Ottawa 67's 2022 Off-season Thread

[Robray12]

I'm sure the first 2 picks will see ice time this year to develop, I'm certain they will trade a defenseman for sure for picks. And we do have a few dark horses from other drafts that may make the team in training camp.
It does seembthat our first 3 lines are set and competition for fourth line minutes is what the rookies and no so productive vents will be fighting for.
Don't be surprised if we bring in a new euro center. Gaidamak is gone as he really was weak for the past few months.

 

[NoQuit67s]

...Just thought of this too...
Depending on the severity of Sawyer's knee injury and what type of surgery he may have had, he may not be available to play for several months into next season?
He was at the playoff games walking around last week, but hard to tell what his rehab schedule may be?

 

[BigHitter67]

Let me fully clarify.

1> We have seven bonafide OHL D-Men returning for this team. Not one of those seven wouldn’t be considered a roster player on any OHL team. I would be very surprised if any of those seven were to be cut out of training camp on ANY OHL team. It is not like we are in a situation where this team needs help on the back end. There are elements that Mews can help (like PP QB) but he can do that while playing softly as a forward for the first season.
2> Mews is a converted forward. My understanding is this past season was his first season ever playing as a D-Man. He did it while playing with a powerhouse Jr Canadians team that spent most of their time (with that five man unit) playing in the offensive zone
3> There were tremendous questions surrounding Henry Mews as to where he should be drafted because of his defensive awareness or lack thereof. If you were to look at 20 OHL draft ranking lists, word on the street seemed to be that he was top 10 on around half of those lists and very low on others specifically because of his lack of defensive awareness. The scouting on him states that he tends to start looking around too much in the defensive zone. Even the OHL Guide that tens to look entirely at the positives states that he has a tendency to “Puck Stare” a lot. This speaks to his inability to read the plays without the puck in the D-Zone.

When you factor into the equation that we have seven returning d-Men that also need continued development, two of which (Sirman and Mayich) that are young and have shown tremendous promise, it isn’t realistic to insert Mews into the top 6 as a 16 year old. From a development perspective, we’ve seen many more offensive minded D-Men play forward on the 4th line as rookies while they had the opportunity to get used to the increased speed of the game as well as the OHL routine.

This is NOT me suggesting he is a forward. This is me suggesting that not only will his development be better served easing him into being a D-Man but the team itself would benefit from easing him into being a D-Man.

It is about recognizing we have seven OHL level D-Men returning that have earned a spot. The possibility exists they will trade one of them to open a spot but that still only opens a spot as the 7th D-Man. What good is that? He’d be watching from the press box or one of the other young guys would be and not developing at all. Not good.

By playing Mews as a 4th line winger where he should be somewhat comfortable and giving him spot duty as a d-man in tbe right situations, especially on the Power Play, the 67’s ensure he gets a decent amount of ice EVERY GAME while still getting their existing D-Men proper development time. There is no need to rush it. This is a team that is supposed to be challenging for a Championship. The TEAM comes first, not the 7th overall pick, especially when it would come at the expense of developing players we already have spent time and effort into developing.

If, going into the trade deadline, it looks like Mews CAN play as a top 6 D-Man or the remainder of the season, the 67’s can then shuffle the positions and make certain players available via trade and either improve their Forwards by adding a player there or by increasing their draft pick cupboard. But, either way, they cannot just make room for him at the expense of other players. Ti is irresponsible to do so.

So how is playing 4th line forward swith spot duty as a D on the pp going to help a 16 yearold work on that so-called ‘Puck Stare ‘ and ‘inability to read plays in Dzone ‘ you speak of? . Reality is , he’d be headed to the NCAA if he and family had any inkling whatsoever that he’s playing 4th line F next season . He’s playing on the back end period . And time will tell if he’s as bad defensively as you seem to be so convinced he is . And if that does turn out to be the case then I’ll gladly pop on here next season and give you props . And if think this team is a Mem contender next season with the current crop
of D … I couldn’t disagree more

 

[OMG67]

