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

[NoQuit67s]

Looking at Donoso, I think the best trade for him would be to Saginaw. The problem with that is that Saginaw would have to release a Michigan player.

This would give them a goalie who can handle the pressure and has the knowledge to be a winner.

Not sure what we could get back BUT I have a feeling that Saginaw is not gong ot be able to wait until the deadline.

I think at this point, Donoso should be moved to do the player right, and we shouldn't expect to get much if anything in return...

 

[Larionov]

67’s have a pretty soft schedule the next few weeks. Only one .600+ team over the next 13 games. They’ll have to accumulate the points and start to climb up to first.

If you look at the OHL overall, though, there just isn't a team right now that scares you all that badly. Everyone has some losses under their belt and no one looks they are running away with it. Now, there will be some more separation once we hit the Christmas break, but it will be fascinating to watch this play out. Saginaw has no choice but to load up due to hosting the Memorial Cup, but teams may be more reluctant than usual to buy or sell given how muddled the standings are...

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Not really a surprise. We’ve both said it all year that Pinelli is a natural winger and is much more impactful in that role. Same with Gardiner. He can’t play the line driver role. he needs to feed better players because that is where he provides value. He sees the ice very well and can anticipate but if he is playing with inferior wingers, his vision is wasted.

I’d still prefer a more consistent 3rd line centre and get Barlas to the wing. Whitehead could potentially fill that role in the 2nd half with the way he is playing. A little OA insurance at centre would be nice though.

I’m not prepared to say it yet but MacK “could” be the top goalie in the league right now from the perspective of impact. That alone makes Ottawa a threat next season with a team that is one year older. The 67’s really need to focus on next year’s roster As much as possible. Identify which players fill which roles and if the prices are low for acquisition this season which they seem to be, go out and get one or two 18 year olds that will help compliment the roster this season as well as next.

Brady seems to be looking good beside Marrelli. It may be good to look at keeping those two together and then place Mews beside Mayich when he returns. See how that works through the deadline to determine if we need a top 4 D-Man or not.

I was about to say the same thing about MacKenzie, but had to stop myself short of saying it...he's certainly in the top-3.

I like Brady as well, he's been a solid contributor since he's started to get more playing time in recent games. If he can step up to top-4 minutes and have Marrelli insulate him somewhat (and bump Smyth and Ewles down to 3rd pairing), the team would be better for it imo. Pairing up Mayich and Mews would allow Mews to leverage his skills and take more chances offensively with the sturdy/responsible Mayich providing some defensive cover. Not that Hank & Frank aren't a good pairing now, but I have a hunch Mews could open up his game offensively when paired with a more veteran defender like Mayich.

A third line centered by an explosive skater like Whitehead would have the benefit of providing a completely different look and pace relative to the Gardiner (more quick/cerebral) and Lawrence (more deliberate/power) lines. Keep the opponents on their toes from a defensive structure standpoint. He's a slight kid and may wear down over the season, but no harm in giving him a look at 3C. Barlas is better suited to the wing, he looks a little lost at centre imo.

All in all, at full strength Ottawa is shaping up to be a fairly good team. Trading Donoso seems like a must-do, but unless his presence is impacting team chemistry (no evidence to suggest this is happening) Boyd can probably wait. As you said, an 18-year old defenseman that can help the team this year and next is a reasonable ask, as would a veteran centre to continue helping guide the younger players through the season and step into that 3C role if Cameron decides to keep Whitehead at 4C.

 

[OMG67]

Some 24-25 roster projections have been posted. I’m going to take a different type of stab at it. This is the team I see heading INTO the deadline with next year. This is assuming we don’t add any impactful 18 year olds this season.

Pinelli - Gardiner - Uronen
Gerrior (OA) - IMPORT - Foster
Barlas - Whitehead - Kelly
Hilton - Trade (Stonehouse deal) - 2024 1st
Yanni

Mayich (OA) - Mews
Marrelli - Brady
2024 1st - Ewles
Dietsch

MacKenzie (OA)
Nelson

I think we will move Stonehouse this year and we will likley get a young depth centre as part of that deal. It probably won’t be an impactful player but someone a little bigger that can eat some minutes deeper in the roster.

I see us moving on from Korbler. The main reason is because we really need some centre depth. I think the 67’s need to really take a close look at their options in the Import draft to fill that need. If next season is a Competitive windows, they are more likley to draft an 18 year old and roll the dice a bit. If they don’t hit on the Import pick, they will still have that spot available to fill via trade.

