Wondering why the Knights keep getting it done? Try having former NHLers such as Basil McRae and the Hunters walking into your house. Nothing beats that kind experience and credibility.
I think it’s pretty safe to say London sits alone on top in the OHL in terms of recruiting. Maybe the Soo is up there, of late.
Former top dogs Kitchener and Windsor have dropped back into the pack.
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Speaking of U.S. prospects, it’s beginning to become a concern that several aren’t already at the Aud.
The Ethan Spaxman – a defenceman expected to go in the NHL draft – ship has sailed. And I’m hearing that Charles McAvoy and Luke Opilka are leaning heavily to other options.
That leaves forwards Tom Novak and Jeremy Bracco as targets.
And while Bracco has visited the Aud a few times, he is no guarantee. It sounds like he'll go the NCAA route unless he goes in the first round of this month's NHL draft. Several predictions have him going as high as the first or as low as the second round.