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

[Larionov]

Good bounce back win today. One thing you'll notice about Dave Cameron coached teams is that they very rarely have two bad games in a row. (And Friday wasn't bad, really - their goalie was great and ours wasn't.)

Notwithstanding how well Mackenzie is playing, we will likely have to live with Donoso playing more than we would like. They are clearly trying to keep him viable for a trade, which I understand - you never want to lose an asset for nothing. You also want to treat a kid who has been loyal to the organization the right way.

 

[Fischhaber]

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.

Sudbury is the oldest team at over 19 years average, while North Bay, Ottawa, and the Soo are all middle of the pack.

Collin MacKenzie sure has the Greyhounds' number. Their two most lopsided games of the year in terms of scoring chances (including an 11-3 win over Flint) have both ended up in losses to Ottawa. Big credit to him. He might be the finest goalie in the league from what I have seen.

 

[OMG67]

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.

Barlas is ineffective right now. Dever is fine but he wouldn’t find a spot on a contending team outside the 4th line. Gardiner is being wasted as the 3rd line centre on a team that lacks depth. He’s not the type of player that drives a line with individual skill. He compliments his wingers with sound defence and smart plays. He’s not a one on one kinda centre.

Both Horner and Ewles are 3rd pairing d-Men at best. We have three top pairing D-Men and then a bunch of third pairing guys. This is why I was suggesting that we may not be looking quite as good on the back end next year as we think. I don’t see Horner and Ewles as anything more than 3rd pairing guys. And on a Championship level team, I am not sure they are viable 3rd pairing guys.

 

[beastintheeast]

Barlas is ineffective right now. Dever is fine but he wouldn’t find a spot on a contending team outside the 4th line. Gardiner is being wasted as the 3rd line centre on a team that lacks depth. He’s not the type of player that drives a line with individual skill. He compliments his wingers with sound defence and smart plays. He’s not a one on one kinda centre.

Both Horner and Ewles are 3rd pairing d-Men at best. We have three top pairing D-Men and then a bunch of third pairing guys. This is why I was suggesting that we may not be looking quite as good on the back end next year as we think. I don’t see Horner and Ewles as anything more than 3rd pairing guys. And on a Championship level team, I am not sure they are viable 3rd pairing guys.

I think that Cameron is still trying to figure out his lines. I agree that Gardner showed last year he is better than a 3rd line center. I would have put him on the second line at worst.

Barlas may have to be traded to another team to give him a chance to play some serious minutes.

Nelson needs to stay in Navan as long as possible. he is getting ice time there that he wouldn't if he was brought up.

Donoso needs to be traded, but I think at this stage, you have to wait to see what other teams want, and I think a lot of them are still evaluating their goalies and goals for this year.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Barlas is ineffective right now. Dever is fine but he wouldn’t find a spot on a contending team outside the 4th line. Gardiner is being wasted as the 3rd line centre on a team that lacks depth. He’s not the type of player that drives a line with individual skill. He compliments his wingers with sound defence and smart plays. He’s not a one on one kinda centre.

Both Horner and Ewles are 3rd pairing d-Men at best. We have three top pairing D-Men and then a bunch of third pairing guys. This is why I was suggesting that we may not be looking quite as good on the back end next year as we think. I don’t see Horner and Ewles as anything more than 3rd pairing guys. And on a Championship level team, I am not sure they are viable 3rd pairing guys.

On a championship-calibre team: Horner definitely not; Ewles could be a #6/7 defensemen. Ewles gets muscled off the puck very easily, doesn’t move the puck quick enough in the defensive zone, and doesn’t really add anything in the way of offense. Next season, with another year of development as a full-time defenseman he would be a worthwhile guy to have around as a steady/experienced #6 D-man or a #7 that can fill in from time to time in case of injury.

I think you said it earlier, but the best path forward for the D group this year (in the absence of Boyd going out and getting some veteran help) will probably to move Mews up with Mayich on the top pairing.

