Ottawa 67's 2022-23 Season Thread (Part 2)

[dirty12]

Agreed but Pro NHL or AHL? Is he better than 50/50 NHL contract guy or more likely to come back for an OA season?

There is no question he is a solid OHLer but there are lots of solid OHLers that don’t even sniff pro hockey let alone sign NHL contracts. This league is full of OAs that are good OHL players.

I’d say 45/55 he is back as an OA; but a better NHL prospect than Hardie, Morrison, maybe Cardwell
I’ll also say NB has a good track record developing 19-20 yr olds. I would not be surprised if Zito gets to the NHL before Bloom, Zhilkin, Harrison. The question is will he stick as an NHL regular.

 

[beastintheeast]

I Santa brings me my wish
Pinelli L - Morrison- Rohrer
Beck - Pinelli F - Boucher
Foster- Tolnai - Stonehouse
Barlas - Gardiner - Gerrior
Dever - Laforme -

Mayich - Matier
Sirman - Costantini
Smyth - Mews
Marrelli - Ewles

Donoso
Mackenzie

With this lineup, we are solid down the center. The only spot that I worry about is Beck and if he can come back and play. If not, then move Pinelli F to the wing and move all the centers back, putting Laforme as center on the 4th line. Barlas could be the third line it is going to be a fight between him and Foster then again, you could move Foster to center on the 4th line as well

 

[OMG67]

Pro player all day long. I’ve watched this kid in Windsor and he’s a stud. Gritty 200’ players. but, I’m guessing you look more at the stats than anything else.

Windsor was so happy with him they traded him to Niagara in the offseason for two 2nds, a 4th and a 5th plus a couple middling conditionals (assuming for an OA season).

Where I come from, a player that is a bonafide Pro player likely to sign a pro contract doesn’t get traded twice in the same season and in both trades there are conditional picks to protect his return as an OA. That alone suggests that he is at least 50/50 returning for an OA season.

Then combine that with Detroit that doesn’t traditionally sign players for the sake of it because they drafted the players. They are selective, have an abundance of picks year over year and typically don’t trade their top picks, or at least haven’t lately. They also don’t tend to use their full 50 contract allotment.

This isn’t an indictment on the player. This is an assessment as to what the odds are of him returning as an Overage. Again, I say 50/50 at best. It also isnt’ an indictment on whether he can be a pro player in the future.

7.9% of 6th round picks play 100 games in the NHL. Detroit needs to assess whether signing him is a good financial decision as well as a good management of contracts.

 

[OMG67]

I Santa brings me my wish
Pinelli L - Morrison- Rohrer
Beck - Pinelli F - Boucher
Foster- Tolnai - Stonehouse
Barlas - Gardiner - Gerrior
Dever - Laforme -

Mayich - Matier
Sirman - Costantini
Smyth - Mews
Marrelli - Ewles

Donoso
Mackenzie

With this lineup, we are solid down the center. The only spot that I worry about is Beck and if he can come back and play. If not, then move Pinelli F to the wing and move all the centers back, putting Laforme as center on the 4th line. Barlas could be the third line it is going to be a fight between him and Foster then again, you could move Foster to center on the 4th line as well

I’m thinking Tyler Savard from the Sault would be a better fit for Ottawa than Frankie Pinelli. Bigger body, plays the body, and will scrap a bit. I think that element is what we need. He can skate well enough to contribute in our system.

Although I agree the possibility exists that Frankie Pinelli could theoretically demand a trade to Ottawa, I think that would be pretty ballsy. He’s a signed Kings pick and I understand they could force Kitchener’s hand but they are going to have to pay at least close to fair market value even in a trade demand situation otherwise Kitchener will straight up keep him. It is hard to set that sort of precedent. Plus, it is not obvious that Kitchener is even going to sell off players. We already have a bunch of players exactly like him. Guys that can skate, pass and shoot but are soft.

I think we need another heavy body that can contribute in our system and Savard doesn’t strike me as a player that will demand more than what we just saw for Zito. That is a manageable deal IMO. Probably more manageable than F Pinelli at a discount.

 

[ottsabrefan]

If that is true, we’d need to see what is going back to Mississauga first. Lavoie is a former 1st in 2020.

