Ottawa 67's 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

[OMG67]

According to draft picks, we do not have a 2nd 4th or 6th this year right now correct

So we are counting on our 2 1st round to be impact and our 3rd round to be a starter.

The Petes had three picks in the top 100 for the 2022 draft…

13th
76th
88th

They made trades this deadline and picked up:
9th
12th
16th

The 67’s will follow all of this up with trades at the next deadline that will fill in holes from the 2023 draft with likely one or potentially two 1st round picks as well as pick up additional picks that fill in for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 drafts.

 

[BarberPole9]

Maybe the 67's are playing chess with the rest of the league readying for a two year run?

In acquiring two high end centers and a star D that killed them last playoffs, Ottawa gave up a grand total of 11 picks, but five of them are in 2027 (67's still have two 2027 2nd's). The present value of those 2027 picks is quite low. They also gave up four picks in '24. Note that they only traded the Ottawa 5th in 2025 and the Soo 2nd in 2026.

Would the team flip Mayich and another 19 year old who won't be back next season as an OA? Maybe Stonehouse if he's going to stay with Edmonton? I'd argue that trading Mayich and Stonehouse for Maillet, Kressler and Mayer would still represent a large upgrade for this season and they'd still have plenty of picks and two first rounders for next year.

I still think that this team is built the strongest for next year. If you add a Rehkopf/Barlow/Misa to the returning core, it would be as good as any team in the East next year. Uronen should be back battling for a contract with Vegas and they should be able to get another good import with Jan Egert's connections.

Then, finally they see the following season.

Let's see tomorrow at Noon

 

[OMG67]

Maybe the 67's are playing chess with the rest of the league readying for a two year run?

In acquiring two high end centers and a star D that killed them last playoffs, Ottawa gave up a grand total of 11 picks, but five of them are in 2027 (67's still have two 2027 2nd's). The present value of those 2027 picks is quite low. They also gave up four picks in '24. Note that they only traded the Ottawa 5th in 2025 and the Soo 2nd in 2026.

Would the team flip Mayich and another 19 year old who won't be back next season as an OA? Maybe Stonehouse if he's going to stay with Edmonton? I'd argue that trading Mayich and Stonehouse for Maillet, Kressler and Mayer would still represent a large upgrade for this season and they'd still have plenty of picks and two first rounders for next year.

I still think that this team is built the strongest for next year. If you add a Rehkopf/Barlow/Misa to the returning core, it would be as good as any team in the East next year. Uronen should be back battling for a contract with Vegas and they should be able to get another good import with Jan Egert's connections.

Then, finally they see the following season.

Let's see tomorrow at Noon

Anything is possible. I guess there is a logical thread to your madness! Replace Mayich with Mayer and add a 2nd in the process. But, if we do that, we have to also consider the fact that Mayich would return as an OA and could be simply traded next year for more than a 2nd.

The same would be the case for Stonehouse and say, Kressler, unless Stonehouse doesn’t return.

Either way, we will have to take our excess picks and replace what would have been OA returning players for OA replacement players. I see that as a wash.

I know some consider next year as a potential contender year but the roster next year has all the same holes as it does this year. The main positive is the returning players will have one additional year of experience. I get that.

Unfortunately, the landscape is vastly different. Brantford just signaled their intention trading Donovan for a Mintyukov‘esque return. We will still be short at least one key centre, two D-Men if Mayich is traded, and won’t have the draft picks to truly compete in an arms race. I think it is beyond wishful thinking that we are well positioned with our returning roster.

 

[Jives]

What’s the hold up on Mayich? And how does OTT fans feel about losing him? He is a 3/4 dman? That’s what the Rangers need.

 

[OMG67]

What’s the hold up on Mayich? And how does OTT fans feel about losing him? He is a 3/4 dman? That’s what the Rangers need.

He’s our #1 D-Man. Just not offensive. He rode shotgun last year with Matier. This year he is mostly with Mews. He’s the defensive awareness guy for the offensive creative guy.

 

[Jives]

He’s our #1 D-Man. Just not offensive. He rode shotgun last year with Matier. This year he is mostly with Mews. He’s the defensive awareness guy for the offensive creative guy.

Nice. Such a weird trade but like it as Kitchener fan.

 

[mianjo]

Peer went to Flint for 5 picks

Sens pick Toure went to Windsor for 2 picks

 

[OMG67]

Haven’t seen anything new about the supposed Mayich deal. Starting to think that one was poo-poo

 

[Jives]

Haven’t seen anything new about the supposed Mayich deal. Starting to think that one was poo-poo

It never made sense. Kitchener still hoping

 

[OMG67]

It never made sense. Kitchener still hoping

On our end, we had to TRY TO make sense of it.

may be true but it was a head scratcher. Still is until it isn’t….

 

[mianjo]

Zito gone to Windsor for 3 picks (2 were Ottawa's)

 

[OMG67]

I like the deal we made for Mayer but I have to admit that I really like the deal made by OShawa for Punnett 10x more. That was a scary low price to pay for Punnett. It is possible that Barrie valued the OA player coming back to them highly which meant the deal with Oshawa made more sense. But, I would rather have Punnett over Mayer.