So how is playing 4th line forward swith spot duty as a D on the pp going to help a 16 yearold work on that so-called ‘Puck Stare ‘ and ‘inability to read plays in Dzone ‘ you speak of? . Reality is , he’d be headed to the NCAA if he and family had any inkling whatsoever that he’s playing 4th line F next season . He’s playing on the back end period . And time will tell if he’s as bad defensively as you seem to be so convinced he is . And if that does turn out to be the case then I’ll gladly pop on here next season and give you props . And if think this team is a Mem contender next season with the current crop
of D … I couldn’t disagree more

It’s not me that is convinced he is poor defensively. It is all the Professional Scouts that have developed the scouting reports on him.

that is not to say he cannot develop. he has the skill and tools to do so. The question is whether he can do it as a 16 year old rookie int he OHL with SEVEN D-Men ahead of him on the depth chart that are all better defensively than he is.

You eluded to the fact this team needs to shore up its defence. Add ing Mews as a starting D-Man doesn’t do that. It makes it worse.

I fully believe he can be a strong player in time but when a player is transitioning to a new position, it takes time. It needs to be done slowly. This is how he can both get a reasonable amount of ice time to catch up to the higher level of speed and adjust in a more sheltered way.

Both Cam Tolnai and Graham Clarke were SIXTH OVERALL picks. SIXTH. Mews is a seventh overall pick. Why is it that for some reason we are going to rush him along, meanwhile both of the afformentioned two players played fourth line duty, albeit they were forwards, while Mews gets thrust into a situation he may not be able to handle when there are more capable players on the depth chart ahead of him. The reason why guys like Clarke and Tolnai didn’t play top 9 was because there were guys more capable ahead of them.

My proposal isn’t unique. It isn’t even radical. It is measured. If Mews doesn’t play forward and get eased into defence, then one of the other defence will be converted to a forward. We aren’t trading THREE D-Men to make room for our two first round picks to play top 6 and “develop.” We potentially trad done guy at the beginning of the season. Marrelli likely plays as the # 7 guy getting spot duty. Mews or Sirman plays 4th line forward so as to maintain the defence depth on roster. Playing Sirman as a forward simply write him off as a D-Man. He’s in his 3rd year of eligibility next season. If he shifts to forward, he won’t shift back to defence as a 19 year old.

 

[BigHitter67]

It’s not me that is convinced he is poor defensively. It is all the Professional Scouts that have developed the scouting reports on him.

that is not to say he cannot develop. he has the skill and tools to do so. The question is whether he can do it as a 16 year old rookie int he OHL with SEVEN D-Men ahead of him on the depth chart that are all better defensively than he is.

You eluded to the fact this team needs to shore up its defence. Add ing Mews as a starting D-Man doesn’t do that. It makes it worse.

I fully believe he can be a strong player in time but when a player is transitioning to a new position, it takes time. It needs to be done slowly. This is how he can both get a reasonable amount of ice time to catch up to the higher level of speed and adjust in a more sheltered way.

Both Cam Tolnai and Graham Clarke were SIXTH OVERALL picks. SIXTH. Mews is a seventh overall pick. Why is it that for some reason we are going to rush him along, meanwhile both of the afformentioned two players played fourth line duty, albeit they were forwards, while Mews gets thrust into a situation he may not be able to handle when there are more capable players on the depth chart ahead of him. The reason why guys like Clarke and Tolnai didn’t play top 9 was because there were guys more capable ahead of them.

My proposal isn’t unique. It isn’t even radical. It is measured. If Mews doesn’t play forward and get eased into defence, then one of the other defence will be converted to a forward. We aren’t trading THREE D-Men to make room for our two first round picks to play top 6 and “develop.” We potentially trad done guy at the beginning of the season. Marrelli likely plays as the # 7 guy getting spot duty. Mews or Sirman plays 4th line forward so as to maintain the defence depth on roster. Playing Sirman as a forward simply write him off as a D-Man. He’s in his 3rd year of eligibility next season. If he shifts to forward, he won’t shift back to defence as a 19 year old.