EDIT:

Mississauga receives:
two 2nds
two 3rds
one 4th

I don’t know what to think about this one. Mississauga was light on picks but not light enough to need to make this deal. At first glance, you have to think the Steelheads are throwing in the towel but we shall see.

Allows them the trade bait to go after some bigger targets. I’m sure they are going for it this year.

 

[beastintheeast]

If that is true, we’d need to see what is going back to Mississauga first. Lavoie is a former 1st in 2020.

EDIT:

Mississauga receives:
two 2nds
two 3rds
one 4th

I don’t know what to think about this one. Mississauga was light on picks but not light enough to need to make this deal. At first glance, you have to think the Steelheads are throwing in the towel but we sh

Otts beat me to it

 

[beastintheeast]

I’m thinking Tyler Savard from the Sault would be a better fit for Ottawa than Frankie Pinelli. Bigger body, plays the body, and will scrap a bit. I think that element is what we need. He can skate well enough to contribute in our system.

Although I agree the possibility exists that Frankie Pinelli could theoretically demand a trade to Ottawa, I think that would be pretty ballsy. He’s a signed Kings pick and I understand they could force Kitchener’s hand but they are going to have to pay at least close to fair market value even in a trade demand situation otherwise Kitchener will straight up keep him. It is hard to set that sort of precedent. Plus, it is not obvious that Kitchener is even going to sell off players. We already have a bunch of players exactly like him. Guys that can skate, pass and shoot but are soft.

I think we need another heavy body that can contribute in our system and Savard doesn’t strike me as a player that will demand more than what we just saw for Zito. That is a manageable deal IMO. Probably more manageable than F Pinelli at a discount.

I am still not convinced that Beck is going to be effective in the long run when he comes back. Especially in the playoffs.

Personally, I think his carer after OHL is done. Calgary is going to want a lot of tests and medical before they even think of signing him let alone dress for the AHL team.

I agree though that having a little size on the team would not be a bad thing
but I think the price you offer is high for an 11th-round pick with only 56 points in 1.5 seasons.

I think post-Christmas this year is going to be interesting. A lot is going to depend on how hard Boyd tells Luca to sell the team.

 

[OMG67]

I am still not convinced that Beck is going to be effective in the long run when he comes back. Especially in the playoffs.

Personally, I think his carer after OHL is done. Calgary is going to want a lot of tests and medical before they even think of signing him let alone dress for the AHL team.

I agree though that having a little size on the team would not be a bad thing
but I think the price you offer is high for an 11th-round pick with only 56 points in 1.5 seasons.

I think post-Christmas this year is going to be interesting. A lot is going to depend on how hard Boyd tells Luca to sell the team.

You aren’t going to get Pinelli for anywhere close to what you trade for Savard and Savard adds an element we are lacking.

Beck had an internal injury that had fully healed last year. By all accounts he has a concussion now. Are you suggesting everyone with a concussion is a career ending injury? You cannot realistically expect Beck to basically be done.

If Beck had a back injury or reoccurring shoulder or knee injury, I’d be worried . But two injuries like this do not suggest something reoccurring. Of course, he could get another concussion but any player could at any time.

I fully expect Beck to return and be productive. Whether he signs his NHL contract is inconsequential to the 67s. In fact, if he doesn’t sign, it is better for Ottawa. He likely plays an additional year.

 

[ohloutsider]

Windsor was so happy with him they traded him to Niagara in the offseason for two 2nds, a 4th and a 5th plus a couple middling conditionals (assuming for an OA season).

Where I come from, a player that is a bonafide Pro player likely to sign a pro contract doesn’t get traded twice in the same season and in both trades there are conditional picks to protect his return as an OA. That alone suggests that he is at least 50/50 returning for an OA season.

Then combine that with Detroit that doesn’t traditionally sign players for the sake of it because they drafted the players. They are selective, have an abundance of picks year over year and typically don’t trade their top picks, or at least haven’t lately. They also don’t tend to use their full 50 contract allotment.

This isn’t an indictment on the player. This is an assessment as to what the odds are of him returning as an Overage. Again, I say 50/50 at best. It also isnt’ an indictment on whether he can be a pro player in the future.

