Ottawa 67's 2023-2024 Off-Season Thread (Part 2)

[Section5Petes]

I am hearing, Barlas,Kelly, Smyth & maybe Mackenzie will be on the move

Would like to see Caden Kelly in maroon and white...

 

[beastintheeast]

I think that Stenhouse and Mayich are unknowns. Gerrior will return but everything depends on how the Goalie situation is.

If we decide to retain MacK for the start of the season, we could potentially begin with a lineup of Gerrior and MacK, with Mayich as a possible addition if he expresses a desire to be traded.

The question then is, what do they do with Stonehouse if he gets cut and sent back?

I would rather see Mayich and Stonehouse traded before the season starts. This will leave no doubt on who is staying and playing.

I still like the idea of trading Mayich to Niagara as a leader on their team for their OA RW. Then we would have all our positions sorted out which would be a good thing.

Pinelli Gardiner Foster
Gerrior /Barlas Podoioukh Kelly
Hilton Whitehead Korbler
Yanni Amidovski

Mews Marelli
Sirman Horner
Dietsch Brady
Eshka Bonomo ( I can see him in the CCHL also)

MacK
Nelson

Trade

Barlas
Dever ( Kelly has 2 years left so keep him)
Smyth
Mayich
Gerrior

The challenge is going to be who they draft to replace Uronen and what position he plays.

I think that we are in a position tht we can draft best player available WHO WILL REPORT.

Once we know that, we can figure things out from there. Barlas and Gerrior are both tradeable if we are cleaning the house, depending on who wants whom.

I think we can get a look at things better after the Euro draft

 

[OMG67]

Let me see about a different lineup, Beast. I like the Bujold deal @dirty12 suggested. That had Mayich to Brantford for Bujold. Let’s also take MacK off the board and assume they decide to run with Nelson. I’m not sold on that option, especially early but if they keep MacK, he could be the 4th OA temporarily until an OA Goalie market opens up.

Pinelli - Bujold(OA) - Korbler
Gerrior(OA) - Gardiner - Foster
Amidovski - Dever - Horner
Yanni - Whitehead - Kelly
Perrier

Marelli - Mews
IMPORT - Brady
Dietsch - Eshkakogan
Bonomo

MacK(OA)
Nelson

Just a bit of a different look for interest sake. The defence is weak on experience. You have to think no matter what that they will keep an OA D-Man. I do like the look of Bujold leading the centre ice. It stretches out the depth down the middle. Even deleting Stonehouse, there is enough wing depth to make it work. And that is without Barlas in the mix who can be injected back in. Uronen returning as well could inject more wing depth. No Hilton or Houben either. More than enough depth on the wing to make some sort of combination work. I just keep coming back to that defence. I almost want to keep both Mayich and Sirman! But, Bujold being added depends on Mayich moving out so…..

Regarding the Import Draft, I am not sold on them making a pick at all. I think Uronen coming back is probably about 50-50. If they do make a pick, I somehow doubt it would be anything other than a 17 year old.

 

[beastintheeast]

Let me see about a different lineup, Beast. I like the Bujold deal @dirty12 suggested. That had Mayich to Brantford for Bujold. Let’s also take MacK off the board and assume they decide to run with Nelson. I’m not sold on that option, especially early but if they keep MacK, he could be the 4th OA temporarily until an OA Goalie market opens up.

Pinelli - Bujold(OA) - Korbler
Gerrior(OA) - Gardiner - Foster
Amidovski - Dever - Horner
Yanni - Whitehead - Kelly
Perrier

Marelli - Mews
IMPORT - Brady
Dietsch - Eshkakogan
Bonomo

MacK(OA)
Nelson

Just a bit of a different look for interest sake. The defence is weak on experience. You have to think no matter what that they will keep an OA D-Man. I do like the look of Bujold leading the centre ice. It stretches out the depth down the middle. Even deleting Stonehouse, there is enough wing depth to make it work. And that is without Barlas in the mix who can be injected back in. Uronen returning as well could inject more wing depth. No Hilton or Houben either. More than enough depth on the wing to make some sort of combination work. I just keep coming back to that defence. I almost want to keep both Mayich and Sirman! But, Bujold being added depends on Mayich moving out so…..

