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

[OMG67]

The Petes will likely only trade Connor Lockhart and Sam Mayer if they can get a younger player plus a draft pick in return. The team is committed to being competitive every year. They will likely replace most of their draft picks in deals for Owen Beck and Konnor Smith. They don’t have to sell everything to rebuild. I believe their goal if they traded their overage players is to get younger players in return that can help this year and in the future. If they traded Mayer and Smith at the deadline they will have to receive a defenceman in those deals as they only have a roster of 7 defencemen (minus Cam Gauvreau). They may be able to take draft picks only for Lockhart but they likely would not trade him for less than a 2nd and 3rd.

Hypothetically speaking, they could get the OA D-Man either in that trade or another one where the cost is negligible. This would be no different than Hamilton taking Panwar last year because the Petes needed to clear his spot. So, if they trade Mayer, it is likely they get another OA back in return.

The Petes are no different than any other franchise. They will assess whether the trade value exceeds the on roster value of the player. If the offers aren’t adequate, they will keep the player.

 

[Petes1987]

Hypothetically speaking, they could get the OA D-Man either in that trade or another one where the cost is negligible. This would be no different than Hamilton taking Panwar last year because the Petes needed to clear his spot. So, if they trade Mayer, it is likely they get another OA back in return.

The Petes are no different than any other franchise. They will assess whether the trade value exceeds the on roster value of the player. If the offers aren’t adequate, they will keep the player.

I think the Petes could trade Mayer for draft picks only but only if the got a minimum of a 2nd and a 3rd or a 4th. They would not take an overage defenceman in return without receiving the draft picks as well. The Petes may be willing to send a mid range draft pick the other way to get the overage.

 

[OMG67]

I think the Petes could trade Mayer for draft picks only but only if the got a minimum of a 2nd and a 3rd or a 4th. They would not take an overage defenceman in return without receiving the draft picks as well. The Petes may be willing to send a mid range draft pick the other way to get the overage.

My point was they could replace an OA with an OA, not one for one. They don’t need a young player and picks when they need the body in return. it can be an OA or they can add one cheap for an 8th or less In another deal with a team looking to find a 4th OA a place to play. Those types of deals happen all the time at the deadline.

 

[Bra Wavers]

Hypothetically speaking, they could get the OA D-Man either in that trade or another one where the cost is negligible. This would be no different than Hamilton taking Panwar last year because the Petes needed to clear his spot. So, if they trade Mayer, it is likely they get another OA back in return.

The Petes are no different than any other franchise. They will assess whether the trade value exceeds the on roster value of the player. If the offers aren’t adequate, they will keep the player.

The Sahil Panwar crush continues
You are totally correct in your thinking @OMG67 . In order to maintain the number of veterans the Petes have to shelter the young players and get this team ready for the 2nd half playoff run they will need to have 3 OAs on the roster. Especially when you consider that Beck will be dealt for a rookie.

 

[beastintheeast]

The Sahil Panwar crush continues
You are totally correct in your thinking @OMG67 . In order to maintain the number of veterans the Petes have to shelter the young players and get this team ready for the 2nd half playoff run they will need to have 3 OAs on the roster. Especially when you consider that Beck will be dealt for a rookie.

Would Mayer for Chromiak not be a bad deal? YOu get a building block for next year at least



WHAT THE F HAPPENED TONIGHT. IS DONOSO SICK OR IS HE TRED OPF BEING HERE

 

[Section5Petes]

Would Mayer for Chromiak not be a bad deal? YOu get a building block for next year at least



WHAT THE F HAPPENED TONIGHT. IS DONOSO SICK OR IS HE TRED OPF BEING HERE

YOU GOT ZACH BOWEN'D!!!

 

[beastintheeast]

YOU GOT ZACH BOWEN'D!!!

Yeah, that too but 2 goals on 3 shots.

That is pathetic for this goaltending duo.

 

[Section5Petes]

Yeah, that too but 2 goals on 3 shots.

That is pathetic for this goaltending duo.

