Ottawa 67's 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 4)

[OMG67]

Still I find that Pinelli is listed as a center interesting, and I agree there will be others, but it is not going to be easy to crack the lineup unless you are really ready.

Unless HB shows up, I think that that is our defence lineup going into the year.

Pinelli may be able to make the shift to centre. The question is whether that is right for his development or just better for the team?

 

[NoQuit67s]

After a quick look at the posted roster:

- As mentioned in this thread, there is a definite lack of centers.
- After the departures of the likes of Boucher and Tolnai, Ottawa is even more small and light at forward. Does worry anyone else?
- Like last year, I see the team moving either Smyth, Horner or Ewles before the season for adding picks. I get the feeling Sirman is not on that list.

 

[analyser]

After a quick look at the posted roster:

- As mentioned in this thread, there is a definite lack of centers.
- After the departures of the likes of Boucher and Tolnai, Ottawa is even more small and light at forward. Does worry anyone else?
- Like last year, I see the team moving either Smyth, Horner or Ewles before the season for adding picks. I get the feeling Sirman is not on that list.

I believe that they made a big mistake last year not adding a player with some size and grit with Boucher's injury situation. Boucher would of made the Pete's series much more interesting. The Pete's would have been keeping their eyes wide open and heads up with him on the ice. Still have not addressed the size situation which is the norm with this team.

 

[OMG67]

I believe that they made a big mistake last year not adding a player with some size and grit with Boucher's injury situation. Boucher would of made the Pete's series much more interesting. The Pete's would have been keeping their eyes wide open and heads up with him on the ice. Still have not addressed the size situation which is the norm with this team.

I firmly believe you need to draft size and hope for the best. Acquiring it isn’t viable. Unfortunately, this isn't something I think they can address for this season and probably not for next season either. This is something they will need to incorporate into their player rankings for the draft. They do really well unearthing players with skill but don’t seem to do well adding size.

I think their priority is to unearth the gamers. Just because a kid has size doesn’t mean he will use it the way you want. I guess their emphasis is on guys willing to use whatever size they have. It would be nice to get some big bodies in, that is for sure. Scare the opposition a little bit. I’m just not sure that is a priority at all for this management unit.

 

[beastintheeast]

I think their priority is to unearth the gamers. Just because a kid has size doesn’t mean he will use it the way you want. I guess their emphasis is on guys willing to use whatever size they have. It would be nice to get some big bodies in, that is for sure. Scare the opposition a little bit. I’m just not sure that is a priority at all for this management unit.

I agree the priority that I have seen is to draft the best players to fill needs. The challenge then is what your needs are, and I am a firm believer that the needs of the 67's have always been to put the most exciting OHL team they can on the ice.

The big thing hs always been goaltending and defence on this team. I have long agreed that drafting some big forwards is part of what is missing.

But then again Killer and those that came after him including Boyd have not asked me for my input LOL

 

[analyser]

I agree the priority that I have seen is to draft the best players to fill needs. The challenge then is what your needs are, and I am a firm believer that the needs of the 67's have always been to put the most exciting OHL team they can on the ice.

The big thing hs always been goaltending and defence on this team. I have long agreed that drafting some big forwards is part of what is missing.

But then again Killer and those that came after him including Boyd have not asked me for my input LOL

I have not been asked for my input on their decisions either. When you see Mews, Marrelli, Barlas, Morrison, etc. being pushed around by the likes of Stillman and Othmann with no repercussions maybe it should be addressed.

I am not looking for a goon but a solid checker with size who can stand up for his mates.

Will not happen but would be appreciated during the playoffs.

 

[OMG67]

I have not been asked for my input on their decisions either. When you see Mews, Marrelli, Barlas, Morrison, etc. being pushed around by the likes of Stillman and Othmann with no repercussions maybe it should be addressed.

I am not looking for a goon but a solid checker with size who can stand up for his mates.

Will not happen but would be appreciated during the playoffs.

And that really is the big challenge. One of the drawbacks of drafting size is it is much more hit and miss. But, as OHL4Life has stated, would you rather use your 1st, 2nd, 3rd on size and hit a home run on one of them and have two modest duds on the other two picks or would you rather pay a top prospect and multiple 2nds to acquire one for a half season when you feel you need one?

I really feel OHL4Life is bang on in that regard. You are more likely to reduce the consistency of your draft picks but you end up with a more impactful player that helps drive your team in playoffs.

If you don’t zero in on the big bodies in the first two rounds, you likely will not get anything big and impactful in the 3rd and 4th round. You can always pick and pray that the player grows 4-6 more inches and gains a mean streak but that doesn’t happen too often.

This may be the year the 67’s don’t need to push through big bodies in the playoffs. I still believe with the right moves, next years team will be superior to this years team BUT the competition next year will be far more stiff.