I've been pondering MacKenzie's tremendous start and whether Team Canada invites him to their camp for the World Juniors....admittedly I haven't looked into the candidates for the team this year but the starter last year (Milic) walked onto the team as an undrafted goaltender so it could happen. Maybe another reason to keep Donoso around until the trade deadline. I don't think this is necessarily only a "hot start" for MacKenzie, I do think he's really good and can continue playing at a high level for the remainder of the season.

Its clear that Gardiner needs some help on his wings. I agree with what you said. Unfortunately the structure of the forward group doesn't currently allow for someone like Pinelli to move to the wing. I really like Gardiner as a player but a full season with Barlas and Dever on his wings isn't going to help him from an offensive development standpoint.

 

[Larionov]

Donoso needs to be traded, but I think at this stage, you have to wait to see what other teams want, and I think a lot of them are still evaluating their goalies and goals for this year.

Very much so. If Donoso gets traded, it likely won't be until just before or just after Christmas. There is a chance he doesn't get moved if no one is offering a pick for him. If that's the case, then you quietly inform him post-deadline that you are likely leaning pretty heavily on MacKenzie the rest of the way. Like I say, he strikes me as a good team player who has been loyal to the club - he likely takes his scholarship package and plays uSports next year, and I hope he does really well.

Speaking of 67's goalies, I was a bit disappointed to see that Cedrick Andree wasn't playing uSports, but rather is over in Germany playing for some team in the German Third Division. I don't know the kid or his personal situation, but I had hoped that he would be getting his degree and stopping pucks for a Canadian university team...

 

[OMG67]

On a championship-calibre team: Horner definitely not; Ewles could be a #6/7 defensemen. Ewles gets muscled off the puck very easily, doesn’t move the puck quick enough in the defensive zone, and doesn’t really add anything in the way of offense. Next season, with another year of development as a full-time defenseman he would be a worthwhile guy to have around as a steady/experienced #6 D-man or a #7 that can fill in from time to time in case of injury.

I think you said it earlier, but the best path forward for the D group this year (in the absence of Boyd going out and getting some veteran help) will probably to move Mews up with Mayich on the top pairing.

I've been pondering MacKenzie's tremendous start and whether Team Canada invites him to their camp for the World Juniors....admittedly I haven't looked into the candidates for the team this year but the starter last year (Milic) walked onto the team as an undrafted goaltender so it could happen. Maybe another reason to keep Donoso around until the trade deadline. I don't think this is necessarily only a "hot start" for MacKenzie, I do think he's really good and can continue playing at a high level for the remainder of the season.

Its clear that Gardiner needs some help on his wings. I agree with what you said. Unfortunately the structure of the forward group doesn't currently allow for someone like Pinelli to move to the wing. I really like Gardiner as a player but a full season with Barlas and Dever on his wings isn't going to help him from an offensive development standpoint.

I think the challenge overall is if we are keeping an eye on next season, we need to identify the potential gaps. This is why I had highlighted where I see the defence right now. I agree about Ewles. There is no reason to believe he can’t play in the 3rd pairing.

Mayich - Mews
Marrelli -
Dietsch - Ewles

This is how I see it as of right now. The question then becomes whether having Dietsch and Ewles as the 3rd pair is viable as a pairing. Dietsch will likely be an official rookie next season. Can we rely on that if this is a Championship calibre team? HB would have likely fit into that 4-hole But he isn’t here now.

I don’t think we have anyone in our pipeline that could play in that 4-hole. The easy button solution would likely be through the Import draft. If not, it would need to come via trade. I don’t think a 1st rounder is a viable option for that spot.

So, unless they can find a player to fill that role now that is 18 or younger, I see this being a bit of a trouble spot. We are seeing it as a trouble spot already now. When expectations are higher next year, I see this coming much more into focus.

 

[zaluty]

Frontenacs Announce Change to Coaching Staff - Kingston Frontenacs

Kingston Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper, has announced Monday that Head Coach Luca Caputi has been relieved of his duties. “Today was a difficult day coming to this decision to relieve Luca of his duties. After meeting with ownership, we believe this was a necessary move for this hockey...

chl.ca

Caputi fired in Kingston

 

[OMG67]

Frontenacs Announce Change to Coaching Staff - Kingston Frontenacs

Kingston Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper, has announced Monday that Head Coach Luca Caputi has been relieved of his duties. “Today was a difficult day coming to this decision to relieve Luca of his duties. After meeting with ownership, we believe this was a necessary move for this hockey...

chl.ca

Caputi fired in Kingston

They got the first half right. Now they need to make sure they get the second half right by hiring the best person available.