7.9% of 6th round picks play 100 games in the NHL. Detroit needs to assess whether signing him is a good financial decision as well as a good management of contracts.

Zito requested the trade. Said he wanted a fresh start and would go anywhere. He felt he was having injury bad luck so felt a move might be the answer . Bowler said he was reluctant to trade him as he was a big part of their plans for the future but respected his wishes. He was a fan fav in Windsor.

I think he will excel in NB. Right type of team for his skill set.

 

[analyser]

I think Savard would be a great addition as it would take the onus off of Boucher to think he has to be the only protector of his smaller teammates. Boucher will step up and with his suspension history he will have to be cautious. Savard will be able to contribute as he has a .75 pts per game scoring percentage. Not Pinelli but not as expensive and would fill a hole on this roster.

Beck on the other hand may have to be off the whole year like Patrice Bergeron. He would be a welcomed addition but his health is the most important.

 

[Blasty15]

I am still not convinced that Beck is going to be effective in the long run when he comes back. Especially in the playoffs.

Personally, I think his carer after OHL is done. Calgary is going to want a lot of tests and medical before they even think of signing him let alone dress for the AHL team.

I agree though that having a little size on the team would not be a bad thing
but I think the price you offer is high for an 11th-round pick with only 56 points in 1.5 seasons.

I think post-Christmas this year is going to be interesting. A lot is going to depend on how hard Boyd tells Luca to sell the team.

Regardless of what happens with Beck in the future regarding his pro career, you've lost your mind to say he won't be effective upon return. Lacerated kidney and a concussion (on a late hit after scoring a goal) are not likely injuries to come by. Maybe I'm wrong too but I'll say confidently he's well over a ppg for the rest of the season including 200' play. Dirty mentioned he was one of, if not the strongest player in last years' series against NB post kidney injury so what suggests a big step-back?

I think everyone is way over-reacting on Beck like you forgot what he brings to the table when in the lineup. Injury concern only applies when there's a history of *repeating* injuries - aka, shoulders, knees, etc.

Now, let's say Ott goes out and grabs 1 top 6 F (call it Morrison for projection sake) & Mintyukov, they stay atop the polls imo. I think currently NB is ahead based off roster to roster but a couple moves propels Ott back to being favourites to take the conference and go for a deep run.

More realistic lines*

Beck - Morrison - Pinelli
Foster - Rohrer - Boucher
Barlas - Tolnai - Stonehouse
Gerrior - Gardiner - Kelly/Dever

Mayich - Matier
Mintyukov - Constantini
Smythe - Mews

Donoso
Mackenzie

Maybe need an additional forward to bump out kelly/dever and fill fosters' spot but that lineup there mixed with the work ethic this team brings can cause some serious damage.

 

[OMG67]

Regardless of what happens with Beck in the future regarding his pro career, you've lost your mind to say he won't be effective upon return. Lacerated kidney and a concussion (on a late hit after scoring a goal) are not likely injuries to come by. Maybe I'm wrong too but I'll say confidently he's well over a ppg for the rest of the season including 200' play. Dirty mentioned he was one of, if not the strongest player in last years' series against NB post kidney injury so what suggests a big step-back?

I think everyone is way over-reacting on Beck like you forgot what he brings to the table when in the lineup. Injury concern only applies when there's a history of *repeating* injuries - aka, shoulders, knees, etc.

Now, let's say Ott goes out and grabs 1 top 6 F (call it Morrison for projection sake) & Mintyukov, they stay atop the polls imo. I think currently NB is ahead based off roster to roster but a couple moves propels Ott back to being favourites to take the conference and go for a deep run.

More realistic lines*

Beck - Morrison - Pinelli
Foster - Rohrer - Boucher
Barlas - Tolnai - Stonehouse
Gerrior - Gardiner - Kelly/Dever

Mayich - Matier
Mintyukov - Constantini
Smythe - Mews

Donoso
Mackenzie

Maybe need an additional forward to bump out kelly/dever and fill fosters' spot but that lineup there mixed with the work ethic this team brings can cause some serious damage.