Well I guess We can revisit this debate next January when there’s a body of work to …debate.
In meantime I’ll end with .. it’s great seeing management acknowledge and address the need for some puck- skating and skilled Dmen . As we’ve seen with the remaining teams in the hunt … those types of D are a must if you want to win … and it’s very clear we currently don’t have one .
Enjoy the rest of your weekend

 

[nelli27]

Would someone be able to tell me the quality of hockey played in the CCHL?
E.g. the Ottawa Jr. Senators... If a goalie enjoyed success in that league, could that possibly bode well for a transition into the O?

 

[OMG67]

Well I guess We can revisit this debate next January when there’s a body of work to …debate.
In meantime I’ll end with .. it’s great seeing management acknowledge and address the need for some puck- skating and skilled Dmen . As we’ve seen with the remaining teams in the hunt … those types of D are a must if you want to win … and it’s very clear we currently don’t have one .
Enjoy the rest of your weekend

With that we can agree. This team does need some strong puck movers and I am glad it was addressed. I am happy with the pick. We jsut disagree ont he best way to develop him without stunting the development of the players we have already spent effort developing to date.

 

[OMG67]

Would someone be able to tell me the quality of hockey played in the CCHL?
E.g. the Ottawa Jr. Senators... If a goalie enjoyed success in that league, could that possibly bode well for a transition into the O?

CCHL is strong for a jr A loop. It is considerably stronger than the NOJHL.

If we are talking goalies, who knows? Goalies are a different breed. They have their own timeline for development. We jsut hope they develop on the same timeline as our Major Junior needs require.

 

[OMG67]

We drafted Birk Cassels out of Ohio. Sounds like it could be Andrew’s kid.

 

[sirius67fan]

We drafted Birk Cassels out of Ohio. Sounds like it could be Andrew’s kid.

Indeed he is.

 

[nelli27]

CCHL is strong for a jr A loop. It is considerably stronger than the NOJHL.

If we are talking goalies, who knows? Goalies are a different breed. They have their own timeline for development. We jsut hope they develop on the same timeline as our Major Junior needs require.

Thx, OMG.

 

[dirty12]

Early ‘22 draft prospect watch with Mews
2022 OHL Draft: 15 Top Prospects to Watch

 

[beastintheeast]

It’s not me that is convinced he is poor defensively. It is all the Professional Scouts that have developed the scouting reports on him.

that is not to say he cannot develop. he has the skill and tools to do so. The question is whether he can do it as a 16 year old rookie int he OHL with SEVEN D-Men ahead of him on the depth chart that are all better defensively than he is.

You eluded to the fact this team needs to shore up its defence. Add ing Mews as a starting D-Man doesn’t do that. It makes it worse.

My proposal isn’t unique. It isn’t even radical. It is measured. If Mews doesn’t play forward and get eased into defence, then one of the other defence will be converted to a forward. We aren’t trading THREE D-Men to make room for our two first round picks to play top 6 and “develop.” We potentially trad done guy at the beginning of the season. Marrelli likely plays as the # 7 guy getting spot duty. Mews or Sirman plays 4th line forward so as to maintain the defence depth on roster. Playing Sirman as a forward simply write him off as a D-Man. He’s in his 3rd year of eligibility next season. If he shifts to forward, he won’t shift back to defence as a 19 year old.

The decision on where anyone plays n a team is decided by one thing.
The coaching staff feels that the player is best suited and will develop the most while adding to the team.

There is either one of our first 2 picks has the size. so they are going to be a hard-hitting defender.

The stupidest thing that Boyd could do is trade for picks. Picks do not help you now. They are of little value. This team, at best, has 2 lines, and those players are more than likely guaranteed to come back. After that, it is going to be a dog fight to see who makes it and who either is released or traded.
As to defence, the only D that is safe is Matier.

The same with Goaltenders to a lesser extent.

We are in the enviable position of having a great crop of players.

Looking at teams that are in the playoffs now I can see the benefit of a trade that has Cranley, 1 D (not Constantini) and a young g forward for an 18-year-old centre

There are teams out there that will need those players to help them rebuild.

