I Loveallsports
I'm a optimist not a optometrist
- Apr 13, 2010
- 5,569
- 4,460
Ottawa 67's 2022-23 Season Thread
- Thread starter EON
- Start date
- Status
Was at the game today.
Random observations:
- Goalie Ranger continues to have our number (like last year with Missy)
- Smyth and Mayich will let you know know when they are on the ice; lots of physical play and nastiness. Mayich looks big.
- Gardiner looks good. Smart, skilled, poised, works hard.
- Stonehouse was Stonehouse. Drew one penalty, and I assure you took about 5 more crosschecks to the back; he has laid the bait for drawing more at our next regular season game against the Wolves I assure you.
- Mews and Marelli looked good at times, and very much like rookies at others with some glaring defensive lapses.
- Pinnelli flashed several times. Looks to continue great progress from last season.
- Our small forwards again struggled versus some big Sudbury defenders.
Random observations:
- Goalie Ranger continues to have our number (like last year with Missy)
- Smyth and Mayich will let you know know when they are on the ice; lots of physical play and nastiness. Mayich looks big.
- Gardiner looks good. Smart, skilled, poised, works hard.
- Stonehouse was Stonehouse. Drew one penalty, and I assure you took about 5 more crosschecks to the back; he has laid the bait for drawing more at our next regular season game against the Wolves I assure you.
- Mews and Marelli looked good at times, and very much like rookies at others with some glaring defensive lapses.
- Pinnelli flashed several times. Looks to continue great progress from last season.
- Our small forwards again struggled versus some big Sudbury defenders.
beastintheeast
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3,887
- 842
They need to move Smyth. Big and slow with very limited skill. They have enough size on the back end with Mayich, who looks really f-in good by the way ,and Matier.
OMG67
Registered User
- Sep 1, 2013
- 12,848
- 8,562
They seem to be pushing him at centre. He may look better on the wing. If both Pinelli and Gardiner both perform well at centre then maybe they can shift him to the wing and see if less responsibility opens up the ice for him.
Were you at the games this we? I wasn't so I can't give a first hand account. But word is Smyth has slimmed down and his moving better. As for skill he has more than you give him credit for imo. He showed good hands at times last year. Yes we have Matier /Mayich but you never have too much physicality on the back end especially in the playoffs so I'd keep him especially as we likely get another two years out of him. That said d-men have to go. Still think Sawyer is on the outs and with the emergence of Mayich it's looking bleak for Sirman to get icetime...toobad I like him.
OMG67
Registered User
- Sep 1, 2013
- 12,848
- 8,562
If Smyth can show a marked improvement and Mews proves he can be a top 6 starter then we could circle back to Costantini and ask whether he is needed As an OA. You could have Smyth(LD) with Mews (RD) as the 3rd pair. Matier(LD) stays with Mayich(RD). that leaves Sirman(LD) with Gill-Shane(RD).
That could work. I’ve been looking at Smyth as a 7th D-Man that plays when you need the added size but if he can skate more briskly and play against the more swift teams then that top 6 could work.
beastintheeast
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3,887
- 842
The issue is that they have played 2 ex games one they looked good and the other they got handed their lunch.
I may sound cynical but to me we will not know what we have until we get into real games that count.
As to which D is traded that is IMO not in the 67's control. It is going to be determined by who and what the other team offers and wants.
OMG you may be right about Barlas in that it is a 3 person contest to see who the 3rd and 4th line centers are going to be with the losers moving to wing.
THis is the first week and we can score this week a win for Devers and Mayich.
Let's see who the winners are at the end of the week. Players are going to get a lot of ice time once players go to rookie camps
SPEAKING OF ROOKIE CAMPS
There are of course the guys that were drafted going to camps is anyone else though getting a look.
I may sound cynical but to me we will not know what we have until we get into real games that count.
As to which D is traded that is IMO not in the 67's control. It is going to be determined by who and what the other team offers and wants.
OMG you may be right about Barlas in that it is a 3 person contest to see who the 3rd and 4th line centers are going to be with the losers moving to wing.
THis is the first week and we can score this week a win for Devers and Mayich.
Let's see who the winners are at the end of the week. Players are going to get a lot of ice time once players go to rookie camps
SPEAKING OF ROOKIE CAMPS
There are of course the guys that were drafted going to camps is anyone else though getting a look.