EDIT: I originally referenced OHLTG but it was @OHL4Life that I meant to reference on this topic. My mistake.

 

[dirty12]

And that really is the big challenge. One of the drawbacks of drafting size is it is much more hit and miss. But, as OHLTG has stated, would you rather use your 1st, 2nd, 3rd on size and hit a home run on one of them and have two modest duds on the other two picks or would you rather pay a top prospect and multiple 2nds to acquire one for a half season when you feel you need one?

I really feel OHLTG is bang on in that regard. You are more likely to reduce the consistency of your draft picks but you end up with a more impactful player that helps drive your team in playoffs.

If you don’t zero in on the big bodies in the first two rounds, you likely will not get anything big and impactful in the 3rd and 4th round. You can always pick and pray that the player grows 4-6 more inches and gains a mean streak but that doesn’t happen too often.

This may be the year the 67’s don’t need to push through big bodies in the playoffs. I still believe with the right moves, next years team will be superior to this years team BUT the competition next year will be far more stiff.

Yeah, draft the talented big forward by pick 30 even if reaching a few spots. Good big D can be had in the 3rd/early 4th round.
There are plenty of 5’ 6”-9” skilled forwards to be had outside of the first two rounds imo

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

This may have been answered already but do we know an official date for when training camp starts?

 

[beastintheeast]

Yeah, draft the talented big forward by pick 30 even if reaching a few spots. Good big D can be had in the 3rd/early 4th round.
There are plenty of 5’ 6”-9” skilled forwards to be had outside of the first two rounds imo

The catch is you have to think about what is the goal of the team. We have had this discussion before, but what is the plan for the team?

Is it the goal of the team to be a M Cup winner, or is it the choice of having an exciting team year in and year out that brings the fans?

The other challenge is that we are drafting late in the first round, so top players are not as available.

Will the plan change not sure.
2023 HB
2022 Mews
2021 Barlas
2020 Moldenhauer
2019 Matier

I think that we have to look at the fact that this team drafts the best player available. They have also drafted big player Sirizotti, and it did not work.

 

[analyser]

The catch is you have to think about what is the goal of the team. We have had this discussion before, but what is the plan for the team?

Is it the goal of the team to be a M Cup winner, or is it the choice of having an exciting team year in and year out that brings the fans?

The other challenge is that we are drafting late in the first round, so top players are not as available.

Will the plan change not sure.
2023 HB
2022 Mews
2021 Barlas
2020 Moldenhauer
2019 Matier

I think that we have to look at the fact that this team drafts the best player available. They have also drafted big player Sirizotti, and it did not work.

Exciting team year after year is not exactly filling the seats at the games.

As for Sirizotti, he is not exactly what I would call a big player at 6 ft and 180 lbs. Not an aggressive player, with not much desire and never stuck up for his teammates. He sure did not play like a big player.

 

[dirty12]

The catch is you have to think about what is the goal of the team. We have had this discussion before, but what is the plan for the team?

Is it the goal of the team to be a M Cup winner, or is it the choice of having an exciting team year in and year out that brings the fans?

The other challenge is that we are drafting late in the first round, so top players are not as available.

Will the plan change not sure.
2023 HB
2022 Mews
2021 Barlas
2020 Moldenhauer
2019 Matier

I think that we have to look at the fact that this team drafts the best player available. They have also drafted big player Sirizotti, and it did not work.

I doubt selecting a 5’10.5” 168 lb forward is an attempt at drafting big; and, I am not at all convinced Boyd drafts the BPA.
In successive cycles, Boyd went defence heavy in consecutive drafts. You might say Boyd believes in building a team around a strong defense corps.

Williamson drafting 6’2.5” 185 lb Lowe at #26 then 6’1” 210 lb Moses at #19 when there may have been better overall players available is an attempt at drafting big with a plan of turning back the clock 15 years imo. I think the Colts will attempt to relentlessly cycle unprepared teams in a league that has for the past decade focussed on puck moving D and speedy forwards not built for board battles. It’s kinda brilliant

 

[OMG67]

I doubt selecting a 5’10.5” 168 lb forward is an attempt at drafting big; and, I am not at all convinced Boyd drafts the BPA.
In successive cycles, Boyd went defence heavy in consecutive drafts. You might say Boyd believes in building a team around a strong defense corps.

Williamson drafting 6’2.5” 185 lb Lowe at #26 then 6’1” 210 lb Moses at #19 when there may have been better overall players available is an attempt at drafting big with a plan of turning back the clock 15 years imo. I think the Colts will attempt to relentlessly cycle unprepared teams in a league that has for the past decade focussed on puck moving D and speedy forwards not built for board battles. It’s kinda brilliant

Great points. I think the key is to at least try to mix in some size early. Our scouts look for compete level and if that comes in a 5’10” kid then so be it.