100%. Beck isn’t Gabe Vilardi with Kingston and a struggling back issue. Big difference for sure.

I’m not saying Beck will not get injured again but his chances are similar to everyone else. If he does have a concussion then he may be more likely to have another one compared to a player that hasn’t had one but loads of players get concussions and play years before experiencing another one. It would be bad luck for him to get one super quick again.

I like Mintyukov but that deal will cost a player without a doubt. Smyth or Sirman would need to go in that deal if not Marrelli. He may be an import but he’s that good and falls into the elite category. I’m not sure Boyd is prepared to go there. I hope he is though. Morrison, Mintyukov and a 3rd significant piece like Savard and I believe Ottawa moves ahead of North Bay without a doubt.

 

[dirty12]

Windsor was so happy with him they traded him to Niagara in the offseason for two 2nds, a 4th and a 5th plus a couple middling conditionals (assuming for an OA season).

Where I come from, a player that is a bonafide Pro player likely to sign a pro contract doesn’t get traded twice in the same season and in both trades there are conditional picks to protect his return as an OA. That alone suggests that he is at least 50/50 returning for an OA season.

Then combine that with Detroit that doesn’t traditionally sign players for the sake of it because they drafted the players. They are selective, have an abundance of picks year over year and typically don’t trade their top picks, or at least haven’t lately. They also don’t tend to use their full 50 contract allotment.

This isn’t an indictment on the player. This is an assessment as to what the odds are of him returning as an Overage. Again, I say 50/50 at best. It also isnt’ an indictment on whether he can be a pro player in the future.

7.9% of 6th round picks play 100 games in the NHL. Detroit needs to assess whether signing him is a good financial decision as well as a good management of contracts.

What bearing does Detroit signing Zito really have on his current OHL value? Is he equal to NHL 3rd round picks Harrison & Bloom and a fit for NB; imo, the value of Zito to NB is equal or greater.

 

[PuckStop75]

North Bay just paid quite a bit for Zito out of Niagara. Two 2nds, one 3rd, a conditional 3rd and 5th plus Podolioukh. Podolioukh was a NB 4th rounder in 2020 so he’s an ‘04 Forward. Not a significant player by any means but Niagara probably needed a body back.

The good part about Zito for North Bay is he is likely to return for an OA season so that is probably the condition on the second 3rd round pick. So, if you look at it that way, it is a reasonable trade. But, Zito isn’t what anyone would consider an impact player. He’s a point per game type so solid but not wowzers.

He’d have been a good addition for Ottawa. Zito is an Ottawa born player that would be an OA next year on a team short at centre going into next season. If Ottawa were looking to add that 2nd forward, he’d have been a solid candidate.

North Bay is likely done. They have no more 2nds or 3rds available for trade. If they do anything else, it would be tweaking at the bottom of the lineup where deals would be in the range of a 5th/6th round pick as compensation.

Zito is a dependable 200ft player who contributes offensively, one of hte more complete players who likely to be available in trade - I would put him on the same level as Tolnai. He's a plus 5 on a team littered with negatives and -51 goal differential as a team; the price is what NB had to spend.

 

[PuckStop75]

If that is true, we’d need to see what is going back to Mississauga first. Lavoie is a former 1st in 2020.

EDIT:

Mississauga receives:
two 2nds
two 3rds
one 4th

I don’t know what to think about this one. Mississauga was light on picks but not light enough to need to make this deal. At first glance, you have to think the Steelheads are throwing in the towel but we shall see.

Missy got picks to put them in a position to be the discussions for the better players at the deadline, Lavoie is 18 and was a contributor but wasn't going to move the bar for them this year which is what they need to add in order to keep up with top teams. They now have 5 - 2nds to use in trade which they didn't have before. The dangerous thing to watch with Missy now will be if they don't like the direction things are going in trade discussions do they swing the opposite direction and make DelBelBelluz and a top D available for a huge return.

 

[2023]

Windsor was so happy with him they traded him to Niagara in the offseason for two 2nds, a 4th and a 5th plus a couple middling conditionals (assuming for an OA season).