Regarding the Import Draft, I am not sold on them making a pick at all. I think Uronen coming back is probably about 50-50. If they do make a pick, I somehow doubt it would be anything other than a 17 year old.

I think we are in agreement that Mayich for a Center is a good deal.

I disagree on Uronen unless he gets some sort of deal or promise from Vegas there really is no reason for him not to go pro in Europe. I do agree though that they will probably take a 17 year old as the pick

Considering DC treatment or 4th line players I am not sold on Whitehead being 4th line if that is the case and that is what they feel then trade the kid so he has a chance to show the scouts what he can do. Same thing with Yanni he played well and should be thrid line ahead of Amidovski who could be the 4th line center to start the year.


If it is a choice between Gerrior and Sirman I think I prefer Sirman for the same reason as you. Neither Mews or Marelli have shown the leadership skills and we are going to have at lest 3 maybe 4 rookies in the back end.

 

[OMG67]

I think we are in agreement that Mayich for a Center is a good deal.

I disagree on Uronen unless he gets some sort of deal or promise from Vegas there really is no reason for him not to go pro in Europe. I do agree though that they will probably take a 17 year old as the pick

Considering DC treatment or 4th line players I am not sold on Whitehead being 4th line if that is the case and that is what they feel then trade the kid so he has a chance to show the scouts what he can do. Same thing with Yanni he played well and should be thrid line ahead of Amidovski who could be the 4th line center to start the year.


If it is a choice between Gerrior and Sirman I think I prefer Sirman for the same reason as you. Neither Mews or Marelli have shown the leadership skills and we are going to have at lest 3 maybe 4 rookies in the back end.

The team has a lot of challenges. They aren’t insurmountable but one decision in one area affects another area which is why it is incumbent on the management and coaches to select the right OA’s.

If I were to predict what they would do to start the season, I would say they would keep four OA’s in an effort to increase the value of one of them by allowing the market to open and expand for OA’s. I also feel, as do you, that there seems to be a sense in the organization that Nelson has the tools to be the starter right away. There will obviously be some cautious optimism which is why I think MacK is only traded to start the season if the offer is crazy good. Additionally, the 4th OA could be Stonehouse but on paper only. They will likely retain his rights and give some runway for him to return after being reassigned to the OHL.

To me, there are three main areas the team likely already has plans to address:
1> What is happening with Mayich? Is he still preferring to be closer to home or not? This issues impacts the approach on the OA’s and is a puzzle piece we need in hand before we can figure anything else out.
2> Is Nelson capable of being the starter? They need some preseason time to figure that out.
3> Is Uronen returning or are they drafting this year?

We need the answer to these three key questions before we, as fans, can honestly get a sense of what the goals are this season.

 

[44 95 plus tax]

Uronen is listed on Elite Prospects as Ottawa 67 for 24/25 season.

Not saying this is concrete confirmation, but EP is pretty good at updating when someone signs or commits somewhere. I would imagine if Uronen was going back to Europe to play he would have signed by now.

 

[Larionov]

67's spent the season talking like Uronen was part of their plans, so this makes sense. For Uronen, it is time to fish or cut bait - if he goes home now, he is saying goodbye to any chance of playing in the NHL. If he wants a contract from Vegas, he needs to go out and have a great 19 year old season in the OHL so he should be highly motivated. It will probably take him ten games to get his feet under him, but if he comes around it is like getting a free player.

Somewhat related to 6th round picks, did anyone see the proposal that is bubbling out from the NHLPA about eliminating up to three rounds of the draft? The proposal, apparently, would be to cut the NHL draft to four rounds only as opposed to seven. The rationale is that many of those lower round picks never do get to sign an NHL contract, and are stuck as property of a team unwilling to sign them for 2-4 years. Free them up, and they can sign as free agents with a team where they think they have the best chance to play. Given that the NHL has a hard cap, it really doesn't grant an unfair advantage to anyone. If anything, you could argue that the lower you are in the standings, the better chance you have of convincing a free agent 19 year old that his best opportunity to compete for an NHL job is with you....

 

[beastintheeast]

The team has a lot of challenges. They aren’t insurmountable but one decision in one area affects another area which is why it is incumbent on the management and coaches to select the right OA’s.