They will need to make an assessment on Nelson. Do you want to go into the playoffs next season with a rookie backup? It will seriously depend on his level of performance leading up to the deadline.

I am taking a chance on Brady but if he is unable to solidify the 2nd pairing, they will address that at the deadline.

I’ve moved on from Horner in this scenario. It would be great to keep him but at the same time they need to provide some ice time for Dietsch. Ewles seems to have th inside track on Horner right now so he gets the nod as the #6 guy.

I think they will add the D-Man And a forward in the first round. They will fill the remaining two roster spots.

 

[OMG67]

If you look at the OHL overall, though, there just isn't a team right now that scares you all that badly. Everyone has some losses under their belt and no one looks they are running away with it. Now, there will be some more separation once we hit the Christmas break, but it will be fascinating to watch this play out. Saginaw has no choice but to load up due to hosting the Memorial Cup, but teams may be more reluctant than usual to buy or sell given how muddled the standings are...

I think that is pretty accurate to be honest. I think there will be many teams reluctant to give up assets in an effort to make a run. We are seeing it with the current trade market. Even Lockhart went for a 3rd and 5th. And he went to Oshawa of all places! I don’t understand it. Clearly the teams are holding it tight to the vest right now. I really feel this will be a buyers market which bodes poorly for Ottawa if they want to move Stonehouse.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

I think that is pretty accurate to be honest. I think there will be many teams reluctant to give up assets in an effort to make a run. We are seeing it with the current trade market. Even Lockhart went for a 3rd and 5th. And he went to Oshawa of all places! I don’t understand it. Clearly the teams are holding it tight to the vest right now. I really feel this will be a buyers market which bodes poorly for Ottawa if they want to move Stonehouse.

From an asset management standpoint it probably makes sense to deal Stonehouse at the deadline, but if Ottawa is top-3 in a conference without clear separation of the top teams, and its a buyers market, there could be a chance Boyd says f*** it and keeps him for a playoff run (and the ~20% chance he returns as an OA next season), right?

 

[OMG67]

From an asset management standpoint it probably makes sense to deal Stonehouse at the deadline, but if Ottawa is top-3 in a conference without clear separation of the top teams, and its a buyers market, there could be a chance Boyd says f*** it and keeps him for a playoff run (and the ~20% chance he returns as an OA next season), right?

Yup.

Ottawa needs at least two 2nds and two 3rds for Stonehouse to be dealt. I think you need to look at the Arcuri, Harrison, and Zhulkin deals last year and use those as the benchmark. IF the market doesn’t bear that, then you have to keep him. They can’t take the stance that they take whatever they can. As you mentioned, there is still a small possibility he would return as an OA.

 

[AGranderson]

Some 24-25 roster projections have been posted. I’m going to take a different type of stab at it. This is the team I see heading INTO the deadline with next year. This is assuming we don’t add any impactful 18 year olds this season.

Pinelli - Gardiner - Uronen
Gerrior (OA) - IMPORT - Foster
Barlas - Whitehead - Kelly
Hilton - Trade (Stonehouse deal) - 2024 1st
Yanni

Mayich (OA) - Mews
Marrelli - Brady
2024 1st - Ewles
Dietsch

MacKenzie (OA)
Nelson

I think we will move Stonehouse this year and we will likley get a young depth centre as part of that deal. It probably won’t be an impactful player but someone a little bigger that can eat some minutes deeper in the roster.

I see us moving on from Korbler. The main reason is because we really need some centre depth. I think the 67’s need to really take a close look at their options in the Import draft to fill that need. If next season is a Competitive windows, they are more likley to draft an 18 year old and roll the dice a bit. If they don’t hit on the Import pick, they will still have that spot available to fill via trade.

They will need to make an assessment on Nelson. Do you want to go into the playoffs next season with a rookie backup? It will seriously depend on his level of performance leading up to the deadline.

I am taking a chance on Brady but if he is unable to solidify the 2nd pairing, they will address that at the deadline.

I’ve moved on from Horner in this scenario. It would be great to keep him but at the same time they need to provide some ice time for Dietsch. Ewles seems to have th inside track on Horner right now so he gets the nod as the #6 guy.

I think they will add the D-Man And a forward in the first round. They will fill the remaining two roster spots.

Where is the return for Smyth,Dever,Sirman & Donoso you are assuming draft picks for all?