Where I come from, a player that is a bonafide Pro player likely to sign a pro contract doesn’t get traded twice in the same season and in both trades there are conditional picks to protect his return as an OA. That alone suggests that he is at least 50/50 returning for an OA season.

Then combine that with Detroit that doesn’t traditionally sign players for the sake of it because they drafted the players. They are selective, have an abundance of picks year over year and typically don’t trade their top picks, or at least haven’t lately. They also don’t tend to use their full 50 contract allotment.

This isn’t an indictment on the player. This is an assessment as to what the odds are of him returning as an Overage. Again, I say 50/50 at best. It also isnt’ an indictment on whether he can be a pro player in the future.

7.9% of 6th round picks play 100 games in the NHL. Detroit needs to assess whether signing him is a good financial decision as well as a good management of contracts.

Before you make usumptionz

I’m thinking Tyler Savard from the Sault would be a better fit for Ottawa than Frankie Pinelli. Bigger body, plays the body, and will scrap a bit. I think that element is what we need. He can skate well enough to contribute in our system.

Although I agree the possibility exists that Frankie Pinelli could theoretically demand a trade to Ottawa, I think that would be pretty ballsy. He’s a signed Kings pick and I understand they could force Kitchener’s hand but they are going to have to pay at least close to fair market value even in a trade demand situation otherwise Kitchener will straight up keep him. It is hard to set that sort of precedent. Plus, it is not obvious that Kitchener is even going to sell off players. We already have a bunch of players exactly like him. Guys that can skate, pass and shoot but are soft.

I think we need another heavy body that can contribute in our system and Savard doesn’t strike me as a player that will demand more than what we just saw for Zito. That is a manageable deal IMO. Probably more manageable than F Pinelli at a discount.

maybe you should take JB job as GM

Zito is a dependable 200ft player who contributes offensively, one of hte more complete players who likely to be available in trade - I would put him on the same level as Tolnai. He's a plus 5 on a team littered with negatives and -51 goal differential as a team; the price is what NB had to spend.

Also keep in mind that this kid got drafted to the NHL not playing that year due to covid. Put him on a good team and I could almost bet that he would be over a point per game player unless they have a different role for him.

 

[PuckStop75]

100%. Beck isn’t Gabe Vilardi with Kingston and a struggling back issue. Big difference for sure.

I’m not saying Beck will not get injured again but his chances are similar to everyone else. If he does have a concussion then he may be more likely to have another one compared to a player that hasn’t had one but loads of players get concussions and play years before experiencing another one. It would be bad luck for him to get one super quick again.

I like Mintyukov but that deal will cost a player without a doubt. Smyth or Sirman would need to go in that deal if not Marrelli. He may be an import but he’s that good and falls into the elite category. I’m not sure Boyd is prepared to go there. I hope he is though. Morrison, Mintyukov and a 3rd significant piece like Savard and I believe Ottawa moves ahead of North Bay without a doubt.

Beck is a contributor when he is in the lineup, the issue is he has been chronically injured for the past 2 seasons. At 162lbs that will be a continual problem, he needs to bulk up sufficiently that he can absorb some of the contact and protect himself.

Mintyukov is the defensemen who will move the bar, either pay the price or stay status quo and risk being passed. Its really not a difficult decision for Boyd, he can't honestly believe they are good enough at the LD position as things sit right now; Smyth out for an undisclosed length of time and Mayich and Sirman as the top guys with only Marrelli behind them for depth. It may not be Mintyukov but it needs to be an established defender.

The Soo isn't trading Savard unless a team over pays, he's a projected OA return next year in a year they are bidding to host the Memorial Cup. The Soo isn't the most active of teams at the best of times; this would make no sense for them.

67's are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games which I believe is reflective of what the team is right now. They can handle the bottom teams, can rope-a-dope the better teams into tight games and are capable of taking advantage of favorable scheduling. Maybe I'm tarnished by the 2019 season but this team plays a similar style with a weaker D core, less talent and smaller group of players up front. Time will tell what they do, but I don't see their moves being reactive to what others have done, and it shouldn't be. The focus should remain on acquiring the players they feel make them the best team in the league for seasons end.

