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

[OMG67]

There is no holding out mid season. It would be walking out, which would be a breach of the SPA, his education package for the year would be forfeited and his hockey career would be over. There isn't a USport or Pro team who will take on a goalie who walks out on a team like that.

It happens all the time. Players come out of the Christmas break wanting a change and do not rejoin the team and they wait for a trade. It isn’t commonplace but there is usually one player per year that does it in the League. Sometimes more.

Many times it is a situation where they had already requested a trade and they simply don’t want to rejoin the team for a week because they already have one foot out the door.

In this case, Ottawa would hav their hands forced. Ottawa could simply tell him to go kick rocks but under the circumstances, that would be an issue they created and they know it. Additionally, MacKenzie would have pretty good value at the deadline. Sudbury just added Vandenburg for two 3rds. Ottawa would likely get him and at least a 2nd if he were to go to Sudbury. Ottawa would make the deal. They wouldn’t be in a situation to walk away from MacKenzie’s value.

EDIT:
Keep in mind, this is not a prediction. This is a scenario that we have seen play out in the past with goalies. It is something that needs to be highlighted as a possible outcome of a poor strategic decision by Ottawa management.

 

[PuckStop75]

It happens all the time. Players come out of the Christmas break wanting a change and do not rejoin the team and they wait for a trade. It isn’t commonplace but there is usually one player per year that does it in the League. Sometimes more.

Many times it is a situation where they had already requested a trade and they simply don’t want to rejoin the team for a week because they already have one foot out the door.

In this case, Ottawa would hav their hands forced. Ottawa could simply tell him to go kick rocks but under the circumstances, that would be an issue they created and they know it. Additionally, MacKenzie would have pretty good value at the deadline. Sudbury just added Vandenburg for two 3rds. Ottawa would likely get him and at least a 2nd if he were to go to Sudbury. Ottawa would make the deal. They wouldn’t be in a situation to walk away from MacKenzie’s value.

EDIT:
Keep in mind, this is not a prediction. This is a scenario that we have seen play out in the past with goalies. It is something that needs to be highlighted as a possible outcome of a poor strategic decision by Ottawa management.

Donoso should have been traded in the pre-season.

 

[OMG67]

Donoso should have been traded in the pre-season.

I agree. It should never have gotten this far. But, some have pointed out that Donoso was likely underrated because of the team that played in front of him combined with the stats that MacKenzie put up playing behind the same team. This led many to believe Donoso was a product of the team he played on, not that the team success was improved by him.

Additionally, most would agree Simpson was the better OA Goalie. I also agreed with that. So, when London needed a goalie and were willing to add an OA, it made sense they sourced Simpson, not Donoso. Gauvreau also changed uniforms as an OA goalie that played for Team Canada.

There hasn’t been a lot of goalie movement this year. This is harmful to the Donoso market.

I have stated many times that Donoso would be a perfect fit on a team that gives up a lot of shots. He loves the rubber and activity. He plays so well under those conditions. I am happy the 67’s have managed to give him an opportunity to prove it over the last 6 weeks. He doesn’t need to go to a contender. The problem is so many teams have capable OA skaters and don’t want to sacrifice them.

The reality is, if we were to make MacKenzie available, I believe the return for him would be great. I pointed to the Vandenburg deal between Niagara and Sudbury. Vandenburg and MAcKenzie aren’t even playing in the same hickey rink when it comes to impact. If Vandenburg can return two 3rds, what would MacKenzie go for?

Strategically speaking, it may make a lot of sense trading MacKenzie. IF the return is as big as I think it could be, it would open up some interesting possibilities. Donoso would finish the year in Ottawa. Next year, Nelson would get an opportunity. It opens an OA Spot as well next year. We can add an OA goalie for a cheaper price than we were paid for MacK or we can give Nelson a run at it. This is not Plan A but it could be a solid Plan B.

