2025 - 2026 Ottawa 67s Season Thread, Part IV

[frontsfan67]

My initial reaction here is that Kingston just doesn't put much work into their import draft, so they try to get some value into trading them down...

The opposite. Adam Goljer projected late first/early second rounder is coming to kingston next year. Fellow countrymen Tomas Pobezal and Alex Misiak are the other 2 spots occupied.

Kingston traded their first this year that they’d have to forfeit to flint giving them a chance to move up some spots in return for flints 1st next year which Kingston will need if/when Goljer leaves the following season and Pobezal ages out.

Underrated piece is bramptons 23rd overall pick. Big fan of that. Have Kitcheners second plus a 3rd and a 4th in the opening 4 rounds. Anybody after probably wouldn’t be playing next year for them anyways. Then loaded up in years to follow when they’ll be going for it. This year they’ll be pushing for home ice but won’t be a world beater.

 

[67sFan]

The opposite. Adam Goljer projected late first/early second rounder is coming to kingston next year. Fellow countrymen Tomas Pobezal and Alex Misiak are the other 2 spots occupied.

Kingston traded their first this year that they’d have to forfeit to flint giving them a chance to move up some spots in return for flints 1st next year which Kingston will need if/when Goljer leaves the following season and Pobezal ages out.

Underrated piece is bramptons 23rd overall pick. Big fan of that. Have Kitcheners second plus a 3rd and a 4th in the opening 4 rounds. Anybody after probably wouldn’t be playing next year for them anyways. Then loaded up in years to follow when they’ll be going for it. This year they’ll be pushing for home ice but won’t be a world beater.

My only question is the defence. The forward group looks like it's trending in the right direction, but do they have enough high-end talent and depth on the back end to take the next step? To me, that's the difference between being a solid home-ice playoff team and becoming a true contender. Projected line up?

 

[frontsfan67]

My only question is the defence. The forward group looks like it's trending in the right direction, but do they have enough high-end talent and depth on the back end to take the next step? To me, that's the difference between being a solid home-ice playoff team and becoming a true contender. Projected line up?

I think we will see a few guys take a big jump. Big losses with McGowan and Williamson but Goljers an awesome addition and Henderson should take a bit of a jump in his draft year, Mondoux too as he will be 19. May balance out.

Interested in seeing how the new guy they picked up performs. He was apart of a numbers game in Brantford last year- could be a good addition, Gavin Christie. Could see more moves such as Christie this year- 2+ year guys

Tough to say on projected lineup. Will probably do it after the OHL draft

 

[OMG67]

I think the NIL money is real, but it's probably much shallower than many fans think.

For players like McKenna, Martone, Dupont, and a handful of elite NHL prospects, there is likely enough money available to make the NCAA extremely attractive. Reports and industry speculation suggest the very top players could be earning anywhere from $250,000 to $700,000+ between NIL opportunities and the new revenue-sharing models being implemented at some schools.

Where I'm less convinced is further down the lineup. Hockey simply isn't football or basketball at most NCAA schools. Outside of a relatively small group of programs with major donor support and strong hockey cultures, I don't think there are massive NIL deals waiting for average recruits or depth players.

My guess is that the market is very top-heavy. The elite prospects may receive substantial compensation, the next tier of NHL-calibre recruits might see anywhere from $25,000 to $150,000, and then it likely drops off quickly. Many Division I hockey players are probably receiving little beyond their scholarship, equipment, housing assistance, and smaller local NIL opportunities.

What will be interesting isn't whether McKenna or Dupont leave junior hockey. Players of that calibre were always going to have options. The bigger question is what happens when NCAA programs can consistently offer good OHL, WHL, and QMJHL players $50,000-$100,000 plus a full scholarship. If that starts happening deeper into rosters, that's when the CHL could really start feeling the impact.

The other question is where players that sign ELCs and play multiple years in the AHL at $85k per year. If they can make more than that in the NCAA, I could see players extend their time in school over playing pro in the AHL. That wouldn’t affect the CHL much though. That affects the pro teams more.

 

[beastintheeast]

The other question is where players that sign ELCs and play multiple years in the AHL at $85k per year. If they can make more than that in the NCAA, I could see players extend their time in school over playing pro in the AHL. That wouldn’t affect the CHL much though. That affects the pro teams more.

Not sure that the Ahl will be a battle with the NCAA. Only a few players will make a large NIL. The other thing to remember is that players who are playing at the AHL, as far as I know, are not barred from the NHL.

 

[OMG67]

Not sure that the Ahl will be a battle with the NCAA. Only a few players will make a large NIL. The other thing to remember is that players who are playing at the AHL, as far as I know, are not barred from the NHL.

I was referring to players that choose to not sign their NHL Entry Level Contract and play in the NCAA. If the NCAA option results in a higher payout than their AHL salary, then I could see a scenario where that becomes a draw.