 

[analyser]

Early ‘22 draft prospect watch with Mews
2022 OHL Draft: 15 Top Prospects to Watch

I have read that Mews likes to play defense and has for most of the time. Played centre last season due to Covid19 implications. I think if you want to be a puck handling D and a powerplay QB you will get exposed especially if your team is not stacked and you are a rookie. I think that Boyd and company must think that his upside will clearly outweigh his defensive issues. They could of picked a more skilled forward if that was their intent at number 7, why pick a converted D man. They could sure use a pp QB and hopefully his defense will adjust accordingly.

I think they see a lot of potential in Mews and he is not targeted to be a 4th. line player next season. We shall see.

 

[beastintheeast]

I think the USHL draft is going to be interesting. We have a lot of kids drafted that play in the U.S.

I don't see any of the goalies we drafted reporting to camp this year. They are all playing the U.S.

The interesting one to me is Charlie Hilton at6'3" 166. He is still growing, and some of these kids turn out once they stop growing up and start growing out. Also, coordination is an issue. Not saying he will make the team but if he fills out over the summer, he could be interesting.

 

[beastintheeast]

lLooking at what OMG put up this is my training camp prediction

Pinelli - Rohrer - Boucher
Stonehouse -Tolnai(OA) - Beck
Gerrior - IMPORT- Gardiner
Foster - Barlas - Kelly
Jack Dever
Ethan Quick
Yanic Crete he did not stick with the Q so could actually come back.
Caton Ryan
Talan Palmer

Mayich - Matier
Sirman - GillShane
Smyth - Costantini(OA)
Marrelli Mews
Sawyer Ewles

Cranley
Donoso
MacKenzie
Hayden Duncan for 48 hours

Yes I am showing 10 D because except Matier Mews and Marrelli, I think any of the other D, if the price is right, could be part of a trade

I am also expecting us to be missing 8 players to NHL rookie camps, with 6 making it to the NHL team camp

 

[sirius67fan]

lLooking at what OMG put up this is my training camp prediction

Pinelli - Rohrer - Boucher
Stonehouse -Tolnai(OA) - Beck
Gerrior - IMPORT- Gardiner
Foster - Barlas - Kelly
Jack Dever
Ethan Quick
Yanic Crete he did not stick with the Q so could actually come back.
Caton Ryan
Talan Palmer

Mayich - Matier
Sirman - GillShane
Smyth - Costantini(OA)
Marrelli Mews
Sawyer Ewles

Cranley
Donoso
MacKenzie
Hayden Duncan for 48 hours

Yes I am showing 10 D because except Matier Mews and Marrelli, I think any of the other D, if the price is right, could be part of a trade

I am also expecting us to be missing 8 players to NHL rookie camps, with 6 making it to the NHL team camp

Crete will not be back Beast. He was quietly let go by the team. I think Laforme will be in training camp unless traded in summer. Him and Dever are unlikely to make the team however. I think you forgot TJ or do you think he'll be traded?

 

[OMG67]

One D-Man needs to be traded and one needs to play forward JUST to get down to 7 D-Men. That doesn’t include Ewles.

Something’s gotta give Somewhere lads.

 

[beastintheeast]

One D-Man needs to be traded and one needs to play forward JUST to get down to 7 D-Men. That doesn’t include Ewles.

Something’s gotta give Somewhere lads.

I think training camp will force the team to play some D as forwards. They are not going to have the players if they don't.

I definitely see a big multilayer trade coming we seem slim on forwards so it would make sense to either trade some D for forwards or move someone.

Could Constantini be moved to make room for the others

SIRIUS

you are right I forgot him. I am hoping that he comes back pissed and ready to show what he can do.

 

[OMG67]

I think training camp will force the team to play some D as forwards. They are not going to have the players if they don't.

I definitely see a big multilayer trade coming we seem slim on forwards so it would make sense to either trade some D for forwards or move someone.

Could Constantini be moved to make room for the others

SIRIUS

you are right I forgot him. I am hoping that he comes back pissed and ready to show what he can do.