The league has changed but the teams with talented size trend more successful. I don’t really think anyone can argue against that.

Mews was 6’0” when drafted so there’s a good possibility he ends up at 6’2”. But I don’t think size was ever a consideration there.

On a side note, the 67s have taken a lot of purposeful picks on mid rounds to snag a NCAA commit. I know Boucher ended up here but other than him, I am not sure they’ve managed to sign one since Boyd has been here. Are we wasting picks on these players or does perseverance pay off in the long run?

 

[beastintheeast]

Great points. I think the key is to at least try to mix in some size early. Our scouts look for compete level and if that comes in a 5’10” kid then so be it.

The league has changed but the teams with talented size trend more successful. I don’t really think anyone can argue against that.

Mews was 6’0” when drafted so there’s a good possibility he ends up at 6’2”. But I don’t think size was ever a consideration there.

On a side note, the 67s have taken a lot of purposeful picks on mid rounds to snag a NCAA commit. I know Boucher ended up here but other than him, I am not sure they’ve managed to sign one since Boyd has been here. Are we wasting picks on these players or does perseverance pay off in the long run?

I see a comparison between us and the USHL. The USHL drafts first and second round picks in the CHL draft in the later rounds just in case they do not work out in Canada. We do the same with the NCAA players.

Does it work out once in a while but more often the player is gone to the NCAA and stays there?
I think you have to draft the players because every once in a while one decides he s not happy there and wants out.
I know Boucher is the latest but if memory does not fail this old man we have had a few have we not.?

As to drafting the big players I agree that it is a necessity but I am trying to remember the last time we drafted any big players. Remember that we have not had an early draft pick in awhile and by the time we draft the good ones are gone.

As to defence, I think that now Boyd has solidified the defence for a while I will be interested to see how Whitehead does as he could have been a first-round player.

With the extra pick next year I would expect the team to take a chance on a big guy (forward) in the first round with the extra pick.

MY memory is not all that it used to be can someone tell me the last time we had a big size team.

 

[analyser]

I see a comparison between us and the USHL. The USHL drafts first and second round picks in the CHL draft in the later rounds just in case they do not work out in Canada. We do the same with the NCAA players.

Does it work out once in a while but more often the player is gone to the NCAA and stays there?
I think you have to draft the players because every once in a while one decides he s not happy there and wants out.
I know Boucher is the latest but if memory does not fail this old man we have had a few have we not.?

As to drafting the big players I agree that it is a necessity but I am trying to remember the last time we drafted any big players. Remember that we have not had an early draft pick in awhile and by the time we draft the good ones are gone.

As to defence, I think that now Boyd has solidified the defence for a while I will be interested to see how Whitehead does as he could have been a first-round player.

With the extra pick next year I would expect the team to take a chance on a big guy (forward) in the first round with the extra pick.

MY memory is not all that it used to be can someone tell me the last time we had a big size team.

I know one thing for sure lack of size cost them in the 2019 playoffs and last season's playoffs. Management seems to look at pick the best available player but you also have to look at the team's overall requirements. It is a known fact that the flashy little players usually do well during the season but come playoff time the added grit and size will prove invaluable. You need skilled players but they cannot all be under 6 feet as their production usually decreases when the going gets tough. When teams target your most skilled talent you need players who can send a message that this will not be tolerated.

 

[beastintheeast]

I know one thing for sure lack of size cost them in the 2019 playoffs and last season's playoffs. Management seems to look at pick the best available player but you also have to look at the team's overall requirements. It is a known fact that the flashy little players usually do well during the season but come playoff time the added grit and size will prove invaluable. You need skilled players but they cannot all be under 6 feet as their production usually decreases when the going gets tough. When teams target your most skilled talent you need players who can send a message that this will not be tolerated.

ou do realize that you are preaching to the choir. No one is arguing in fact I will add that the year they won the cup the average was 6'0 for forwards

 

[analyser]

ou do realize that you are preaching to the choir. No one is arguing in fact I will add that the year they won the cup the average was 6'0 for forwards

Some people have hard time realizing this is important, just a reminder.

Maybe some day management will go with the flow.

 

[beastintheeast]

Okay Question Looking at this team where do you think a non-signed player has the best chance of making the team.

I would think that at forward a a big kid who could skate with the others would have a chance or a center that wins a high percentage of face offs.

I would like to see the team find a player that is going to protect others and make the opposition go on notice.

A goalle would also be a choice position I think.

 

[OMG67]

Okay Question Looking at this team where do you think a non-signed player has the best chance of making the team.

I would think that at forward a a big kid who could skate with the others would have a chance or a center that wins a high percentage of face offs.

I would like to see the team find a player that is going to protect others and make the opposition go on notice.

A goalle would also be a choice position I think.