Yeah that is honestly the last thing we all expect when it comes to the 67's. It was quite odd tonight

 

[Petes1987]

Would Mayer for Chromiak not be a bad deal? YOu get a building block for next year at least



WHAT THE F HAPPENED TONIGHT. IS DONOSO SICK OR IS HE TRED OPF BEING HERE

I would be okay with a deal like this provided the Petes got a 3rd round pick in addition and there was a conditional 3rd or 4th if Chromiak does return to the OHL next year. However the timing is likely wrong for the Petes as they likely have not decided the direction they are taking this year. They may only do a retool instead of a rebuild if they are still in contention at Christmas.

 

[NoQuit67s]

YOU GOT ZACH BOWEN'D!!!

Sure did...
And Donoso apparently forgot how to play hockey...

One of the strangest games I've seen.
Other than not scoring, 67s probably could not have ever hoped to play a better period of domination than they did in the 2nd and most of the first.

 

[NoQuit67s]

Dietsch looked good in his first game.
Just as I was commenting about this during the game, he trips over the Peterborough blue line and gives the Petes a good scoring chance allowing a scoring rush.

 

[analyser]

I think it is time for Donoso to move on and not just because of last night. Mackenzie has proven himself and it is his turn to show what he is capable of. We need to let Mackenzie take over and work on developing a young backup for this year and beyond. We are very unlikely a championship team this season and should get prepared for next season when fans seem to have high expectations.

Move Donoso out and do not expect a lot in return. Maybe then try to get a solid OA defenseman to aid in the development of the young players if the asking price makes sense.

By the way I think the boys played well last night but were outdone by the Pete's goaltending and our lack of.

 

[beastintheeast]

I think it is time for Donoso to move on and not just because of last night. Mackenzie has proven himself and it is his turn to show what he is capable of. We need to let Mackenzie take over and work on developing a young backup for this year and beyond. We are very unlikely a championship team this season and should get prepared for next season when fans seem to have high expectations.

Move Donoso out and do not expect a lot in return. Maybe then try to get a solid OA defenseman to aid in the development of the young players if the asking price makes sense.

By the way I think the boys played well last night but were outdone by the Pete's goaltending and our lack of.

Nelson is doing OK i Navan

The question is not just trade Donoso, but is there anyone that wants him?

We can keep Donoso and make him #2 giving the majority to MacK. This will give us more CCHl time for Nelson and allow us to get more for Donoso nearer the deadline.

 

[analyser]

Nelson is doing OK i Navan

The question is not just trade Donoso, but is there anyone that wants him?

We can keep Donoso and make him #2 giving the majority to MacK. This will give us more CCHl time for Nelson and allow us to get more for Donoso nearer the deadline.

The main thing is does Donoso want to be #2 and is Mackenzie happy if he is not rewarded by being #1. In this scenario I can see Donoso being upset and Mackenzie asking for a trade. It may come down to releasing Donoso especially if he doe not like his #2 designation.

 

[dirty12]

I would be okay with a deal like this provided the Petes got a 3rd round pick in addition and there was a conditional 3rd or 4th if Chromiak does return to the OHL next year. However the timing is likely wrong for the Petes as they likely have not decided the direction they are taking this year. They may only do a retool instead of a rebuild if they are still in contention at Christmas.

The Petes may decide to keep all of McCoy, Smith, Melee, Lefebvre, Sztuska, Purdeller, even Lockhart; but Mayer is traded today if the right offer is made. Chromiak, MacCallum, ‘24-2nd for Mayer and later 5th; done deal imo.

 

[gadder]

The Petes know how to play the 67s. For teams coming here, the strategy against the 67s might be as follows:
-slow the game down
-keep the 67s to the outside
-play the counter attack
-take advantage of the 67s very young defence
-don't worry about your own shot count

On a positive note, the 67s actually played a pretty good game. Despite our young defence, they held the Petes to almost single-digit shots by halfway while peppering their goalie. It would have been a 2-1 final if Donoso hadn't shat the bed.

Dietsch looked good in his introduction. I hope he gets more ice time and gains confidence.

 

[OMG67]

Speculation is fine for now but Judgement requires more time. We can judge the team and its moves or lack of moves at the deadline.