 

[OMG67]

Where is the return for Smyth,Dever,Sirman & Donoso you are assuming draft picks for all?

Pretty much, yes.

I missed Dever in there though. I do feel he returns in some capacity.

I think we keep Smyth and Sirman through the end of the season. It will be more a matter of what we get for them in the offseason. Sirman isn’t back until February last I heard so I highly doubt he is moving anywhere. He will fill in gaps the remainder of the year.

I still feel like there is potential of moving Barlas at some point as well. I just can’t nail down the timing of it. I’d like to say he moves this season at the deadline in a package for an 18 year old centre but I think it will more likely be nearer the beginning of next year if he finds himself deeper on the depth chart. I think hey will do him a solid at some point.

 

[beastintheeast]

If you look at the OHL overall, though, there just isn't a team right now that scares you all that badly. Everyone has some losses under their belt and no one looks they are running away with it. Now, there will be some more separation once we hit the Christmas break, but it will be fascinating to watch this play out. Saginaw has no choice but to load up due to hosting the Memorial Cup, but teams may be more reluctant than usual to buy or sell given how muddled the standings are...

Mississauga and the Pets seem to be set apart. The question though is what are the Petes going to do?

Do the Petes want to try for a second appearance or are they going to retool?
Kingston is starting to get its act together with Mann
Sudbury has made some trades so time will tell

Ottawa I think is in a firm retool. We need to build the middle of the team and possibly add to our defence.

The West seems to be a horse race with the usual suspects near the top.

Saginaw is in a hole they have I think too many needs. I am not sure if they have the parts to be competitive in the conference let alone as a host team. Time again will tell.

 

[beastintheeast]

I think at this point, Donoso should be moved to do the player right, and we shouldn't expect to get much if anything in return...

That is why I think Sag has to pick him up. The price is going to be reasonable and having his experience and ability will only help them while leaving them the picks and players to make other dels to get this team into a playoff contender.

 

[dirty12]

That is why I think Sag has to pick him up. The price is going to be reasonable and having his experience and ability will only help them while leaving them the picks and players to make other dels to get this team into a playoff contender.

Saginaw is vested in Oake, he should be the guy for now. Maybe in 6 weeks, the Spirit consider Flores & (Federkow or Humphrey as better for the team than Dean).
It makes no sense imo for Saginaw to acquire an OA goalie in his third season playing for Cameron (0.890 SV %, 30 points less than his counter part) and think he will immediately succeed with an offence first team.
I think that if Saginaw adds an OA, it should be one that can make an impact such as Mayer or Punnett.

 

[OMG67]

Saginaw is vested in Oake, he should be the guy for now. Maybe in 6 weeks, the Spirit consider Flores & (Federkow or Humphrey as better for the team than Dean).
It makes no sense imo for Saginaw to acquire an OA goalie in his third season playing for Cameron (0.890 SV %, 30 points less than his counter part) and think he will immediately succeed with an offence first team.
I think that if Saginaw adds an OA, it should be one that can make an impact such as Mayer or Punnett.

Donoso would succeed in an offence first team. He needs rubber, a lot of it. That is when he is at his best. He needs to be in net a lot. He gets on really strong rolls and carries that roll for long periods. The problem is MacK. He is a better goalie overall and there has always been that issue stretching back to the beginning of last season. MacK is capable of being a backup goalie. he can come in and play well no matter how little he plays. Not the case for Donoso.

Donoso jsut needs a place to play. It doesn’t matter if it is a contender or not. He needs 45 starts. At this point, it really should be about finding him a spot out of loyalty and courtesy. I don’t think that spot is Saginaw because they do have Oake but I’m not sure Oake is a viable starter in that situation they have there. The unfortunate part is if Saginaw wants to upgrade, I don’t think using an OA spot on Donoso is the right play. When DiVin comes back, he’s the guy they should chase.

 

[OMG67]

Mississauga and the Pets seem to be set apart. The question though is what are the Petes going to do?

Do the Petes want to try for a second appearance or are they going to retool?
Kingston is starting to get its act together with Mann
Sudbury has made some trades so time will tell

Ottawa I think is in a firm retool. We need to build the middle of the team and possibly add to our defence.

The West seems to be a horse race with the usual suspects near the top.

Saginaw is in a hole they have I think too many needs. I am not sure if they have the parts to be competitive in the conference let alone as a host team. Time again will tell.