If I were to predict what they would do to start the season, I would say they would keep four OA’s in an effort to increase the value of one of them by allowing the market to open and expand for OA’s. I also feel, as do you, that there seems to be a sense in the organization that Nelson has the tools to be the starter right away. There will obviously be some cautious optimism which is why I think MacK is only traded to start the season if the offer is crazy good. Additionally, the 4th OA could be Stonehouse but on paper only. They will likely retain his rights and give some runway for him to return after being reassigned to the OHL.

To me, there are three main areas the team likely already has plans to address:
1> What is happening with Mayich? Is he still preferring to be closer to home or not? This issues impacts the approach on the OA’s and is a puzzle piece we need in hand before we can figure anything else out.
2> Is Nelson capable of being the starter? They need some preseason time to figure that out.
3> Is Uronen returning or are they drafting this year?

We need the answer to these three key questions before we, as fans, can honestly get a sense of what the goals are this season.

AGREE

1. Mayich - the other piece is does he get a contract from St Louis and if so how does that affect things, It is funny but we could see the 67's protect 2 OA that are at pro camps to start the year.

2. Nelson - not only does he have to be ready but they have to have a back up that can take some of the pressure off of him

3. Uronen this is the easiest one as we will know on Euro draft day

 

[beastintheeast]

67's spent the season talking like Uronen was part of their plans, so this makes sense. For Uronen, it is time to fish or cut bait - if he goes home now, he is saying goodbye to any chance of playing in the NHL. If he wants a contract from Vegas, he needs to go out and have a great 19 year old season in the OHL so he should be highly motivated. It will probably take him ten games to get his feet under him, but if he comes around it is like getting a free player.

Somewhat related to 6th round picks, did anyone see the proposal that is bubbling out from the NHLPA about eliminating up to three rounds of the draft? The proposal, apparently, would be to cut the NHL draft to four rounds only as opposed to seven. The rationale is that many of those lower round picks never do get to sign an NHL contract, and are stuck as property of a team unwilling to sign them for 2-4 years. Free them up, and they can sign as free agents with a team where they think they have the best chance to play. Given that the NHL has a hard cap, it really doesn't grant an unfair advantage to anyone. If anything, you could argue that the lower you are in the standings, the better chance you have of convincing a free agent 19 year old that his best opportunity to compete for an NHL job is with you....

Looking at this post I find your Uronen argument interesting. Considering he was a 6th round pick and you state that most do not get contracts.

The flip side is that he could play good enough to make the AHL team and get an ahl contract.

The possibility is interesting for him and he can decide to do either but it is going to be up to what Vegas tells him. They can suggest he come to Ottawa and play teen agers on a rebuilding team or they can suggest that he go home and play in a pro league there that is one step below the AHL

 

[Larionov]

Looking at this post I find your Uronen argument interesting. Considering he was a 6th round pick and you state that most do not get contracts.

The flip side is that he could play good enough to make the AHL team and get an ahl contract.

The possibility is interesting for him and he can decide to do either but it is going to be up to what Vegas tells him. They can suggest he come to Ottawa and play teen agers on a rebuilding team or they can suggest that he go home and play in a pro league there that is one step below the AHL

You generally find that NHL teams prefer to have their prospects in North America, playing the North American game. When the players decide to go back to Europe it is almost always their idea as opposed to that of the team that drafted them. Unless they are signed, though (there's that signing thing again) the team drafting them can only make suggestions...

 

[OMG67]

Like any other 67’s season, they will likley head into the season with the best intention of performing at their best possible level. That is how they should enter the season. Once they have reached mid-November, they usually have a sense of where they rate against the competition. At that point, they will make an assessment on how to proceed through the deadline. Of course, it can always change and can be very fluid but most teams operate this way.

As a result of this, unless a team has a gaping hole in the lineup that needs to be addressed or they have a surplus of redundant players at the start of the season, we don’t normally see the real trade market open up until at least mid-November.

I think no matter what Ottawa does, we need to consider tey will most likely make a best effort to compete early. That doens’t mean they will go out and spend assets to acquire key players but they won’t make a strategic decision to sell until at least mid-November. Anything the management or coaching staff says up to that point would/should be to compete at the highest possible level.