 

[OMG67]

What bearing does Detroit signing Zito really have on his current OHL value? Is he equal to NHL 3rd round picks Harrison & Bloom and a fit for NB; imo, the value of Zito to NB is equal or greater.

The original comment I stated was it was a good trade because he was likely to also return as an OA. Then the other poster said there was no chance of him returning for an OA season. THIS is why Detroit has a bearing on the direction this conversation.

 

[PuckStop75]

Before you make usumptionz

maybe you should take JB job as GM

Also keep in mind that this kid got drafted to the NHL not playing that year due to covid. Put him on a good team and I could almost bet that he would be over a point per game player unless they have a different role for him.

I like Zito as a player, the NHL draft really doesn't have much of an impact, players get selected particularly in the later rounds on the basis of potential, the little I know of the kid is that he is an intelligent player with a good skillset. Depending on how they utilize him in NB he should see increases in his point production. More than anything else NB has gotten a dependable player with playoff experience which is a positive no matter what way you look at it.

 

[OMG67]

Before you make usumptionz

maybe you should take JB job as GM

Also keep in mind that this kid got drafted to the NHL not playing that year due to covid. Put him on a good team and I could almost bet that he would be over a point per game player unless they have a different role for him.

1 - Don’t pull the crap of “Maybe you should take JB job as GM.” We are all speculating on possibilities. That includes making certain reasonable assumptions. That is the whole point of this discussion board. Don’t be an idiot.
2 - I am keeping everything in mind including what Detroit tends to do as an organization, the number of draft picks they make on an annual basis, the number of contracts they normally carry and the percentages that 6th round picks get signed EVER across the league.

What I know about Zito are the facts in front of me:
1> He’s been traded twice in the same season and both deals had conditional picks involved (assumption is for an OA year)
2> Detroit has a lot of draft picks unsigned
3> Detroit doesn’t or at least recently hasn’t operated at 50 or even super close to 50 contracts over recent years

This leads me to believe that the deal for Zito was for this year with a strong possibility he returns as an OA. This makes the value traded to obtain him more palatable. THAT WAS MY ORIGINAL POST. Zito fit within the abilities of North Bay without having to trade their ‘06 1st or any other significant rostered asset. Will Zito be a good fit? Possibily. I even mentioned he would be a good fit for the 67’s in that original post. I said he wasn’t an impact player and he’s not. He isn’t a player like Shane Wright or Mintyukov. He is a point per game role player and his trade value points to that. If he were a Steve Downey or a Tom Wilson then that would be a different story but he’s not that type of player either. HE is a solid up and down winger that can play centre And he fit within the means of North Bay’s trade ability. The reality is Wright and Mintyukov are the only 19 year old impact players potentially available, assuming Missy doesn’t make a couple Del’s available.

Scroll back to post #381 and you will see the original comment on the trade.

 

[PuckStop75]

If Missy swings positions DelBelBelluz, DelMastro and Larsen become players of interest. Missy has the worst record in the east over the last 10 games and falling away from the top fast. These three would certainly move the bar for a contending team.

 

[OMG67]

Beck is a contributor when he is in the lineup, the issue is he has been chronically injured for the past 2 seasons. At 162lbs that will be a continual problem, he needs to bulk up sufficiently that he can absorb some of the contact and protect himself.

Mintyukov is the defensemen who will move the bar, either pay the price or stay status quo and risk being passed. Its really not a difficult decision for Boyd, he can't honestly believe they are good enough at the LD position as things sit right now; Smyth out for an undisclosed length of time and Mayich and Sirman as the top guys with only Marrelli behind them for depth. It may not be Mintyukov but it needs to be an established defender.

The Soo isn't trading Savard unless a team over pays, he's a projected OA return next year in a year they are bidding to host the Memorial Cup. The Soo isn't the most active of teams at the best of times; this would make no sense for them.

67's are 5-4-1 in the last 10 games which I believe is reflective of what the team is right now. They can handle the bottom teams, can rope-a-dope the better teams into tight games and are capable of taking advantage of favorable scheduling. Maybe I'm tarnished by the 2019 season but this team plays a similar style with a weaker D core, less talent and smaller group of players up front. Time will tell what they do, but I don't see their moves being reactive to what others have done, and it shouldn't be. The focus should remain on acquiring the players they feel make them the best team in the league for seasons end.