OMG67
Registered User
- Sep 1, 2013
- 12,848
- 8,562
Sorry, Beast, but the 67’s 100% control who makes the team and who doesn’t. The 67’s will craft their roster based on who deserves the spots with age factored in. For example, if Sirman and Sawyer are relatively equal, they would keep Sirman because he is a year younger. They would then work out a trade for Sawyer. That type of trade would be pretty similar to all early season trades, for draft picks. This is NOT a situation where the 67’s management will craft their lineup based on what teams ware willing to give what assets for players. That is not the way to run your franchise.
This is evidenced by seeing veteran players cut and waived out of trading camp. Last year they made the effort to trade Crete and couldn’t so they waived and released him. They didn’t decide to keep Crete and trade TJ because they could get draft picks for TJ. They determined what players actually made the team and which players they were willing to assign player cards to and then dealt with how to gain assets (if possible) for the rest.
The 67’s will then use draft picks to acquire players from teams in a similar situation to Ottawa where they have extra bodies that may be of use to the 67’s and the 67’s will then trade picks to acquire that player.
Occasionally there may be a situation where it is one problem child for another problem child but this situation is the trading of depth pieces. Depth pieces are not prime assets. Teams are not typically holding out for a specific trade because if they wait too long then the season starts and they need to burn a player card on that player. For example, if the 67’s want to trade Sawyer and they absolutely want an OA Centre back in return, they’d have to assign a player card to Sawyer and wait until a trade opens up. Once the trade opens up, they trade the player and get the player. In the process they lose the card assigned to Sawyer. They only get 30 cards. The 67’s are not going to burn cards on players they know are not going to play for the 67’s unless that player is a Prime asset.
I think what you see is what you get. They sat out 7 guys yesterday. They have not added any players or signed any players other than what appears on their Training Camp roster posted on Ontariohockeyleague.com
I think what you see is what you get at this point. It is now a matter of which 4 guys are going to be released and/or assigned affiliate cards and be sent down for more development.
OMG67
Registered User
- Sep 1, 2013
- 12,848
- 8,562
The 67’s have some size on the back end but seem to be small and swift up front. As much as I like Costantini, with the depth on defence and the potential emergence of both Mayich and Smyth, maybe using that OA spot on a forward makes more sense? Tolnai is their second biggest forward. That really isn’t saying much At 6’1” 185.
I know the roster needs to be updated but 9 of 15 forwards currently on the roster weigh in at under 175.
This is an area that may need some tweaking here and there.
I know the roster needs to be updated but 9 of 15 forwards currently on the roster weigh in at under 175.
This is an area that may need some tweaking here and there.
I saw the game yesterday and to be honest I wasn't impressed by much.
The defensive rookies were very good for the experience they have so far and we are set for a few years.
The forwards were weak on the passes and I thought we were a step behind Sudbury all game.
We need to skate faster and pass more accurately.
The forward rookies were weak and the pace seemed abit above their skill.
I sure would have liked more veterans yesterday as at times it was a shi. Show.
The defensive rookies were very good for the experience they have so far and we are set for a few years.
The forwards were weak on the passes and I thought we were a step behind Sudbury all game.
We need to skate faster and pass more accurately.
The forward rookies were weak and the pace seemed abit above their skill.
I sure would have liked more veterans yesterday as at times it was a shi. Show.
beastintheeast
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3,887
- 842
You are not going to see the veterans as much until they return from the NHL camps and Cameron and Boyd have made the final decisions on who they are keeping.
Our first and second lines are I think decided now the fight is for 3rd and 4th line.
As to defence that is why guys like Constantini are so important, they have the experience and can cover for some of the mistakes that the rookies make in the first half of the season
OMG67
Registered User
- Sep 1, 2013
- 12,848
- 8,562
I agree about your reasoning for Costantini. What I question now is whether his added value as a veteran outweighs his taking up a spot for de eloping a younger player.
I’ve been a proponent for Costantini. I suggested trading Belanger was probably a better idea because of the return would be better and we lacked RHD. But, I am sort of in the situation now where if Gill-Shane can play Costantini’s role as the 2nd pairing RHD, then maybe carrying Costantini as an OA wouldn’t be the best idea. I’m not fully decided on that but I feel myself leaning that way more now than I was in the offseason.
Mayich-Matier
Sirman or Sawyer-GillShane
Smyth-Mews
Marrelli-Ewles
That would require a trade of Costantini and one of Sirman or Sawyer. We’d still have 4 RHD with Ewles sticking as a 4th line winger/extra D-Man.
Alternatively, they could keep Costantini and trade GillShane but I don’t see them trading the local kid.