 

[Section5Petes]

Wonder what Caden Kelly's actual value would be if he was to be moved? Personally I'd like the Petes to a chance on him if the above post is true that he is available

 

[beastintheeast]

Like any other 67’s season, they will likley head into the season with the best intention of performing at their best possible level. That is how they should enter the season. Once they have reached mid-November, they usually have a sense of where they rate against the competition. At that point, they will make an assessment on how to proceed through the deadline. Of course, it can always change and can be very fluid but most teams operate this way.

As a result of this, unless a team has a gaping hole in the lineup that needs to be addressed or they have a surplus of redundant players at the start of the season, we don’t normally see the real trade market open up until at least mid-November.

I think no matter what Ottawa does, we need to consider tey will most likely make a best effort to compete early. That doens’t mean they will go out and spend assets to acquire key players but they won’t make a strategic decision to sell until at least mid-November. Anything the management or coaching staff says up to that point would/should be to compete at the highest possible level.

Yes, I agree, but the challenge is not with the team but with the fan's expectations. We have to consider that this is a team that is going to be developing and could look good at the start. That does not mean that we need to go out and make a lot of trades to make us a contender.

The pieces we need this year are either players who will be here next year or players who can help lead and develop the younger players.

The only thing that fans should demand of this team this year is that they come out and play their best every game.

As to Uronen, my apologies, but yes, I can see him back in the line, but again, that is going to be his choice. I disagree with the fact that NHL teams want the players to stay in N.A. I think it is changing due to the ability of scouts in Europe to watch development.

 

[OMG67]

Yes, I agree, but the challenge is not with the team but with the fan's expectations. We have to consider that this is a team that is going to be developing and could look good at the start. That does not mean that we need to go out and make a lot of trades to make us a contender.

The pieces we need this year are either players who will be here next year or players who can help lead and develop the younger players.

The only thing that fans should demand of this team this year is that they come out and play their best every game.

As to Uronen, my apologies, but yes, I can see him back in the line, but again, that is going to be his choice. I disagree with the fact that NHL teams want the players to stay in N.A. I think it is changing due to the ability of scouts in Europe to watch development.

The key component is how we stack up vs the other Conference teams. There is a distinct difference. We could look good but there may be three teams that are silly good. Last year was a great example of the opposite. No one pulled away from the pack which gave other teams more hope than they would normally have. I think this year it will be a few teams pulling away from the pack which means some other good teams will decide to hold back from buying. Ottawa being one of those teams not buying.

That doesn’t mean they will sell though. I think it would be the right strategy to sell Pinelli but I’m not sure how keen this management team is on doing that.

 

[lazyboy]

Somewhat related to 6th round picks, did anyone see the proposal that is bubbling out from the NHLPA about eliminating up to three rounds of the draft? The proposal, apparently, would be to cut the NHL draft to four rounds only as opposed to seven. The rationale is that many of those lower round picks never do get to sign an NHL contract, and are stuck as property of a team unwilling to sign them for 2-4 years. Free them up, and they can sign as free agents with a team where they think they have the best chance to play. Given that the NHL has a hard cap, it really doesn't grant an unfair advantage to anyone. If anything, you could argue that the lower you are in the standings, the better chance you have of convincing a free agent 19 year old that his best opportunity to compete for an NHL job is with you....

This is the first I've heard about this. As a draft junkie I wouldn't like this change but I understand the rationale.

 

[beastintheeast]

The key component is how we stack up vs the other Conference teams. There is a distinct difference. We could look good but there may be three teams that are silly good. Last year was a great example of the opposite. No one pulled away from the pack which gave other teams more hope than they would normally have. I think this year it will be a few teams pulling away from the pack which means some other good teams will decide to hold back from buying. Ottawa being one of those teams not buying.

That doesn’t mean they will sell though. I think it would be the right strategy to sell Pinelli but I’m not sure how keen this management team is on doing that.

I think this is going to be a busy trade year for Boyd. He has a lot of players that he has to satisfy and or play.

LW is a huge mess with all the players coming to camp. Trades have to be made.

 

[OMG67]

I think this is going to be a busy trade year for Boyd. He has a lot of players that he has to satisfy and or play.