I side with Beast on Nelson. Keep him in the CCHL. If MacK comes back as an OA next year, Nelson can play the backup role as a 17 year old which is the right timing. We don’t need to bring along a backup this year. We jsut need a backup that is a one year only kinda guy. Maybe two if Nelson isn’t ready next year. Donoso needs to be moved. Not jsut for MacK but for Donoso. He’s the type of goalie that needs a lot of starts. He has tended to perform at a higher level when he plays more. Keeping him as a backup is not good for him, nor the 67’s. Unfortunately, it may take some time for the goaltending landscape in the OHL to fully reveal itself.

Whether we snag an OA D-Man or not is inconsequential at this point. I will admit that Ewles isn’t a top pairing guy. Horner and Brady are decent players but they are 3rd pairing guys as well. Same with Smyth. That means they have four 3rd pairing D-Men. Five when Sirman returns. We could argue Smyth and Sirman and possibly even Ewles is a 22nd pairing D-Man but the second pairing is sitting with Mews and Marrelli so that is a moot point.

The question now with respect to defence isn’t jsut this year, it is future. Are any of Ewles, Brady or Horner viable for a championship roster? I see more in Dietsch than any of those aforementioned three. If Ewles can’t play top pairing with Mayich this year, how is he going to do it next year? If we pick up an OA to play with Mayich this year, who plays with him next year? I’m starting to think Mayich and Mews as a pairing is almost a certainty at some point. Dietsch plays a 3rd pairing role next year. That leaves a 2nd pairing spot as well as a 3rd pairing spot. Ewles probably remains in that mix. Who is the last piece? I’m seeing a blank spot next year on the back end. Import filler? Maybe.

Up front there is still the issue at centre. I know they are making do but the reality is the way the lines are spread out is difficult. Gardiner seems naked out there. He should be playing with Gerrior and Foster. That is the line that has worked. But, Pinelli has shifted to centre out of necessity and he has those wingers. Pinelli needs to get back to the wing. We need that centre to help get things shifted back to where they need to be. Go get Zito if it is possible at a reasonable cost.

 

[Petes1987]

The Petes may decide to keep all of McCoy, Smith, Melee, Lefebvre, Sztuska, Purdeller, even Lockhart; but Mayer is traded today if the right offer is made. Chromiak, MacCallum, ‘24-2nd for Mayer and later 5th; done deal imo.

I doubt the Petes would want a overage player in a trade for Sam Mayer particular a forward. If they were to deal him now they would likely keep Cam Gauvreau as their third overage. It is possible that the Petes would trade Mayer for Jakub Chromiak, a 2nd draft pick plus a conditional 3rd or 4th if Chromiak decides to play in Europe next year.

 

[analyser]

Speculation is fine for now but Judgement requires more time. We can judge the team and its moves or lack of moves at the deadline.

I side with Beast on Nelson. Keep him in the CCHL. If MacK comes back as an OA next year, Nelson can play the backup role as a 17 year old which is the right timing. We don’t need to bring along a backup this year. We jsut need a backup that is a one year only kinda guy. Maybe two if Nelson isn’t ready next year. Donoso needs to be moved. Not jsut for MacK but for Donoso. He’s the type of goalie that needs a lot of starts. He has tended to perform at a higher level when he plays more. Keeping him as a backup is not good for him, nor the 67’s. Unfortunately, it may take some time for the goaltending landscape in the OHL to fully reveal itself.

Whether we snag an OA D-Man or not is inconsequential at this point. I will admit that Ewles isn’t a top pairing guy. Horner and Brady are decent players but they are 3rd pairing guys as well. Same with Smyth. That means they have four 3rd pairing D-Men. Five when Sirman returns. We could argue Smyth and Sirman and possibly even Ewles is a 22nd pairing D-Man but the second pairing is sitting with Mews and Marrelli so that is a moot point.

The question now with respect to defence isn’t jsut this year, it is future. Are any of Ewles, Brady or Horner viable for a championship roster? I see more in Dietsch than any of those aforementioned three. If Ewles can’t play top pairing with Mayich this year, how is he going to do it next year? If we pick up an OA to play with Mayich this year, who plays with him next year? I’m starting to think Mayich and Mews as a pairing is almost a certainty at some point. Dietsch plays a 3rd pairing role next year. That leaves a 2nd pairing spot as well as a 3rd pairing spot. Ewles probably remains in that mix. Who is the last piece? I’m seeing a blank spot next year on the back end. Import filler? Maybe.