Side note, I noticed that the 67’s do not have one D-Man out the ten signed that were picked in the 2nd round. Three 1st rounders with Mews, Marrelli and Matier. The rest were deeper picks. I’d say that is pretty darned good drafting. But, that also shows in their lack of scoring from the back end. Usually get those scoring type D-Men in the first two rounds.
beastintheeast
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3,887
- 842
OMG I wonder about the size issues up front. Also there has to be a development of forwards. I do not see that as much as it was in the past.
I think that boyd has gotten what he wanted but it will be interesting to see what he does with the players that he has.
Cameron needs to do something with the forwards and needs to develop a 1st line center for next ear this year. This is as he will lose both the first and second-line centers.
The other probelm I see is that most teams are not going to be interested in trading for 2 defencemen.
I would suggest that Constantini could be here until Christmas to cover for the rookies. Yes they look good, and everyone looks good, BUT these are not real games. The real season brings out the better players that have come back from camps.
The Fronts could be a whole lot different with a pissed-off Wright in their lineup.
I think your reasoning for keeping Constantini is sound until the deadline and then he may see himself going out the door, remember order to trade a player there has to be someone that wants him.
I think that boyd has gotten what he wanted but it will be interesting to see what he does with the players that he has.
Cameron needs to do something with the forwards and needs to develop a 1st line center for next ear this year. This is as he will lose both the first and second-line centers.
The other probelm I see is that most teams are not going to be interested in trading for 2 defencemen.
I would suggest that Constantini could be here until Christmas to cover for the rookies. Yes they look good, and everyone looks good, BUT these are not real games. The real season brings out the better players that have come back from camps.
The Fronts could be a whole lot different with a pissed-off Wright in their lineup.
I think your reasoning for keeping Constantini is sound until the deadline and then he may see himself going out the door, remember order to trade a player there has to be someone that wants him.
OMG67
Registered User
- Sep 1, 2013
- 12,848
- 8,562
The impression I am getting is that all 10 D-Men are OHL calibre. The problem with that is you would need to send two of the ten down on affiliate cards if you don’t make a trade or two. Mews, Marrelli and Ewles are the only three you can send down on affiliate cards. I don’t see Mews and Marrelli as first round picks sent down on affiliate cards. So, if you keep Costantini then you are either trading someone else or sending players down on affiliate cards.
To me, they need to resolve the issue on defence through trade prior to the start of the season. The deadline should be for tinkering and filling gaps.
If they keep 8 D-Men, then two need to be traded/sent down. I jsut don’t see any D-Men other than Ewles being sent down. Even Ewles deserves a better fate to be honest. I think the Major Junior teams owe players an opportunity to play if they are good enough to play in the league. They shouldn’t hoard them in their affiliate system.
All that said, if they wait to trade Costantini, their problems don’t go away. They still remain through the deadline. That is way too late to resolve this type of issue.
The other issue is keeping 8 D-Men While developing forwards. If they keep 8 D-Men, it is likely that one of the D-Men ends up playing a significant amount of forward. That pulls time away from a young forward. That’s not ideal either.
I do agree about the issue at Centre but that ship has sailed. Tolnai will get one of those spots. Rohrer will likely get one of them. Neither will return next year. Other players will get opportunities lower int he lineup but Barlas was tagged to be that guy and he hasn’t shown the ability to play that role so we are left with not so great options.
They need to decide if this is their year or not. If this is their year then they need to invest in this season. If it is not their year then they need to make a couple deals to fill gaps for next year and beyond and that main gap is Centre.
Time to cut bait on this season. I think if Kaspar would have reported, then you could work out a deal for another forward, and you would be set to compete for top four in the conference. Now our forwards are pretty slim. There is a pretty good drop off from the top 5 or 6. From what I saw of Mews / Marelli / Ewles we are going to be set for a while. I really like Ewles , and i don't think you can send him down for his 17 y/o year. Make a trade now for Sawyer / Gill-Shane. Pick up draft picks or 17/18 year old forwards. Hopefully with some size. Let the kids develop and make mistakes for the fall. Trade Matier / Tolnai / Constantini maybe Boucher at the trade deadline to make a run in 2023/2024.
BECK TOLNAI BOUCHER
PINELLI ROHRER STONEHOUSE
JOHNSTON BARLAS DEVER
GERRIOR GARDNER FOSTER
QUICK
MAYICH MATIER
SIRMAN CONSTANTINI
SMYTH MEWS
MARRELLI EWLES
BECK TOLNAI BOUCHER
PINELLI ROHRER STONEHOUSE
JOHNSTON BARLAS DEVER
GERRIOR GARDNER FOSTER
QUICK
MAYICH MATIER
SIRMAN CONSTANTINI
SMYTH MEWS
MARRELLI EWLES
OMG67
Registered User
- Sep 1, 2013
- 12,848
- 8,562
The challenge with this is the gaping hole we have with our back to back 1st round picks. Moldenhauer didn’t report and then we picked Barlas and he hasn’t really turned out as of yet. That is going to present a serious issue if we transfer assets to next year.