 

[PuckStop75]

I agree. It should never have gotten this far. But, some have pointed out that Donoso was likely underrated because of the team that played in front of him combined with the stats that MacKenzie put up playing behind the same team. This led many to believe Donoso was a product of the team he played on, not that the team success was improved by him.

Additionally, most would agree Simpson was the better OA Goalie. I also agreed with that. So, when London needed a goalie and were willing to add an OA, it made sense they sourced Simpson, not Donoso. Gauvreau also changed uniforms as an OA goalie that played for Team Canada.

There hasn’t been a lot of goalie movement this year. This is harmful to the Donoso market.

I have stated many times that Donoso would be a perfect fit on a team that gives up a lot of shots. He loves the rubber and activity. He plays so well under those conditions. I am happy the 67’s have managed to give him an opportunity to prove it over the last 6 weeks. He doesn’t need to go to a contender. The problem is so many teams have capable OA skaters and don’t want to sacrifice them.

The reality is, if we were to make MacKenzie available, I believe the return for him would be great. I pointed to the Vandenburg deal between Niagara and Sudbury. Vandenburg and MAcKenzie aren’t even playing in the same hickey rink when it comes to impact. If Vandenburg can return two 3rds, what would MacKenzie go for?

Strategically speaking, it may make a lot of sense trading MacKenzie. IF the return is as big as I think it could be, it would open up some interesting possibilities. Donoso would finish the year in Ottawa. Next year, Nelson would get an opportunity. It opens an OA Spot as well next year. We can add an OA goalie for a cheaper price than we were paid for MacK or we can give Nelson a run at it. This is not Plan A but it could be a solid Plan B.

Only solution I see is to push hard this year and take the we'll play the hot goalie approach! ;-) LOL

 

[OMG67]

Only solution I see is to push hard this year and take the we'll play the hot goalie approach! ;-) LOL

I think that is how they have approached it. Whether it was by design or by default, I don’t know. Donoso has the net right now. He needs to give it up with his play.

The second question is whether MacKenzie is happy with that approach. I am speculating that a goalie in his position would not be happy with that approach. I don‘t know how he feels at all. I can only go on what the normal reaction would be to that approach. It is not often that the demonstrated better goalie (albeit still a good goalie) sits more than the demonstrated weaker goalie when both have significant minutes played at the OHL level. We’ve seen it happen with a 17 year old vs an 19 year old but not often when it is a 19 year old and 20 year old.

The last time I saw it happen was with Guadagnolo and Battachio. Battachio needed to be traded as the OA but Kilrea decided to keep both coming out of the pre-season. Guadagnolo went home and awaited a trade.

The time before that was in Owen Sound with Jamie Storr and Kevin Weekes. Weekes was the older goalie but Storr was picked int he 1st round and he got the nod. Weekes demanded the trade and ended up in Ottawa. This sort of thing happens when two capable goalies at their peak age both deserve the net. One ends up being traded or forces the hand of the GM demanding one.

 

[OMG67]

I’ve decided we should bring Jax Dubois home….

Carry on….

 

[PuckStop75]

I’ve decided we should bring Jax Dubois home….

Carry on….

Since we are making requests can it be Dubois and McCoy?

 

[OMG67]

Since we are making requests can it be Dubois and McCoy?

No!

Stay on point….

Unless it is Dubois and Mayer, then it’s ok…. It forces us to move Donoso or Lawrence but I think we are a tremendously better team with those two.

I do like McCoy but Mayer would be more impactful this year and possibly cheaper. The advantage of McCoy is he is 19 so he returns next year and doesn’t impact our OA situation this year.

Ludwinski out of Kingston would be very nice. Imagine having Ludwinski, Dubois and Gardiner down the middle? Sub out Lawrence. Add Mayer. Assuming Boucher isn’t returned of course.

 

[mianjo]

Assuming Boucher isn’t returned of course.

