The Rangers fill overage slot with puck moving defenceman

The Kitchener Rangers have addressed their most pressing need.

They’ve traded for overage defenceman Miles Liberati from the North Bay Battalion.

“I was a bit shocked. I didn’t know it was coming. It’s obviously a bittersweet feeling. I’ve had a great experience in North Bay, but I’m also very excited to get an opportunity in Kitchener,” says Liberati.

In return, the Rangers send North Bay four draft picks – a 2nd round pick (Oshawa) in 2017, a 2nd round pick in 2018 (Oshawa), a 3rd round pick in 2019, and an 8th round pick in 2017 (Ottawa).

Liberati was a little taken back, but is excited to be joining the second ranked team in the country.

“It’s obviously going to be hard leaving a lot of friends I’ve made here, but coming to a team that’s doing so well right now, I think it’ll definitely make it a little easier; especially to get the exposure I need to get in my last year,” says Liberati.

The Vancouver Canucks seventh rounder in 2013 brings major offence and a veteran presence on the back-end with fellow overage blue-liner Brian Brosnan banged up, and missing time.

“I hope to bring some puck moving skills and abilities. I think I have some offensive upside I can help the defence corps with,” says Liberati. “Hopefully also some leadership, because I’ve been to a few championships before, and I hope to come there and help the team to another one.”

It’s the second time Liberati is on the move, being originally drafted by the London Knights, and traded to Stan Butler’s club during the 2013-14 season.

He says it should be easier this time after getting to know a current Ranger – albeit for only a week – when they were both a part of the Battalion.

“When I got traded here to North Bay, I didn’t know a single player on the team,” says Liberati. “Knowing [Brandon] Robinson, I think will be a big help; especially when I get there. He’ll help me get settled in, I’m sure.”