 

[OMG67]

Kitchener traded for Sale so it looks like the Mayich rumour going around was bullshit as expected. It made no sense. We were trying to figure that one out and I don’t think anyone could propose anything that fits the purpose of the trade at all.

We could be looking at the Import situation or maybe adding a depth piece but I imagine it will require us to move out some excess bodies for some pick capital to make anything like that happen.

It has been VERY quiet regarding Ottawa today. I’m leaning on us maybe being done other than clearing out some of those excess bodies that need a place to play, especially on defence.

 

[Jives]

The Sale trade only has 1 2nd in it (shocking). The Mayich rumour was 2 2nds. The Rangers now only have 1 2nd left to deal. Pretty much ends the rumour I’d say. I’m still hoping though….

 

[PuckStop75]

I like the deal we made for Mayer but I have to admit that I really like the deal made by OShawa for Punnett 10x more. That was a scary low price to pay for Punnett. It is possible that Barrie valued the OA player coming back to them highly which meant the deal with Oshawa made more sense. But, I would rather have Punnett over Mayer.

Mayer fits Ottawa’s system of play really well, and brings the championship pedigree which Ottawa needed to add. Easy to 2nd guess but I think Ottawa got the guy they wanted.

 

[PuckStop75]

Mayich was only ever being traded if they had a line on an equivalent natural RD otherwise it was a step backwards. The costs have gotten ridiculous!

 

[beastintheeast]

I put this on teh kingston thread but thought I would put it here

Kingston bought a little
Ottawa bought a lot
Brantford stayed pretty pat but dabbled.

The Petes did both, so they will be interesting int he playoffs but looking to the future

Oshawa said no thanks

I see KIngston Brantford and Ottawa fighting for that top billing in the division.

To me, Brantford has the edge at this point
only because there are still concerns about Kingston's defence and goaltending (not so much Vaccari but can Salajko spell him enough to keep him healthy)

Ottawa added a lot, so I think it is going to take a few games to get set. I am not sure they added the scoring that they needed and there is still a question about scoring and goaltending (is MacK healthy enough)

It should be interesting

 

[sirius67fan]

I put this on teh kingston thread but thought I would put it here

Kingston bought a little
Ottawa bought a lot
Brantford stayed pretty pat but dabbled.

The Petes did both, so they will be interesting int he playoffs but looking to the future

Oshawa said no thanks

I see KIngston Brantford and Ottawa fighting for that top billing in the division.

To me, Brantford has the edge at this point
only because there are still concerns about Kingston's defence and goaltending (not so much Vaccari but can Salajko spell him enough to keep him healthy)

Ottawa added a lot, so I think it is going to take a few games to get set. I am not sure they added the scoring that they needed and there is still a question about scoring and goaltending (is MacK healthy enough)

It should be interesting

Good point on Ottawa. It's gonna take a few weeks to integrate everybody, not only the new guys but Foster returning to the wing. Dever should also be back soon. We can't necesarily expect immediate results. With our adds though and Brantford doing a light sell I'd be surprised we aren't on top of the east by the end. As for our offense think we will see a huge improvement adding two offensive centers. Not only with their production but I expect guys like Stoney ( in particular), Foster, Gerrior and Dever to thrive with strong pivots. Mayer also will add an offensive layer and hopefully can kickstart our pp.

 

[OMG67]

I put this on teh kingston thread but thought I would put it here

Kingston bought a little
Ottawa bought a lot
Brantford stayed pretty pat but dabbled.

The Petes did both, so they will be interesting int he playoffs but looking to the future

Oshawa said no thanks

I see KIngston Brantford and Ottawa fighting for that top billing in the division.

To me, Brantford has the edge at this point
only because there are still concerns about Kingston's defence and goaltending (not so much Vaccari but can Salajko spell him enough to keep him healthy)

Ottawa added a lot, so I think it is going to take a few games to get set. I am not sure they added the scoring that they needed and there is still a question about scoring and goaltending (is MacK healthy enough)

It should be interesting

I take exception to some of your analysis.

Brantford:
The Bulldogs sold Donovan. He may very well be the top D-Man in the League, at least the top 19 year old anyway. HB in Kitchener may have something to say about being the top D-Man overall. That is a huge sell off piece for them. That is 25-30 minutes per game of stellar contribution wiped right off the board. they also traded Van Vleit who is another key D-Man for that team. They added Sobovilev, so that is a nice replacement piece but still doesn’t come close to helping replace the two guys they traded away.

Kingston:
Kingston added Dubois. Nice little piece for sure. He will help then at both ends of the ice Which is what they need. That move improves them. How much? Not sure how much one individual piece helps but they will battle for sure.

Oshawa:
They added Punnett. IMO, he was the top OA D-Man available. He will help them for sure. They will battle as well.

Ottawa:
I will simply point to what Sirius said. Not only do we add the two capable centres that will give us additional offence but sliding the wingers back to the wing and giving others a more capable centre will also add to the offence for those players. So, for Ottawa, this is not just adding the offence from the centres, but also at least a 50% increase added to 2 of the wingers. It is like adding three key forwards. Mayer, if nothing else, will stabilize the top 4 and ensure that we don’t have incapable D-Men playing above their station. He will also be the PP#1 guy that we have needed. He, alone, will add 5% at least to our PP.