 

[beastintheeast]

They got the first half right. Now they need to make sure they get the second half right by hiring the best person available.

I am of 2 minds and not sure which is better

1. hire the best avail right now.. The problem with that is that it means a multi-year contract and the best available right now is probably not the best available after the season is over.

Hence number 2 Kory takes over the bench with the assistants that they presently have establishing some discipline on the team and getting through the season. This team is good enough that it will make the playoffs. This allows them more time to find a GOOD COACH for the next season and not a fill-in.

Personally, I like option 2 better for the franchise in the long run.

Thoughts?????

 

[frontsfan67]

I am of 2 minds and not sure which is better

1. hire the best avail right now.. The problem with that is that it means a multi-year contract and the best available right now is probably not the best available after the season is over.

Hence number 2 Kory takes over the bench with the assistants that they presently have establishing some discipline on the team and getting through the season. This team is good enough that it will make the playoffs. This allows them more time to find a GOOD COACH for the next season and not a fill-in.

Personally, I like option 2 better for the franchise in the long run.

Thoughts?????

If they only make the playoffs and not go any further than that, not only will Cooper be fired but the coach that replaces Caputi will be fired too.

This team is very talented there is no reason for the team not to win atleast 1 round in the playoffs this year. They have a goalie, Forwards that are up a down like a toilet seat and a couple good d men. They need to strengthen the d core though if they want to do anything. That’s their biggest weakness by far imo

 

[beastintheeast]

If they only make the playoffs and not go any further than that, not only will Cooper be fired but the coach that replaces Caputi will be fired too.

This team is very talented there is no reason for the team not to win atleast 1 round in the playoffs this year. They have a goalie, Forwards that are up a down like a toilet seat and a couple good d men. They need to strengthen the d core though if they want to do anything. That’s their biggest weakness by far im

Why are you missing my point.

As I said there are 2 options one of them involves just keeping the coaching staff they have and carrying through until the end of the season and then look at any Assistants that want to become full time.


The other option is to hire a coach now that might not be the best and sign him to a contract.

This has nothing to do with playoffs or anything else this is a team that no matter what or who is behind the bench will make the playoffs

Speaking of 67's goalies, I was a bit disappointed to see that Cedrick Andree wasn't playing uSports, but rather is over in Germany playing for some team in the German Third Division. I don't know the kid or his personal situation, but I had hoped that he would be getting his degree and stopping pucks for a Canadian university team...

Some kids do not have the university mindset and just want to lay hockey. If y ou look he tried a year of University.

 

[OMG67]

I am of 2 minds and not sure which is better

1. hire the best avail right now.. The problem with that is that it means a multi-year contract and the best available right now is probably not the best available after the season is over.

Hence number 2 Kory takes over the bench with the assistants that they presently have establishing some discipline on the team and getting through the season. This team is good enough that it will make the playoffs. This allows them more time to find a GOOD COACH for the next season and not a fill-in.

Personally, I like option 2 better for the franchise in the long run.

Thoughts?????

I think it depends on who is available. That is a question I cannot answer. Neither of us can. We would just be assuming there are no good candidates. The problem with that angle is it assumes the pool of candidates is limited by the number of teams and that the coaches get recycled going from one franchise to the other. The only time they become available is when they leave other franchises. That is not the case.

I cannot say what the candidate pool looks like but I’m not sure the candidate pool gets much bigger in the offseason. Not many coaches leave teams Unless they are graduating to professional leagues. So, the offseason is full of fired coaches? Not even. So, in light of this, I think they need to find a coach that fits their team culture and philosophy. If it takes them the full season to find it, then so be it but I don’t think naming an Interim coach for the remainder of the season is or should be a plan. That should be the fallback ONLY if they cannot find the right guy.