On top of that, we are in a situation where what you are pointing out as a significant gap between the top 5 or 6 forwards and the rest is that those forwards aren’t returning next year.
Assuming no trades happen, we graduate:
Matier
Costantini
One of Gill-Shane, Sawyer, or Smyth
Tolnai
Rohrer
Beck
Boucher
If they decide to go down that road, they’d need to move Matier, Beck, Boucher and Rohrer. Keeping any of those players would be a waster. They’d have to keep Tolnai. None of those players are locks to gain 2022 1st rounders so you are probably looking at picks packages. So, it is doubtful we’d get any sort of impact Centre in return to help the train move down the tracks.
Conversely, we still do have and Import spot as well as an OA spot available. If one of those two spots can net us a Centre capable of playing 2nd line and the other is either a puck moving D-Man or a bigger winger, then we have the pieces to be in the mix. Those two pieces wouldn’t cost very much to acquire.
The big question is whether the 67’s are willing to make a serious trade. You know that at least one of the teams in the mix in the east is going to make a big splash. So, even if Ottawa were to fill the Impoet and OA spots, would that be enough? Not likely. They’d then need to make another big splash. Harrison from Oshawa? Pinelli from Kitchener? Something. If they aren’t willing to do that then I probably side with your assessment that trading at least two of those four guys I listed is almost a must. No sense in status quo and 5th place and out in round one. That would be a waste.
The 67’s have a surplus of picks to make that sort of trade not to mention the additional picks they will get for trading a couple bodies post exhibition schedule.
HockeyPops
Registered User
- Aug 20, 2018
- 7,942
- 7,078
Beck hasn't signed yet. He might be back as an OA?
Why do you graduate Rohrer?
Why would you graduate Smyth?
Why do you graduate Rohrer?
Why would you graduate Smyth?
beastintheeast
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3,887
- 842
Beck is in all likelihood going to sign he had a great camp last year until he got injured.
Rohrer is a Euro he will have the choice of either playing in the NHL or playing Euro pro The 67's do not hold contracts if euro players want to go home to play.
Gil shane, Sawyer and Smythe is strictly a numbers game One of them will have to go.
i would also put Ewles into the mix for trade and think that he might net the team more than Constantini n that he is younger therefore they will have him longer.
But as I said we know who the 67's would like to get rid of the question is there anyone that has a deal to make?
On paper this team looks bad next year and normally that would mean go for it this year BUT we really are not all that great this year.
A lot is going to depend on the returning players picking up their offensive game and working more on their shut down also
Rohrer is a Euro he will have the choice of either playing in the NHL or playing Euro pro The 67's do not hold contracts if euro players want to go home to play.
Gil shane, Sawyer and Smythe is strictly a numbers game One of them will have to go.
i would also put Ewles into the mix for trade and think that he might net the team more than Constantini n that he is younger therefore they will have him longer.
But as I said we know who the 67's would like to get rid of the question is there anyone that has a deal to make?
On paper this team looks bad next year and normally that would mean go for it this year BUT we really are not all that great this year.
A lot is going to depend on the returning players picking up their offensive game and working more on their shut down also
Last edited:
beastintheeast
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3,887
- 842
So you are writing off Gil Shane and Sawyer. Interesting
HockeyPops
Registered User
- Aug 20, 2018
- 7,942
- 7,078
Just saying if they were looking to next year as opposed to this year, those are the D to move on from.
Agree with you on Beck and the D as they won't keep all three of Sawyer/Gill-Shane and Smth. But likely one of the first two goes as Smyth is an 04. As for Rohrer he'll be back imo as he's not the same caliber as Rossi who had nothing left to prove in junior. This unless the habs figure he'll develop better in Europe.
Wow isn't it a bit early to write off this season? Imo we have a lot of talent. Our D could be elite at least defensively. I'm optimistic in goal. Yeah up front we're not the powerhouse were a few years ago but we should get a lot of goals frombeck/Boucher/Rohrer and guys like Pinelli, Stonehouse could chip in as well. I agree we need to move two D's before the season but otherwise let's see how we do by the end of november before bailing out. Heck we might be a few pieces away and we have plenty of ammo to upgrade the team
- Status
Latest posts
-
-
Player Discussion Lane Hutson: Part 3 - Calder Edition- Latest: Grate n Colorful Oz
-