The depth chart will make it nearly impossible for a non-drafted player to make the team. The odds of backing into a centre are slim to none. It is too difficult of a position. The most possible freebie would be an OA waiver claim.

We already know what the defence looks like. Eight deep without HB signed. The wings are almost as clogged. We have ten signed wingers and those don’t include Foster and Pinelli both listed as centres right now. We know they are primarily wingers so….

The only non-drafted position potentially even a remote possibility is goaltender. If a walk on can get hot in net and he has some size and decent mechanics to the point the coaching staff feel it could translate consistently, maybe that door could be open. We do have a sense that Donoso is likely going to be moved at some point. We will need a backup.

Now, if by “unsigned” you also mean drafted but unsigned then that opens some doors for NCAA committed players. Who knows what aces they may have up their sleeves in that regard. It doesn’t look like they have any but stranger things have happened.

 

[beastintheeast]

The depth chart will make it nearly impossible for a non-drafted player to make the team. The odds of backing into a centre are slim to none. It is too difficult of a position. The most possible freebie would be an OA waiver claim.

We already know what the defence looks like. Eight deep without HB signed. The wings are almost as clogged. We have ten signed wingers and those don’t include Foster and Pinelli both listed as centres right now. We know they are primarily wingers so….

The only non-drafted position potentially even a remote possibility is goaltender. If a walk on can get hot in net and he has some size and decent mechanics to the point the coaching staff feel it could translate consistently, maybe that door could be open. We do have a sense that Donoso is likely going to be moved at some point. We will need a backup.

Now, if by “unsigned” you also mean drafted but unsigned then that opens some doors for NCAA committed players. Who knows what aces they may have up their sleeves in that regard. It doesn’t look like they have any but stranger things have happened.

I was thinking of unsigned and drafted,

I agree with you though that goal is the best possibility but then again one of the picks in the draft may come in and show something. Houben should be interesting he has the size we were talking about and if he has any skill he could be the piece that makes some of the signed players expendable in a trade for your OA center LOL

We also have Nelson who is local and could be a good goalie.

Time will tell but yeah it is going to take either someone offering to take some of the present players in a trade or someone who can stand on his head and spit loonies while either setting people up or scoring goals.

However, I don't see anything being done until HB is declared and the team either gets rid of him or decides to just put him in suspended un able to play OHL status.

 

[dirty12]

HB to Flint for 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6; or Niagara for 2, 3, 3, 4, 4

 

[OMG67]

HB to Flint for 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6; or Niagara for 2, 3, 3, 4, 4

I know many people have suggested the return would be similar to Castle but I really think it will be more similar to Moldenhauer, even though the picks were conditional.

I think there will be two 2ns and two 3rds in that deal. I really cannot see Ottawa partaking in that exercise willingly unless that was part of the compensation. If they get less than that, it means Ottawa truly wanted to sign him and made every attempt but couldn’t get it done so they are settling for what they can get. I really don’t feel that is the case though. Ottawa is far too calculated in their approach. The season after they dump a bunch of picks is the year they have a defected player? I think they had a deal in place and there is no reason to do that for one 2nd round pick involved.

 

[dirty12]

I know many people have suggested the return would be similar to Castle but I really think it will be more similar to Moldenhauer, even though the picks were conditional.

I think there will be two 2ns and two 3rds in that deal. I really cannot see Ottawa partaking in that exercise willingly unless that was part of the compensation. If they get less than that, it means Ottawa truly wanted to sign him and made every attempt but couldn’t get it done so they are settling for what they can get. I really don’t feel that is the case though. Ottawa is far too calculated in their approach. The season after they dump a bunch of picks is the year they have a defected player? I think they had a deal in place and there is no reason to do that for one 2nd round pick involved.

Maybe the ‘67s get 2(2nds & 3rds), 2, 2-3rds, 2-4ths is similar.
The Moldenhauser is not really a comparable since all we really know about the conditions are that the ‘67s were never getting all the picks.

 

[BarberPole9]

HB to Flint for 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6; or Niagara for 2, 3, 3, 4, 4

The Castle from Oshawa to Niagara trade was widely reported to be the part two of the Tomasino trade. It’s the lightest trade return in “defected player” history. I am very confident that the return for HB will include at least two 2nds and likely at least three other picks.

 

[OMG67]

The Castle from Oshawa to Niagara trade was widely reported to be the part two of the Tomasino trade. It’s the lightest trade return in “defected player” history. I am very confident that the return for HB will include at least two 2nds and likely at least three other picks.

Good point. And I agree that two 2nds for HB has to be a part of any agreement. I cannot see the 67s not getting two 2nds. It is a small price to pay. If a team had the #1 pick of the 2nd round available for trade, they’d likely get at least two future 2nds. Then factor is HB being more highly rated than his draft position, it should elevate the value.