 

[mianjo]

Larionov said:
Speaking of 67's goalies, I was a bit disappointed to see that Cedrick Andree wasn't playing uSports, but rather is over in Germany playing for some team in the German Third Division. I don't know the kid or his personal situation, but I had hoped that he would be getting his degree and stopping pucks for a Canadian university team...

2022-23	Tilburg Trappers	Germany3	41	2.45	.908	-	-	|	Playoffs	8	3.08	.896	-	-
2023-24	Tilburg Trappers	Germany3	7	3.10	.893	0	-	|

 

[PuckStop75]

Larionov said:
Speaking of 67's goalies, I was a bit disappointed to see that Cedrick Andree wasn't playing uSports, but rather is over in Germany playing for some team in the German Third Division. I don't know the kid or his personal situation, but I had hoped that he would be getting his degree and stopping pucks for a Canadian university team...


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Andree has his real estate license and playing out his dream in pro hockey, there is nothing to be disappointed in. Play the game at the highest level for as long as you can and enjoy every minute of it.

 

[frontsfan67]

Why are you missing my point.

As I said there are 2 options one of them involves just keeping the coaching staff they have and carrying through until the end of the season and then look at any Assistants that want to become full time.


The other option is to hire a coach now that might not be the best and sign him to a contract.

This has nothing to do with playoffs or anything else this is a team that no matter what or who is behind the bench will make the playoffs


Some kids do not have the university mindset and just want to lay hockey. If y ou look he tried a year of University.

Yes I was saying that their goal isn’t to only make the playoffs. Their goal is to do well in them too. They need a good coach right now and if they can get the former long time Belleville sens coach then I’d say that’s likely as good as you’re going to get unless Paul McFarland comes back a third time lol

 

[44 95 plus tax]

I think it depends on who is available. That is a question I cannot answer. Neither of us can. We would just be assuming there are no good candidates. The problem with that angle is it assumes the pool of candidates is limited by the number of teams and that the coaches get recycled going from one franchise to the other. The only time they become available is when they leave other franchises. That is not the case.

I cannot say what the candidate pool looks like but I’m not sure the candidate pool gets much bigger in the offseason. Not many coaches leave teams Unless they are graduating to professional leagues. So, the offseason is full of fired coaches? Not even. So, in light of this, I think they need to find a coach that fits their team culture and philosophy. If it takes them the full season to find it, then so be it but I don’t think naming an Interim coach for the remainder of the season is or should be a plan. That should be the fallback ONLY if they cannot find the right guy.

Saw somewhere that Troy Mann may be hired. That would be a good hire. (Maybe for other OHL teams as well.... Kidding!!)

 

[OMG67]

Saw somewhere that Troy Mann may be hired. That would be a good hire. (Maybe for other OHL teams as well.... Kidding!!)

Kenny Walls tweeted about it.

Troy would be a good hire but would he consider Kingston? AHL Head Coach the last 9 seasons. You’d think he’d be on a short list for NHL Assistant jobs. IF there wasn’t an ownership change in Ottawa, odds are pretty good he’d still be in Belleville.

You’d have to think if he took the Kingston job, he’d likely need to be paid real $$$.

Eric Wellwood is also available. He seems more realistic.

EDIT:
Sounding like Mann is the new coach. Not official but all signs point there.

 

[frontsfan67]

Kenny Walls tweeted about it.

Troy would be a good hire but would he consider Kingston? AHL Head Coach the last 9 seasons. You’d think he’d be on a short list for NHL Assistant jobs. IF there wasn’t an ownership change in Ottawa, odds are pretty good he’d still be in Belleville.

You’d have to think if he took the Kingston job, he’d likely need to be paid real $$$.

Eric Wellwood is also available. He seems more realistic.

EDIT:
Sounding like Mann is the new coach. Not official but all signs point there.

Anybody’s an upgrade over Caputi let alone a longtime ahl coach. If this guy turns Kingston around and kingston wins the division I’m calling it he gets COTY

 

[Zookeeper]

Kenny Walls tweeted about it.

Troy would be a good hire but would he consider Kingston? AHL Head Coach the last 9 seasons. You’d think he’d be on a short list for NHL Assistant jobs. IF there wasn’t an ownership change in Ottawa, odds are pretty good he’d still be in Belleville.