Petes have already made their decision. They’ve traded both Simpson and Lockhart. They are sellers. They are waiting for the right deals for their players. Beck will go for sure. Mayer is probable. I think they may keep Smith. I don’t think he is signed with Anaheim and with some of the big d-Men ahead of him in Anaheim, I don’t think there will be a big push to sign him unless they come up with some freedom in their 50 contracts to roll the dice.

Ottawa could find a way to compete this year if they add one or two 18 year olds that would return next year. If they identify their holes for next years team and there is an opportunity to bring in an 18 year old or two to fill those holes now, they could do a two year run. Then they’d be faced with a seller year the following season. Probably Mews and Marrelli move on to recoup assets.

 

[beastintheeast]

Donoso would succeed in an offence first team. He needs rubber, a lot of it. That is when he is at his best. He needs to be in net a lot. He gets on really strong rolls and carries that roll for long periods. The problem is MacK. He is a better goalie overall and there has always been that issue stretching back to the beginning of last season. MacK is capable of being a backup goalie. he can come in and play well no matter how little he plays. Not the case for Donoso.

Donoso jsut needs a place to play. It doesn’t matter if it is a contender or not. He needs 45 starts. At this point, it really should be about finding him a spot out of loyalty and courtesy. I don’t think that spot is Saginaw because they do have Oake but I’m not sure Oake is a viable starter in that situation they have there. The unfortunate part is if Saginaw wants to upgrade, I don’t think using an OA spot on Donoso is the right play. When DiVin comes back, he’s the guy they should chase.

My point is that I am not sure that Saginaw can wait., As you yourself said the price for Donoso is low so they really do not lose much and if he does not work out it is not a huge loss to them.. Right now they have to start worrying about Dave Branch. There is no way he is going to let A team this low be an actual laying team in the M Cup.
Saginaw is going to need a lot and I am not sure they can win everything they need and the Dvin sweepstakes.

 

[dirty12]

Petes have already made their decision. They’ve traded both Simpson and Lockhart. They are sellers. They are waiting for the right deals for their players. Beck will go for sure. Mayer is probable. I think they may keep Smith. I don’t think he is signed with Anaheim and with some of the big d-Men ahead of him in Anaheim, I don’t think there will be a big push to sign him unless they come up with some freedom in their 50 contracts to roll the dice.

Ottawa could find a way to compete this year if they add one or two 18 year olds that would return next year. If they identify their holes for next years team and there is an opportunity to bring in an 18 year old or two to fill those holes now, they could do a two year run. Then they’d be faced with a seller year the following season. Probably Mews and Marrelli move on to recoup assets.

Could be several teams (actively) building for next season and/or two seasons.
Though Barrie, Erie, & Niagara may be more concerned with which ‘04s stay or go. Barrie has a lot of players

 

[dirty12]

My point is that I am not sure that Saginaw can wait., As you yourself said the price for Donoso is low so they really do not lose much and if he does not work out it is not a huge loss to them.. Right now they have to start worrying about Dave Branch. There is no way he is going to let A team this low be an actual laying team in the M Cup.
Saginaw is going to need a lot and I am not sure they can win everything they need and the Dvin sweepstakes.

I really doubt Saginaw is worrying about Branch.
Saginaw should not be wasting a card on Donoso imo.

 

[OMG67]

My point is that I am not sure that Saginaw can wait., As you yourself said the price for Donoso is low so they really do not lose much and if he does not work out it is not a huge loss to them.. Right now they have to start worrying about Dave Branch. There is no way he is going to let A team this low be an actual laying team in the M Cup.
Saginaw is going to need a lot and I am not sure they can win everything they need and the Dvin sweepstakes.

There is a cost to Saginaw even if the price for Donoso is cheap. They currently have three rostered OA’s. They’d need to remove one to make room for Donoso. I’m not sure they are prepared to do that quite yet.

It is far too early for Branch to even consider the discussion of replacing Saginaw as a Host participant. The team would need to be pretty much a non-playoff team to be removed. The team has a large draft pick cupboard and the League would likely work with Saginaw to set certain parameters with them which is likely to motivate them to make the necessary trades.