LW is a huge mess with all the players coming to camp. Trades have to be made.

Yup. Way too many LW. With two seasons of going for it, it is time to retool and allow the younger guys reasonable ice time. That doesn’t mean throw them into the fire but it does mean at least trying to responsibly develop them.

Guys like Whitehead, Yanni, Amidovski, and Eshkawkogan need quality ice. That will need to come at the expense of some of the veterans.

I’ve always said we need quality centres. Having quality centres allows the younger players some stability in development. A player like Amidovski can potentially play a higher role as a winger in his rookie season and get a lot more ice time than he would as a rookie centre. He can then shift to centre next year. I like the idea of adding an OA Centre to help stretch that centre depth.

 

[Riverfront]

Barlas to Soo for Brown . speculation.

 

[dirty12]

Barlas to Soo for Brown . speculation.

That should work for Ottawa. It fills a need at centre and gives the ‘67s 3-‘06 first picks. I can see Cameron liking Brown, a lot.
Martin and Barlas could compliment each other, I guess?

 

[OMG67]

Barlas to Soo for Brown . speculation.

I would do that. Neither have reached their potential in their current situations. Maybe a change of scenery for both would be welcome.

 

[Larionov]

This is the first I've heard about this. As a draft junkie I wouldn't like this change but I understand the rationale.

They talked about on the "32 Thoughts" podcast last week. Elliotte Friedman is as plugged in as any hockey journalist you'll find, and these are the signals he is getting from the NHLPA. Of course, this would have to be collectively bargained, and the CBA expires at the end of the 25-26 season. My read of this is that the NHLPA is compiling a list of asks that they can put on the table when the owners inevitably come with a list of concessions they want...

 

[OMG67]

They talked about on the "32 Thoughts" podcast last week. Elliotte Friedman is as plugged in as any hockey journalist you'll find, and these are the signals he is getting from the NHLPA. Of course, this would have to be collectively bargained, and the CBA expires at the end of the 25-26 season. My read of this is that the NHLPA is compiling a list of asks that they can put on the table when the owners inevitably come with a list of concessions they want...

And that is exactly how I see it as well. I think they will compromise on this and go to 5 or 6 rounds. They used to have a much longer draft in the past.

I can see the NHL teams preferring to have the flexibility of keeping player rights but the push behind this is valid. Too many players need to be in the right place at the right time with the right organization to get a real chance. Allowing more Free agents in the market would help allocate resources where they are needed as opposed to stifling them.

 

[AGranderson]

I think that Stenhouse and Mayich are unknowns. Gerrior will return but everything depends on how the Goalie situation is.

If we decide to retain MacK for the start of the season, we could potentially begin with a lineup of Gerrior and MacK, with Mayich as a possible addition if he expresses a desire to be traded.

The question then is, what do they do with Stonehouse if he gets cut and sent back?

I would rather see Mayich and Stonehouse traded before the season starts. This will leave no doubt on who is staying and playing.

I still like the idea of trading Mayich to Niagara as a leader on their team for their OA RW. Then we would have all our positions sorted out which would be a good thing.

Pinelli Gardiner Foster
Gerrior /Barlas Podoioukh Kelly
Hilton Whitehead Korbler
Yanni Amidovski

Mews Marelli
Sirman Horner
Dietsch Brady
Eshka Bonomo ( I can see him in the CCHL also)

MacK
Nelson

Trade

Barlas
Dever ( Kelly has 2 years left so keep him)
Smyth
Mayich
Gerrior

The challenge is going to be who they draft to replace Uronen and what position he plays.

I think that we are in a position tht we can draft best player available WHO WILL REPORT.

Once we know that, we can figure things out from there. Barlas and Gerrior are both tradeable if we are cleaning the house, depending on who wants whom.

I think we can get a look at things better after the Euro draft

I don’t think Hilton is even close to a 3rd liner, in fact I don’t even know if he will make the team out of camp this year. He struggled to keep up skating wise big time last season. I think he’s the kind of player that could find himself back in jr a very quick.