They have 8 signed D-Men plus the two first rounders. Each of those guys will play as D-Men at training camp. That is assuming there is no trade prior to it when the trade window reopens in August.

The issue is not training camp. They’ll invite a bunch of local kids to fill spots so no big deal there. Same with the pre-season games. They’ll rotate players in and out of the lineup.

The team will probably keep 23 players to start the season:
2 goalies
13 forwards
8 defence

That means two D-Men will not have spots on the roster and two more won’t be considered starters.

It is reasonable to assume at least one D-Man will be traded plus Ewles will probably be cut after training camp. He is simply too far down on the depth chart. That is not to say he can’t come in and have a hell of a training camp and open eyes and force his way into the roster. It’s happened before but it is unlikely.

If I am wrong and Mews does not shift up to forward for the first half of the season until this all plays out through the deadline, then the most likely candidate is Sirman. He played some forward this past season.

We do not have a lack of forwards. There is a strategic need for a centre but if they are unable to acquire one early on, Barlas, Foater, or Pinelli are the likely candidates to nail down the 3rd centre spot in the early stages of the season.

 

[OHLoutsider2020]

Lots of D for sure. Based on progress of Smyth, Sirman and Mayich, plus the newcomers in Mews and Marelli, I’m thinking Sawyer and Gil-Shane are on their way out. Matier and Constantini will be the leaders on back end.

 

[OMG67]

Lots of D for sure. Based on progress of Smyth, Sirman and Mayich, plus the newcomers in Mews and Marelli, I’m thinking Sawyer and Gil-Shane are on their way out. Matier and Constantini will be the leaders on back end.

I don’t think you can get rid of both. We need to remember that there is a Championship window next season. Deleting two capable 19 year old D-Men in a league that requires veteran D-Men to win a Championship is not likely.

This upcoming season is the final season for Matier, Beck, Tolnai, Boucher and Costantini. I’m not sure we can swallow the loss of those players and come out the other side of the following season and be in as good of a position To compete.

If the priority is developing the two first round picks from day one and trade off two 19 year old D-Men, then we may as well go into this season in sell mode and readjust the competitive window. Look at trading Matier and Beck for big returns and pull in young pieces that help us in two years when the new rink is supposed to open.

The reality is there will be some tough decisions to make for this management group. There is an OA spot open so you have to think they will try to find an Impact forward. Usually the cost is about half the price of a 19 year old so that’s good. They should be able to fill a spot quite easily.

Personally, I think training camp will be a decider. I know a lot had been said about the defence for this team but I didn’t find it bad. I think we played relatively well when the team was healthy. Considering the lack of overall experience the defence had with respect to games played in the OHL (because of the Pandemic), I think we progressed very well overall.

Sawyer disappointed me a bit. It’s not like he played poorly but I thought he’d be more agressive. GillShane has size that he needs to use more effectively but he is such an effortless skater for a sizeable D-Man. He moves the puck well. He seems to stay calm. Losing either of those guys to numbers will hurt, no doubt. If we are trying to shore up the actual defence, losing both of those guys will likely result in more defensive zone struggles.

With any luck, there will be another team in a similar situation except they have an excess of forwards and need to trade for depth on defence. Maybe Sawyer or GillShane for an OA Forward that can play a top 6 role? Could be ideal…

 

[beastintheeast]

I don’t think you can get rid of both. We need to remember that there is a Championship window next season. Deleting two capable 19 year old D-Men in a league that requires veteran D-Men to win a Championship is not likely.

The reality is there will be some tough decisions to make for this management group. There is an OA spot open so you have to think they will try to find an Impact forward. Usually the cost is about half the price of a 19 year old so that’s good. They should be able to fill a spot quite easily.

Personally, I think training camp will be a decider. I know a lot had been said about the defence for this team but I didn’t find it bad. I think we played relatively well when the team was healthy. Considering the lack of overall experience the defence had with respect to games played in the OHL (because of the Pandemic), I think we progressed very well overall.