Tyler Boucher playing for Belleville tonight

 

[beastintheeast]

The week after Donoso won Goalie of the Week, they started him 2 of 3 games. Once he won Goalie of the Week, there was no reason to continue showcasing him. He has proven beyond a doubt that he is a top 10 goalie in this league. It is now a question of whether there are any teams out there looking to improve their goaltending and commit an OA spot to do it.

I did preface the comment with “IF” the internal plan is to keep both goalies, that would have been communicated to the two players. Donoso is the OA. He was the starter last Year. He has a 2.96 and .905. He has starter numbers. MacKenzie’s numbers are better but he is younger. I really only see this as Donoso’s net.

”IF” they have communicated that they are trying to find a landing spot for Donoso, then so be it. That may very well be the plan. But, they released that tweet earlier in the year regarding Donoso being underrated. To me, that was directed at the league, not the fans. That would suggest they already did that and they had no takers and were trying to send a message to the GM’s that had poor things to say about him. There may simply not be a market for him.

So, under these circumstances, the 67’s have to hope that MacKenzie doesn’t give a crap about promoting himself as a potential Pro goalie. He is 19 years old. This is his year to make a statement. If he has pro aspirations, this is his year to prove to the decision makers he is the guy they want. If that is his goal and they keep Donoso and Donoso remains the starter, this is NOT the place for him. He would know that. If he is looking at going to school and accumulating scholarship years then so be it. He wouldn’t care much. He would play next year as a starter OA. He’d get his 4 years scholarship and move on. All good.

I agree. There are a lot of different pieces to this puzzle, and it will be interesting on Jan 10 after it is all done to see where players end up. It all depends on what the main plan for the team is and what the offers are.

I still think if the fronts are going to try to make a go of it they need Donoso. No offence, the de vin, but he has not shown much this year, and I am not sure he could handle the workload.

 

[OMG67]

I agree. There are a lot of different pieces to this puzzle, and it will be interesting on Jan 10 after it is all done to see where players end up. It all depends on what the main plan for the team is and what the offers are.

I still think if the fronts are going to try to make a go of it they need Donoso. No offence, the de vin, but he has not shown much this year, and I am not sure he could handle the workload.

I have no idea what the issue is with DiVin. Totally fallen off the face of the Earth. Maybe he just needs a new jersey. Sometimes that change of scenery gets you out of the regular routine and the fresh start is what the doctor ordered. Someone will take a chance on him. It just comes down to the cost.

 

[OMG67]

Tyler Boucher playing for Belleville tonight

If he was reassigned there, likely he stays there.

 

[Petes1987]

I’ve decided we should bring Jax Dubois home….

Carry on….

I don’t think the Petes will be trading him. They are not trading everybody. They need to still ice a team that can compete.

 

[OMG67]

I don’t think the Petes will be trading him. They are trading everybody. They need to still ice a team that can compete.

They may need to keep everyone then….

and add a few players if that is the bar that is being set.

Sorry…. Couldn’t help myself.

 

[ecraigs]

They may need to keep everyone then….

and add a few players if that is the bar that is being set.

Sorry…. Couldn’t help myself.

Maybe do a deal for him and his twin brother. Since Costantini and Tolnai left, we have no multiple birth players.

 

[beastintheeast]

If he was reassigned there, likely he stays there.

4 minutes in penaties and 1 shot on first game I am sure Bell cut his ice time.

I think if they need to send him anywhere to get into game condition, it will be the ECHL. That way, they can keep a better eye on him and, when he is ready, bring him back to Belleville.

 

[ScoutLife4]

4 minutes in penaties and 1 shot on first game I am sure Bell cut his ice time.

I think if they need to send him anywhere to get into game condition, it will be the ECHL. That way, they can keep a better eye on him and, when he is ready, bring him back to Belleville.

Pretty hard to cut his ice time…he only played a couple shifts. I’m told there are no plans to send him back to the OHL.
He actually looked very good the few shifts he did skate other then the unfortunate penalty when the game was already out of reach.