Up front there is still the issue at centre. I know they are making do but the reality is the way the lines are spread out is difficult. Gardiner seems naked out there. He should be playing with Gerrior and Foster. That is the line that has worked. But, Pinelli has shifted to centre out of necessity and he has those wingers. Pinelli needs to get back to the wing. We need that centre to help get things shifted back to where they need to be. Go get Zito if it is possible at a reasonable cost.

We can speculate all we want but the bottom line is the goaltending situation should be addressed sooner rather than later. Mackenzie has earned it and should be designated #1.

A younger solid defenseman with at least 2 years eligibility left would be a great acquisition but at what cost. I also think that we have too many defensemen who fit the 3rd pairing role.

Zito is someone I totally agree could help bring our forward lines back to what has worked in the past. The way the lines are spread out now we are not utilizing our talent to the fullest.

Just my thoughts, bottom line is James and the boys control the team's reins.

 

[AGranderson]

I can not see Ottawa doing much this season I think they send Donoso out sometime soon & add an OA D I don’t think Nelson comes up this year they will add a goaltender that will play minimum games behind mack & Nelson will start fresh next season

I can see ending the season with something like this

Foster-Pinelli-Uronen
Stonehouse-Lawrence-Gerrior
Barlas-Gardiner-Dever
Sirman-Whitehead-Kelly

Mayich- Mews
Marelli- OA
Smyth- Ewles

Mackenzie
_________?

Scratched
Brady, Horner, Hilton, Korbler

 

[OMG67]

Another Masterclass by MacK today.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Another Masterclass by MacK today.

Absolutely!

 

[gadder]

The 67s showcased their game today, playing sloppy but stout defence, having stellar goaltending, and getting a few timely goals. But it's never a good thing when into the early 3rd you're watching the clock wind down and hissing "just hang on boys". We'll take the win.

A shout-out to Dave Cameron's coaching. The team in one 5 minute sequence flipped the puck high and out of their zone 3 times. That is something new and welcome though it does indicate that other better options (like a good breakout pass) are unavailable and need more practice or better players.

A small boo to Horner (seems out of his depth, bobbling passes and being skated by) and Gardiner (was he even on the ice today? Yes, but he's not leading as I expected. Maybe I expect too much).

 

[BarberPole9]

Keep in mind that Ottawa is 2-0 vs Soo, 2-0 vs Sudbury, with a win against North Bay too. The Petes are 2-0 against us but will likely be selling in the second half. Our other loss is against Kingston. That’s 5-3 against all upper half standings, expected playoff teams.

There hasn’t been an easy game yet and we must be one of the youngest teams in the league.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

The 67s showcased their game today, playing sloppy but stout defence, having stellar goaltending, and getting a few timely goals. But it's never a good thing when into the early 3rd you're watching the clock wind down and hissing "just hang on boys". We'll take the win.

A shout-out to Dave Cameron's coaching. The team in one 5 minute sequence flipped the puck high and out of their zone 3 times. That is something new and welcome though it does indicate that other better options (like a good breakout pass) are unavailable and need more practice or better players.

A small boo to Horner (seems out of his depth, bobbling passes and being skated by) and Gardiner (was he even on the ice today? Yes, but he's not leading as I expected. Maybe I expect too much).

Maybe you’re expecting too much from Gardiner. He did set up Stonehouse with a nice feed for the first goal and scored the empty netter. But, his line (with Dever and Barlas) got caved in for at least a few long shifts in their own zone in the third…not entirely his fault obviously but it was noticeable. The ice was tilted in Soo’s favour more often than not when his line was out there and MacKenzie bailed them out. I think the issue with Gardiner is he’s not playing with our top offensive wingers, which is more of an issue with how the team is built and what Cameron is looking for from Gardiner in terms of roles/responsibilities.

Agreed on Horner, and I also thought Ewles really struggled with the extra ice time/responsibility in Mayich’s absence.