There will always be an element of ”keeping up with the Jones.’” So, the 67’s do need to consider what other teams have done and measure themselves against that. Obviously they can’t change their style of play because their roster foundation doesn’t permit it but they can add pieces like you are saying to get to a point where they can be competitive against the bigger teams like North Bay.

You and I are similar in philosophy. We don’t necessarily agree about the defence. I agree to a point but I temper my expectations while placing a greater emphasis on depth down the middle. I view adding a LD as more of a luxury than a necessity. There are diminishing returns on adding a LD as well. It pushes one of your existing LD off the roster and into the stands so the addition can net out to be marginal. In my mind, unless it is an elite D-Man like Mintyukov, the 67’s would only be marginally upgrading. Pushing a kid like Sirman off the roster compared to pushing a kid like Dever off the roster at forward is a huge difference.

The 67’s recent record is somewhat whitewashed because of illness and roster deletions. I know all teams go through patches of illness but this particular roster needs to be darned near full and healthy to be effective based on the way they play. So, to me, the real question is whether it is realistic for this team to be healthy enough to play the heavy puck pursuit game they excel at or not? That is what it comes down to. IF this team is healthy and chasing the puck with the gusto they have done so, they can win. If they are banged up and not healthy and unable to chase the puck with gusto and pressure the opposition by limiting their time and space then they will lose. They cannot win games grinding it out. That is just a fact.

So, can deepening this team through four lines and hedging against injury by adding additional players be enough? This 67’s team will not beat North Bay no matter which players they add if they aren’t able to limit time and space. They aren’t near big enough and they cannot trade to get near big enough to grind out wins.

If the 67’s pretty much stand pat and only add one OA, I will be disappointed. It won’t be enough. It may get us to the Conference Finals which is good but it is not like we are protecting a future. The team next year doesn’t project as good and if we look two years out we can make a couple moves next season to reset. I find being perpetually good frustrating. Watching Kilrea lose in the finals so many times in the late 90’s and early 00’s while taking the same philosophy of running with what you have is just dumb and unfulfilling. Not just to the fans but also the players in your room. Four Finals losses to One Finals win over a 10 year period is frustrating to say the least. I don’t want to see that garbage again.

 

[OMG67]

If Missy swings positions DelBelBelluz, DelMastro and Larsen become players of interest. Missy has the worst record in the east over the last 10 games and falling away from the top fast. These three would certainly move the bar for a contending team.

I just wonder if North Bay making these moves has placed the bar a little too high for a couple teams?

If you are Mississauga and on the bad side of a streak and honestly looking at your team with limited trade assets to improve, do you push the chips into the middle holding A-K off? I’m not too sure Missy is in a position to honestly push chips in. They did manage to pick up some tradable picks but even if Clarke doesn’t come back to Barrie, those two teams are in the same situation except Barrie has double the picks to work with. We are talking about Barrie not making a move unless Clarke returns but still talking about Missy potentially making waves as a buyer.

I’m not sure if they will be a seller but I cannot see them looking up the standings and seeing what North Bay has done and are considering themselves as buyers. IT would almost be absurd TBH.

 

[HUSH10]

From a friend:


@OMG67 You didn't get your guy....GU

 

[PuckStop75]

I just wonder if North Bay making these moves has placed the bar a little too high for a couple teams?

If you are Mississauga and on the bad side of a streak and honestly looking at your team with limited trade assets to improve, do you push the chips into the middle holding A-K off? I’m not too sure Missy is in a position to honestly push chips in. They did manage to pick up some tradable picks but even if Clarke doesn’t come back to Barrie, those two teams are in the same situation except Barrie has double the picks to work with. We are talking about Barrie not making a move unless Clarke returns but still talking about Missy potentially making waves as a buyer.

I’m not sure if they will be a seller but I cannot see them looking up the standings and seeing what North Bay has done and are considering themselves as buyers. IT would almost be absurd TBH.

I agree, and this is where Missy becomes dangerous. They have players who can move the bar for a team and the discussions become much larger than just Wright and Clarke.