I’m also not sure if Horner will go back to D. Seemed like JB & DC really liked him & DC played him in many different situations last season up front

I would not be so quick to sell on Dever specially after the playoff he had last year in my opinion he’s way ahead of Kelly I think you can slot him in as your #2 C if they are rebuilding. Kelly just has yet to wow me with any part of his game & does not even get a look on a PP of PK

Lastly I think it would be very wise to move on from MacK let Nelson run with the load if Nelson is your guy for the next 3 seasons let him start now in a rebuilding year if they plan to he will see a lot of rubber

 

[OMG67]

I don’t think Hilton is even close to a 3rd liner, in fact I don’t even know if he will make the team out of camp this year. He struggled to keep up skating wise big time last season. I think he’s the kind of player that could find himself back in jr a very quick.

I’m also not sure if Horner will go back to D. Seemed like JB & DC really liked him & DC played him in many different situations last season up front

I would not be so quick to sell on Dever specially after the playoff he had last year in my opinion he’s way ahead of Kelly I think you can slot him in as your #2 C if they are rebuilding. Kelly just has yet to wow me with any part of his game & does not even get a look on a PP of PK

Lastly I think it would be very wise to move on from MacK let Nelson run with the load if Nelson is your guy for the next 3 seasons let him start now in a rebuilding year if they plan to he will see a lot of rubber

I can get behind all of this.

I agree about Hilton. He may very well be able to stick on the roster but with the depth on the wings, especially left wing, he will be hard pressed to find a role. His size remains intriguing though.

Agree about Horner. We need some sand paper up front and he is a strong enough skater and stick handler to be of service as a RW. He seems to be that prototypical 3rd line guy.

Agree with Dever as well. We need some flexibility down the middle and he provides the ability to either be a depth centre or can sub in on the wing. Having that flexibility works really well.

I think Nelson needs to provide some form of proof of ability at the OHL level. I am confident he can make that transition but it would be good to keep MacK for the early part of the season to give Nelson a bit of a buffer and to take the pressure off. However, if a team were to ship over a really good offer for MacK in the pre-season, Ottawa would need to seriously consider rolling the dice on Nelson from game one.

 

[beastintheeast]

I can get behind all of this.

I agree about Hilton. He may very well be able to stick on the roster but with the depth on the wings, especially left wing, he will be hard pressed to find a role. His size remains intriguing though.

Agree about Horner. We need some sand paper up front and he is a strong enough skater and stick handler to be of service as a RW. He seems to be that prototypical 3rd line guy.

Agree with Dever as well. We need some flexibility down the middle and he provides the ability to either be a depth centre or can sub in on the wing. Having that flexibility works really well.

I think Nelson needs to provide some form of proof of ability at the OHL level. I am confident he can make that transition but it would be good to keep MacK for the early part of the season to give Nelson a bit of a buffer and to take the pressure off. However, if a team were to ship over a really good offer for MacK in the pre-season, Ottawa would need to seriously consider rolling the dice on Nelson from game one.

Hilton was a rookie, so you have to give him a little bit of grace. We also know that it takes longer for the bigger players to develop in any sport. I also remember a lot of us thinking Barlas was done. It is hard to say again, but I point to DC's aversion to or hate for playing rookies.

If he is a forward, Horner should be a first—or second-line player. We need the grit, for sure, but a line of three small guys is not going to do anything. Horner, if he improved his skating, would give a first line a lot of grit and corner presence as well as covering for Pinelli.

Dever is interesting as I think it is a choice between him and Barlas. Barlas is the better face off man and had shown the defensive ability. Dever is just a ittle below Barlas but is a RW. A lot is gong to depend on

a. who comes to camp

Right now I would rate our RW as

Stonehouse
Uronen
Korbler
Horner
unknown Euro pick
Dever
Kelly

At Center we have

Gardiner
Foster
Barlas
Whitehead
Dever
Amidovski

b. what kind of offer does the team get?


As to goal, I agree a lot will depend on the offers that we get for MacK but the one thing I do not want to see is them get into the same thing this year tht they did with Donoso. I also worry about KacK and his injuries. I would hate to go through a season where we have MacK injured Nelson playing every game and rotate in BU goalies that can not play. To me, if Nelson looks good and Hill has a good camp, then trading MacK early would solve our OA issue as well as solidify goaltending. If we run into an issue we can always trde for a rental goalie.