Peterborough:
They will struggle to win games. Period. They are now the weakest team in the conference. They will not make the playoffs. The question really is whether they will slip below Niagara who has a considerably better roster right now. I think the Petes will end up in last place in the league. I think their under-over for points is 46 to finish the year.

In light of all that, I think Brantford has pushed themselves out of the race as of today. Oshawa and Kingston have marginally improved. Ottawa has dramatically improved. You have to consider Ottawa the front runner for the division as of this morning. The deadline is later today so that landscape could change. I don’t see it changing too much though.

 

[OMG67]

Ottawa is a definite seller next year and likely the year after as well when you consider how weak their ‘06 draft class ended up being. Kelly hasn’t seemed to take a step forward. Hilton and Brady seem OK but look to be more depth guys right now. That leaves Mews and Marrelli as the only two real pieces from the ‘06 group. That likely means at least Mews will go as a 19 year old.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Assuming everyone is at full health (and assuming no further moves today, which maybe isn't a fully realistic assumption), this is our lineup for the remainder:

Pinelli - Kressler - Gerrior
Stonehouse - Maillet - Foster
Barlas - Gardiner - Dever
Korbler - Whitehead - Kelly
Horner, Yanni, Hilton

Mayich - Mews
Marrelli - Mayer
Sirman - Ewles
Smyth, Brady

MacKenzie
Michelone

Would have liked a few more moves to upgrade on Korbler (Import) and in doing so improve our winger depth, but this isn't bad. While Dever recovers from his injury, Kelly can skate with Gardiner and I wouldn't mind seeing Horner get a few more looks at #4RW to add a different element to the bottom-6. The centre position is vastly improved and thus, we should get more production out of our wingers.

The other ask would have been an upgrade on our 3rd pairing, but Boyd got the basics right this deadline imo. Wouldn't surprise me to see Cameron go with an 11 F, 7 D lineup configuration (scratch Whitehead or Korbler, dress Smyth) down the stretch like he did last year.

 

[OMG67]

Assuming everyone is at full health (and assuming no further moves today, which maybe isn't a fully realistic assumption), this is our lineup for the remainder:

Pinelli - Kressler - Gerrior
Stonehouse - Maillet - Foster
Barlas - Gardiner - Dever
Korbler - Whitehead - Kelly
Horner, Yanni, Hilton

Mayich - Mews
Marrelli - Mayer
Sirman - Ewles
Smyth, Brady

MacKenzie
Michelone

Would have liked a few more moves to upgrade on Korbler (Import) and in doing so improve our winger depth, but this isn't bad. While Dever recovers from his injury, Kelly can skate with Gardiner and I wouldn't mind seeing Horner get a few more looks at #4RW to add a different element to the bottom-6. The centre position is vastly improved and thus, we should get more production out of our wingers.

The other ask would have been an upgrade on our 3rd pairing, but Boyd got the basics right this deadline imo. Wouldn't surprise me to see Cameron go with an 11 F, 7 D lineup configuration (scratch Whitehead or Korbler, dress Smyth) down the stretch like he did last year.

Really, right now it is more of a depth chart than anything else. We will wait to see how the lines end up coming out. They will screw around with them in practice this week and we will likely see some juggling this weekend. Because of Pinelli, I think we will end up with what would be considered a #1 line but really, I think it is three balanced lines. Cameron could/should simply roll the three lines and spot int he 4th line now and then and play it more when the scores are not close.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Really, right now it is more of a depth chart than anything else. We will wait to see how the lines end up coming out. They will screw around with them in practice this week and we will likely see some juggling this weekend. Because of Pinelli, I think we will end up with what would be considered a #1 line but really, I think it is three balanced lines. Cameron could/should simply roll the three lines and spot int he 4th line now and then and play it more when the scores are not close.

Absolutely, it will be interesting to see how Cameron configures the lines in the coming week. I think each line needs playmaking, goal scoring, and puck retrieval, but we'll see how things take shape. The important thing is obviously the significantly improved depth at centre, natural wingers playing the wing like they're supposed to, and proper level of skill to complement each line. Opposition defenses will no longer be able to solely key in on Pinelli, as we have better offensive depth now in our forward group.

 

[OMG67]

Absolutely, it will be interesting to see how Cameron configures the lines in the coming week. I think each line needs playmaking, goal scoring, and puck retrieval, but we'll see how things take shape. The important thing is obviously the significantly improved depth at centre, natural wingers playing the wing like they're supposed to, and proper level of skill to complement each line. Opposition defenses will no longer be able to solely key in on Pinelli, as we have better offensive depth now in our forward group.

I think many of the opposition teams fans underestimate the overall impact of adding the two centres. i think they are about to face quite the shock at how well this will impact the team.

I still have NB And Sudbury ahead of Ottawa on paper. We shall see how the division plays out.

 

[PuckStop75]

Would really like to see them add a physical winger, a big body that can crash and bang a little, position themselves in front of the net and make some space for the skill guys.