We obviously haven’t seen it yet becuase it is only this upcoming season; however, if it were in play last year and Martone did receive $250,000 then he would be the exact player that would go NCAA instead of be an early placement in the AHL. He’d have made around $85k-$90k in the AHL last year had he been eligible. His contract would have gone on to slide so neither choice would have made him eligible for UFA earlier.

I know a lot of people have talked about players being eligible to play in the AHL but if there is significant money on the table, why play NHL if you can make double in the NCAA? Take a guy like Nesbitt this coming year. He’s clearly not NHL calibre yet. He’d be a prime target to go AHL early. Did he? Nope. He signed to play in Michigan.

I think we will see some players play AHL this year because they signed their ELC. But some players will likely decide to not sign their ELC going forward and they will wait. They will take more $$$ to play NCAA than their AHL contract. And, if the NCAA rule bends and allows signed players that are not actively professional, we could see players like Martin and O’Brien in the NCAA instead of AHL.

 

[leafs4life94]

I was referring to players that choose to not sign their NHL Entry Level Contract and play in the NCAA. If the NCAA option results in a higher payout than their AHL salary, then I could see a scenario where that becomes a draw.

We obviously haven’t seen it yet becuase it is only this upcoming season; however, if it were in play last year and Martone did receive $250,000 then he would be the exact player that would go NCAA instead of be an early placement in the AHL. He’d have made around $85k-$90k in the AHL last year had he been eligible. His contract would have gone on to slide so neither choice would have made him eligible for UFA earlier.

I know a lot of people have talked about players being eligible to play in the AHL but if there is significant money on the table, why play NHL if you can make double in the NCAA? Take a guy like Nesbitt this coming year. He’s clearly not NHL calibre yet. He’d be a prime target to go AHL early. Did he? Nope. He signed to play in Michigan.

I think we will see some players play AHL this year because they signed their ELC. But some players will likely decide to not sign their ELC going forward and they will wait. They will take more $$$ to play NCAA than their AHL contract. And, if the NCAA rule bends and allows signed players that are not actively professional, we could see players like Martin and O’Brien in the NCAA instead of AHL.

It's still obviously super early but I saw someone on Twitter (can't remember the name) that mentioned that it'll be interesting to see how NHL teams adapt to some of the "super teams" in the NCAA.

I think the example was U of Denver - that D is mostly WHL but it's a lot of very high end players - there's not going to be a ton of icetime to go around. They have 2 likely firsts this year (Ryan Lin, Daxon Rudolph), a likely second this year (Ben MacBeath), a high second last year (Blake Fiddler) and a 6th from two years ago (Eric Jamieson).

That's a lot of guys with possible NHL future that all could warrant top pair minutes, and they all won't get them.

I haven't paid a ton of attention to which NCAA teams players are leaving for - but for an NHL drafted player, they might be better off playing bigger minutes somewhere else rather than limited minutes in the NCAA.

In 5 or so years I'm sure we'll be able to see which path pays off more.

There's also the proposed 5 in 5 rule which could shift the game again - but that's a whole different convo.

 

[beastintheeast]

It's still obviously super early but I saw someone on Twitter (can't remember the name) that mentioned that it'll be interesting to see how NHL teams adapt to some of the "super teams" in the NCAA.

I think the example was U of Denver - that D is mostly WHL but it's a lot of very high end players - there's not going to be a ton of icetime to go around. They have 2 likely firsts this year (Ryan Lin, Daxon Rudolph), a likely second this year (Ben MacBeath), a high second last year (Blake Fiddler) and a 6th from two years ago (Eric Jamieson).

That's a lot of guys with possible NHL future that all could warrant top pair minutes, and they all won't get them.

I haven't paid a ton of attention to which NCAA teams players are leaving for - but for an NHL drafted player, they might be better off playing bigger minutes somewhere else rather than limited minutes in the NCAA.

In 5 or so years I'm sure we'll be able to see which path pays off more.

There's also the proposed 5 in 5 rule which could shift the game again - but that's a whole different convo.

MIchigan and Boston seem to be 3 of the top teams. The thing to watch is the NCAA coaches also for instance

Denver instance may not be as good this year if Carle decides to go pro

 

[67sFan]

MIchigan and Boston seem to be 3 of the top teams. The thing to watch is the NCAA coaches also for instance

Denver instance may not be as good this year if Carle decides to go pro

I’d also keep an eye on Michigan State, Boston College, Minnesota, and North Dakota. With the recent CHL-to-NCAA rule changes, some of these programs could get even stronger as they attract more high-end major junior talent.

 

[44 95 plus tax]

Every single NA born in the top 20 for this years NHL draft won't be playing junior hockey next year. Not liking where this is going.

 

[sirius67fan]

In respect to the upcoming draft. Considering we expect a lot of returnees and have limited space on the roster am I off base thinking trades are coming soon? Either to acquire somebody or push draft picks into the future? We have 2 seconds, 2 thirds at this point. With our first that's 5 relatively high picks and I can't see more than 2 rookies make the team!