With any luck, there will be another team in a similar situation except they have an excess of forwards and need to trade for depth on defence. Maybe Sawyer or GillShane for an OA Forward that can play a top 6 role? Could be ideal…

OMG, WE can look at things and say this or that, but I agree there is going to be one Heck of a fight at training camp.

The only people that I think are safe on D are Matier and the 2 draft picks.

Who goes and who stays is a decision that Boyd and the OHL GM's will decide.

While I would like to keep Constantini if he is what is desired by opposing teams then so be it. Same thing with the rest of the D and Cranley.

We all know one team that is going to be in dire need of goaltending and good D just a few clicks down the road.
Mississauga is going to be doing a rebuild Ewle and another young D might work there.
Hamilton same same

The only team in the west that is not going to be looking is London so the trades are there it is a matter of what they want and what are they going to give.

I wish the OHL draft happened after the season and playoffs were over then good deals instead of the mickey mouse draft choice trades could be made

 

[OMG67]

OMG, WE can look at things and say this or that, but I agree there is going to be one Heck of a fight at training camp.

The only people that I think are safe on D are Matier and the 2 draft picks.

Who goes and who stays is a decision that Boyd and the OHL GM's will decide.

While I would like to keep Constantini if he is what is desired by opposing teams then so be it. Same thing with the rest of the D and Cranley.

We all know one team that is going to be in dire need of goaltending and good D just a few clicks down the road.
Mississauga is going to be doing a rebuild Ewle and another young D might work there.
Hamilton same same

The only team in the west that is not going to be looking is London so the trades are there it is a matter of what they want and what are they going to give.

I wish the OHL draft happened after the season and playoffs were over then good deals instead of the mickey mouse draft choice trades could be made

The challenge of trading assets out of training camp is you typically don’t get very good value because teams know you are either trading them or waiving them.

You can sign a rookie and then assign them an affiliate card. So, theoretically speaking, you can sign the two first round picks, and the 2nd round pick and then assign an affiliate card to them and send them to JrA and retain their rights. You cannot do that with the other defencemen. I’m not saying they will do this but if it is a matter of protecting assets then it is at least possible. You can look towards donoso last year as the prime example of this happening.

What I’ve noticed is the younger player available out of camp tend to go for higher levels of compensation. We saw that with Carter Robertson and Matt Maggio In the recent past. But, the older player tend to be a little cheaper if they are mid-roster players.

If we apply that sort of logic, we may be better off making a decision between Sirman and Mayich. It is likley we’d gain two 2nds if we were to trade either one of those two utilizing previous trades. I’m not sure we’d get a 2nd round pick for either of Sawyer or Gill-Shane coming out of training camp. We’d easily get a 2nd round pick plus maybe a 3rd or 4th at the deadline similar to what happened with Belanger. So, timing of which assets we make available and when may be the key to gleaning the best levels of return.

On the flip side to that, if we are prepared to acquire a player when the trade window opens in August, the possibility exists we could acquire an OA slightly cheaper. So, it can work both ways.

 

[dirty12]

OMG, WE can look at things and say this or that, but I agree there is going to be one Heck of a fight at training camp.

The only people that I think are safe on D are Matier and the 2 draft picks.

Who goes and who stays is a decision that Boyd and the OHL GM's will decide.

While I would like to keep Constantini if he is what is desired by opposing teams then so be it. Same thing with the rest of the D and Cranley.

We all know one team that is going to be in dire need of goaltending and good D just a few clicks down the road.
Mississauga is going to be doing a rebuild Ewle and another young D might work there.
Hamilton same same

The only team in the west that is not going to be looking is London so the trades are there it is a matter of what they want and what are they going to give.

I wish the OHL draft happened after the season and playoffs were over then good deals instead of the mickey mouse draft choice trades could be made

The good D going just a few clicks down the road is one of the ‘67s 2-1sts for Arcuri? That team will likely go into next season with 3-OAs, Hache, Budnick, Burns; it is unlikely they’re looking to burn assets on a rival’s spare D.
Missasauga should contend, and could use a solid #4-5 D.