 

[beastintheeast]

Pretty hard to cut his ice time…he only played a couple shifts. I’m told there are no plans to send him back to the OHL.
He actually looked very good the few shifts he did skate other then the unfortunate penalty when the game was already out of reach.

I never really thought he would. Being with David Bell, and Donovan is the best place for him. he is going to get minimal ice time until they are sure the injury is healed, and he is ready. I have to think the plan is for him to go to Ottawa next year.

 

[OMG67]

I never really thought he would. Being with David Bell, and Donovan is the best place for him. he is going to get minimal ice time until they are sure the injury is healed, and he is ready. I have to think the plan is for him to go to Ottawa next year.

With how little he has played the last three seasons, I would be surprised if Ottawa is the plan next year. I think one full healthy season in Belleville would be the goal. Let him build his strength, endurance and confidence.

I hope he can find the right gear but we see it so many times where a player jsut cannot stay healthy. I fear he is one of those guys.

 

[PuckStop75]

No!

Stay on point….

Unless it is Dubois and Mayer, then it’s ok…. It forces us to move Donoso or Lawrence but I think we are a tremendously better team with those two.

I do like McCoy but Mayer would be more impactful this year and possibly cheaper. The advantage of McCoy is he is 19 so he returns next year and doesn’t impact our OA situation this year.

Ludwinski out of Kingston would be very nice. Imagine having Ludwinski, Dubois and Gardiner down the middle? Sub out Lawrence. Add Mayer. Assuming Boucher isn’t returned of course.

I liked McCoy as a natural RD and returning player, Ludwinski is the possession & puck distributor the team needs for sure.

 

[beastintheeast]

With how little he has played the last three seasons, I would be surprised if Ottawa is the plan next year. I think one full healthy season in Belleville would be the goal. Let him build his strength, endurance and confidence.

I hope he can find the right gear but we see it so many times where a player jsut cannot stay healthy. I fear he is one of those guys.

Well, with Bellsy and Dono there and Andlauer as the owner, I think he will be in good hands.

I agree about fitness and think that the rest of this season is going to be important.

 

[OMG67]

I liked McCoy as a natural RD and returning player, Ludwinski is the possession & puck distributor the team needs for sure.

I think McCoy will be a heavy cost. He is a two year player and we are likely not keeping him the second year (OA). In this situation, I think I’d rather have a more impactful OA at same or lessor cost to get the bang for the buck this season.

 

[dirty12]

I have no idea what the issue is with DiVin. Totally fallen off the face of the Earth. Maybe he just needs a new jersey. Sometimes that change of scenery gets you out of the regular routine and the fresh start is what the doctor ordered. Someone will take a chance on him. It just comes down to the cost.

I agree that DiVincentiis needs a change to snap out of that funk; maybe it will prove to be getting cut or extra long Christmas break. Though I also believe this; the battalion are ‘not selling anything.’

 

[OMG67]

I agree that DiVincentiis needs a change to snap out of that funk; maybe it will prove to be getting cut or extra long Christmas break. Though I also believe this; the battalion are ‘not selling anything.’

Selfishly, I would like to see NB sell. It would be great for the trade market if they did. I think status quo for them would be a big mistake and buying would be almost worse. By “buy,” I mean major acquisition/s, not jsut tinkering at the fringes and filling a couple gaps cheaply.

 

[PuckStop75]

I think McCoy will be a heavy cost. He is a two year player and we are likely not keeping him the second year (OA). In this situation, I think I’d rather have a more impactful OA at same or lessor cost to get the bang for the buck this season.

I hear what you are saying but I see the gap being at RD so get a RD not the best LD and hope it can be made to work. If it costs them a Brady, Horner or Ewles and picks I'm ok with that. If they do any buying this year it screws going for it next year anyways so might as well buy the right pieces.