You’d have to think if he took the Kingston job, he’d likely need to be paid real $$$.

Eric Wellwood is also available. He seems more realistic.

EDIT:
Sounding like Mann is the new coach. Not official but all signs point there.

Wellwood is Not available. Took a leave of absence from Toronto AHL because of lingering concussion issues.

 

[OMG67]

Wellwood is Not available. Took a leave of absence from Toronto AHL because of lingering concussion issues.

I wasn’t aware of that. So, technically he is still employed. I assumed he was shuffled out. If he can get his health issues resolved, I think he is one of the more promising young coaches.

 

[OMG67]

I wonder if the 67’s are in on Chromiak? Sudbury had Dvorak commit last week. Their other import is their starting goalie (doing well). It looks like Chromiak is on his way out 100%. The 67’s need a D-Man and Chromiak is an ‘05 so he returns next season. He’d fill in that top 4 spot and as a righty, he could play alongside Mayich. That keeps Mews and Marrelli together.

This would require Ottawa to either move or release Korbler to make room. Korbler hasn’t made an impact at all.

I don’t think the cost for Chromiak will be big so I think Ottawa could manage it without giving up too much. And, since he returns next season, it is a two year acquisition. I’m thinking a move like this may make some sense.

 

[Zookeeper]

I wasn’t aware of that. So, technically he is still employed. I assumed he was shuffled out. If he can get his health issues resolved, I think he is one of the more promising young coaches.

I really hope he can be healthy. He does look very promising as a coach.

 

[beastintheeast]

I wonder if the 67’s are in on Chromiak? Sudbury had Dvorak commit last week. Their other import is their starting goalie (doing well). It looks like Chromiak is on his way out 100%. The 67’s need a D-Man and Chromiak is an ‘05 so he returns next season. He’d fill in that top 4 spot and as a righty, he could play alongside Mayich. That keeps Mews and Marrelli together.

This would require Ottawa to either move or release Korbler to make room. Korbler hasn’t made an impact at all.

I don’t think the cost for Chromiak will be big so I think Ottawa could manage it without giving up too much. And, since he returns next season, it is a two year acquisition. I’m thinking a move like this may make some sense.

I hear what you are saying, but I think the price for Chromiak is going to be higher than people think.

As to Korbler let's give him a break for a while. There are many Ontario-born OHL players who had a hard time in the first part of their rookie season and then got the hang of it.

Then you add in that he plays on the part of the team that has the fullest and least amount of room.

I think we need to give him a chance to get used to the OHL way of life.\The Canadian way of life
and being so far away from home.

I see him staying at least until the Christmas break and at that point he may sit down with Boyd and have a long talk.

I still think that the Petes hav the best piece for Sudbury if they want Chromiak.

 

[OMG67]

I hear what you are saying, but I think the price for Chromiak is going to be higher than people think.

As to Korbler let's give him a break for a while. There are many Ontario-born OHL players who had a hard time in the first part of their rookie season and then got the hang of it.

Then you add in that he plays on the part of the team that has the fullest and least amount of room.

I think we need to give him a chance to get used to the OHL way of life.\The Canadian way of life
and being so far away from home.

I see him staying at least until the Christmas break and at that point he may sit down with Boyd and have a long talk.

I still think that the Petes hav the best piece for Sudbury if they want Chromiak.

Sudbury has less than a week to trade or release Chromiak. They are handcuffed. I really don’t think they will get all that much.

I wouldn’t worry about Korbler. If Chromiak can fill a hole that is more crucial/impactful for the team this year and next, then the 67’s would be irresponsible to keep Korbler as the 13th forward when you can nail down a #4 D-Man for two seasons.

With respect to cost, what is the typical cost for an 18 or 19 yer old D-Man that plays top 4 on a competitive team? When you can pay HALF of the market rate because of the Import situation, you have to do it. There is no bones about it. The whole idea of accumulating assets is for the purpose of filling future positions. Well, this is a body that fills a present and future position. If the 67’s can move a 3rd and 4th or something similar, it would be crazy not to.