Could be several teams (actively) building for next season and/or two seasons.
Though Barrie, Erie, & Niagara may be more concerned with which ‘04s stay or go. Barrie has a lot of players

This is why I think Saginaw is going to get off cheap this year when they start to add. Teams could potentially hold them hostage though, knowing they have to make moves. Who knows…

 

[frontsfan67]

Donoso would succeed in an offence first team. He needs rubber, a lot of it. That is when he is at his best. He needs to be in net a lot. He gets on really strong rolls and carries that roll for long periods. The problem is MacK. He is a better goalie overall and there has always been that issue stretching back to the beginning of last season. MacK is capable of being a backup goalie. he can come in and play well no matter how little he plays. Not the case for Donoso.

Donoso jsut needs a place to play. It doesn’t matter if it is a contender or not. He needs 45 starts. At this point, it really should be about finding him a spot out of loyalty and courtesy. I don’t think that spot is Saginaw because they do have Oake but I’m not sure Oake is a viable starter in that situation they have there. The unfortunate part is if Saginaw wants to upgrade, I don’t think using an OA spot on Donoso is the right play. When DiVin comes back, he’s the guy they should chase.

I agree. Definitely going after divinctiis first. If the cost for him is too much, probably donoso

 

[Larionov]

What was the rationale for giving the Memorial Cup to Saginaw anyway? Serious question, because I don't get it. If you're doing that, you should be waiting until Misa's draft year, which is still a year away...

 

[HockeyPops]

Because of the rotation, ohl doesn't host it next year.

 

[OMG67]

What was the rationale for giving the Memorial Cup to Saginaw anyway? Serious question, because I don't get it. If you're doing that, you should be waiting until Misa's draft year, which is still a year away...

Saginaw has a lot of positives.

1> Marketable player (Misa)
2> Solid returning team. They haven’t shown it yet but the nucleus is there and should produce
3> Strong tradable assets. Lots of draft picks
9especially after Ottawa gave them 9 for Mintyukov)
4> Good rink
5> Good fan support
6> they showed strong community support

Personally, I liked the Kingston option last year but Kingston really isn’t much better. SSM Was a strong option as well. You gotta feel for them at this point. They are one of the top teams in the league right now.

I really felt last year that there was a strong willingness to put one in the USA. I think that was the tiebreaker between the three teams. Niagara had virtually no chance So I am ignoring them. That said, I really feel that Niagara, if they can ge their shit together, is one of the strongest potential host cities in the CHL.

 

[beastintheeast]

There is a cost to Saginaw even if the price for Donoso is cheap. They currently have three rostered OA’s. They’d need to remove one to make room for Donoso. I’m not sure they are prepared to do that quite yet.

It is far too early for Branch to even consider the discussion of replacing Saginaw as a Host participant. The team would need to be pretty much a non-playoff team to be removed. The team has a large draft pick cupboard and the League would likely work with Saginaw to set certain parameters with them which is likely to motivate them to make the necessary trades.



This is why I think Saginaw is going to get off cheap this year when they start to add. Teams could potentially hold them hostage though, knowing they have to make moves. Who knows…

I think the east has a lot of retooling but the west is going to be a free for all.

everyone will want a chance at the top prize and I do not see Sag getting anything cheap.

Brantford traded all their stars last year.

The Petes have probably the most to offer but again I am not sure

If the market is weak and the 67's are in the hunt they could stay status quo and see how far they get.

There are a lot of unknowns. The only player I see us trading is Stonehouse and not sure what the value for him would be.

 

[Section5Petes]

I think the east has a lot of retooling but the west is going to be a free for all.

everyone will want a chance at the top prize and I do not see Sag getting anything cheap.

Brantford traded all their stars last year.

The Petes have probably the most to offer but again I am not sure

If the market is weak and the 67's are in the hunt they could stay status quo and see how far they get.

There are a lot of unknowns. The only player I see us trading is Stonehouse and not sure what the value for him would be.

From the Petes standpoint, I see Owen Beck, Sam Mayer and one of Liam Sztuska or Zach Bowen being dealt

 

[PuckStop75]

From the Petes standpoint, I see Owen Beck, Sam Mayer and one of Liam Sztuska or Zach Bowen being dealt

I've said this on another thread, but will repeat it here. There is no soft sell for the Petes. They crippled their development system last year by emptying out the high end talent from the 05/06 group as well as trading away most of their meaningful picks for the next three years. Hamilton traded away 8 players last year (Costantini, White, Duarte, Winterton, Humphrey, Diaco, Hayes and Morrison) to get them where they are. I'm not sure the Petes have 8 to trade or that the market is going to be as generous this year as it was last. The knife needs to cut deep or risk years of playing catch-up.