 

[67sfan1993]

In respect to the upcoming draft. Considering we expect a lot of returnees and have limited space on the roster am I off base thinking trades are coming soon? Either to acquire somebody or push draft picks into the future? We have 2 seconds, 2 thirds at this point. With our first that's 5 relatively high picks and I can't see more than 2 rookies make the team!

Maybe the 67s can pull off a big move and climb up the CHL Import draft by trading some OHL picks along with the 67s import pick, a move that Kingston and Flint did

 

[dirty12]

Maybe the 67s can pull off a big move and climb up the CHL Import draft by trading some OHL picks along with the 67s import pick, a move that Kingston and Flint did

The wolves are likely wanting to move their import picks if they can. Though it might require each team a couple of trades to move picks around. The wolves are also probably looking to move a couple of ‘26 picks in addition to the three ‘26 picks they have moved already.

 

[67sfan1993]

The wolves are likely wanting to move their import picks if they can. Though it might require each team a couple of trades to move picks around. The wolves are also probably looking to move a couple of ‘26 picks in addition to the three ‘26 picks they have moved already.

Depending on how far ahead Sudbury picks ahead of the 67s in the import draft, it might be a good idea to trade up in that draft, I don't even know who Ottawa could pick in this year's drafts

 

[OMG67]

In respect to the upcoming draft. Considering we expect a lot of returnees and have limited space on the roster am I off base thinking trades are coming soon? Either to acquire somebody or push draft picks into the future? We have 2 seconds, 2 thirds at this point. With our first that's 5 relatively high picks and I can't see more than 2 rookies make the team!

That may make some sense but with such a high roster turnover next season, maybe having five or six decent 17 year olds next year woudl be a good start to a rebuild?

Also, if they do go the way of drafting a Defected Player for the purpose of trading him, maybe the two 2nds and two 3rds are somewhat needed?

Just some possible thoughts.

 

[dirty12]

Depending on how far ahead Sudbury picks ahead of the 67s in the import draft, it might be a good idea to trade up in that draft, I don't even know who Ottawa could pick in this year's drafts

Wolves ~13, ‘67s ~52; give or take passes on picks

 

[agillarda]

Depending on how far ahead Sudbury picks ahead of the 67s in the import draft, it might be a good idea to trade up in that draft, I don't even know who Ottawa could pick in this year's drafts

Wolves can't pick, they have 3 imports rostered already. Chovan, Gonchar and Nemec.

According to the Import rules announced last year as they have 3 they are unable to participate

 

[OMG67]

Wolves can't pick, they have 3 imports rostered already. Chovan, Gonchar and Nemec.

According to the Import rules announced last year as they have 3 they are unable to participate

But they can trade their picks.

 

[agillarda]

But they can trade their picks.

For sure they can and they should

 

[frontsfan67]

For sure they can and they should

I expect the wolves to swap picks with some team like maybe Guelph and get a 1st in 2027 when Gonchar and Nemec leave

 

[beastintheeast]

Would it not make sense for us to trade 2 of our import picks. Seems that we are being quiet. I wonder if they are just trying to get everyone confirmed.

 

[noahblake58]

Maybe the 67s can pull off a big move and climb up the CHL Import draft by trading some OHL picks along with the 67s import pick, a move that Kingston and Flint did

Oshawa might move pick 1 in the import draft we will see tho because in 2025 Moose Jaw traded it to the rockets for a good haul so I wonder if Oshawa trades it to Guelph or a other team

 

[OMG67]

Would it not make sense for us to trade 2 of our import picks. Seems that we are being quiet. I wonder if they are just trying to get everyone confirmed.

Not really. The 1st pick has value because teams will trade up to a higher pick or add a 2nd 1st rounder because they have two spots open.

What strategic value is there in trading a late 2nd and late 3rd round Import pick? Who would even need to add those picks? If you could pick 6 or 7 players and then negotiate and sign three then I could see it making sense but you can only pick players if you have eligible spots available to bring the player you pick in.

 

[frontsfan67]

Oshawa might move pick 1 in the import draft we will see tho because in 2025 Moose Jaw traded it to the rockets for a good haul so I wonder if Oshawa trades it to Guelph or a other team

Would assume they draft some top European 2010 to go with their 2010 first overall priority selection pick but if a team like Guelph dangles something insane like Ellsworth and Pape and picks for the 1st overall import pick plus Griffin I can see a trade happening. Has to be very enticing for Oshawa especially after 2010’s will be allowed to be selected.

 

[OMG67]

Would assume they draft some top European 2010 to go with their 2010 first overall priority selection pick but if a team like Guelph dangles something insane like Ellsworth and Pape and picks for the 1st overall import pick plus Griffin I can see a trade happening. Has to be very enticing for Oshawa especially after 2010’s will be allowed to be selected.

I agree except maybe they will do the 2009. The challenge is that the scouting is weaker in Europe. It may be tough to pluck out the 16 year old. Unless there is an obvious player, the 2009 would likely be a bit less of a gamble.