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

[beastintheeast]

From what I have seen a quarter into the season the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds and the Kitchener Rangers are the top two teams in the Western Conference and the best two teams in the OHL at this moment. Guelph and London are good teams but not in their calibre. Saginaw is a big disappointment but have player better as of late. In the Eastern Conference it is less clear. Mississauga and Peterborough are off to strong starts. Mississauga will likely stay the course other than acquiring a third overage and adding a veteran defenceman. The Petes will do a rebuild by moving to two or three players for younger players and draft picks. They will likely keep several of their 19 year old who could return as overages next year. They may move Sam Mayer for the right return but will keep both Jax Dubois and Cam Gauvreau. I now doubt they will trade a goaltender as Zach Bowen has struggled as of late. They will slip back a bit in the second half but will make the playoffs. Sudbury on paper is a good team but have not had the start that was expected. North Bay probably needs to go into a rebuild but will likely try to make a run. Oshawa and Kingston are wild cards as is possibly Ottawa.

In regards to Sudbury’s making moves they have the draft picks but are they willing to trade their good young players to make the required deals? The fans don’t seem to think so.

Kingston to me is the wildcard. They have a coach that knows what to do with what they have. Frasca will be back later this month.

Kitchener should be selling but when you have such a hot team I am not sure they will.
I never count London out they just seem to know when to turn it on.

The east is so open it is going to be interesting. Stonehouse is the pivot piece for us if he gos we are retooling if he stays we may make a push.

A lot also will depend on what Sudbury does.

 

[Petes1987]

Kingston to me is the wildcard. They have a coach that knows what to do with what they have. Frasca will be back later this month.

Kitchener should be selling but when you have such a hot team I am not sure they will.
I never count London out they just seem to know when to turn it on.

The east is so open it is going to be interesting. Stonehouse is the pivot piece for us if he gos we are retooling if he stays we may make a push.

A lot also will depend on what Sudbury does.

Kingston has the depth to be a good team but has under achieved so far. There is still time for new coach to turn things around.

Sudbury’s biggest issue appears to be getting the right players playing together. That was Peterborough’s biggest issue after the trade deadline last year they however had it figured out by the end of the season and had the right players playing together which led to their success in the playoffs.

Oshawa has the forwards and a good goaltender but I am not sure they have the experience on defence to be a contender.

North Bay are in the mix but have they got enough to be a true contender?

In fact the whole Eastern Conference is a wild card.

Kitchener like North Bay should be going into a rebuild but are currently the top team in the league. They don’t have the assets to add much. The just added a 3rd and a 4th and did have an overage to move but that is now in question with Mitchell Martin’s injury.

London is under achieving and are limited in their assets. They probably can make one big move and a couple of smaller ones as long a they are willing to part with one their good young forwards. Will those moves be enough?

Saginaw still has time to turn things around and will improve with trades.

Sault Ste Marie to me in the end will likely be the team to beat in the west but have often under achieved in the playoffs.

It will be interesting in the next few months as we approach the trade deadline.

 

[OMG67]

From what I have seen a quarter into the season the Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds and the Kitchener Rangers are the top two teams in the Western Conference and the best two teams in the OHL at this moment. Guelph and London are good teams but not in their calibre. Saginaw is a big disappointment but have player better as of late. In the Eastern Conference it is less clear. Mississauga and Peterborough are off to strong starts. Mississauga will likely stay the course other than acquiring a third overage and adding a veteran defenceman. The Petes will do a rebuild by moving to two or three players for younger players and draft picks. They will likely keep several of their 19 year old who could return as overages next year. They may move Sam Mayer for the right return but will keep both Jax Dubois and Cam Gauvreau. I now doubt they will trade a goaltender as Zach Bowen has struggled as of late. They will slip back a bit in the second half but will make the playoffs. Sudbury on paper is a good team but have not had the start that was expected. North Bay probably needs to go into a rebuild but will likely try to make a run. Oshawa and Kingston are wild cards as is possibly Ottawa.

In regards to Sudbury’s making moves they have the draft picks but are they willing to trade their good young players to make the required deals? The fans don’t seem to think so.

If the trade market is weak for sellers, Sudbury won’t need to trade young players.

Kitchener has basically nothing for draft picks. They have no choice but to recoup picks. Brzustewicz is gone. They really don’t have a choice. I wonder if the fans there are kicking themselves for pushing in last year with such a solid roster this year and nothing left in the cupboard to bolster it?

Saginaw has a solid foundation and doesn’t need elite players. They need some depth. That can be acquired for mostly picks. They will be fine when everything is said and done.

SSM is solid but not elite. No teams are. That’s the issue. No one stands out.

Ottawa could sell off Stonehouse and win the division. That is how weak this division is. Once Petes trade Mayer and Beck, they will drop. Not hard but they will drop. No one else left standing. Ottawa’s defence and goaltending is too good in this division not to win it. That is assuming they maintain health and don’t run into deep injury issues. A couple key injuries and they are fooked.

We’ll see how everything falls. There will likely be a push in the West with Saginaw, Guelph and SSM. Oddly enough, Ottawa is 3-1 vs SSM and Guelph. Go figure….. 67’s have already played a lot of games against the top teams in The West. They won’t play Kitchener until the 2nd half after they sell off. They have a weak schedule the rest of the way compared to many other Eastern teams.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Ottawa played a nice tight game yesterday. I was at the game and haven't heard Cameron so vocal on the bench, quite literally barking at his players on the ice throughout the game. I could hear his every word from across the ice. My sense is that the team didn't have a pleasant bus ride back from Oshawa!

Depending on MacKenzie's situation, I think this is a team that can continue winning 2 out of 3 games for the next several weeks until decisions have to be made at the trade deadline. There is likely a higher chance that Ottawa keeps Donoso now, though perhaps there is a possibility they trade him for another goaltender to free up the OA spot and if Boyd does this, perhaps it'll indicate this is an "in" year.

Stonehouse is currently on a 30-goal pace. That pace will likely increase as he was injured at the start of the season, but he's playing with Lawrence and Dever on a two-way line so 40 goals isn't out of the question, but 50 may be. Not sure what that means for his tradeability (or chances of sticking in the AHL next year), but its apparent Cameron is getting him to round out his defensive game in preparation for him turning pro so probably not much.

Pinelli and Gardiner are tremendous together, incorporating nice stretch passes or icing passes the last couple of weeks which has allowed Pinelli to pile up the chances and goals. Foster complements that line nicely.

I'm decidedly not a fan of Barlas at center. He's better at the wing, though still bottom six material. Middle-6 centre is still an area I'd really like to see Boyd try and improve at the trade deadline. Gerrior is carrying that line from an intensity and production standpoint, but he can only do so much and it feels like his skillset (speed, shooting ability, forechecking ability) can be optimized with a better puck distributor at centre.

The 4th line (Hilton/Whitehead/Korbler) has been pretty good. Ideally Korbler would be the 13th forward with Uronen somewhere in the top-9 but c'est la vie.

I still think there is a gaping hole in the top-4 D. We need a RHS to play with Marrelli. Mayich and Mews is a good pairing, but Ewles leaves a little to be desired....he should be third pairing ideally.

But with the system Cameron has in place, I see middle-6 centre as the most pressing need at the moment. That would allow Ottawa to ice a good top-6 and a more well-rounded 3rd line that can optimize Gerrior's skillset. I think we can muddle through with Ewles, Smyth, Brady and Horner as our #4-7 guys.

 

[OMG67]

Ottawa played a nice tight game yesterday. I was at the game and haven't heard Cameron so vocal on the bench, quite literally barking at his players on the ice throughout the game. I could hear his every word from across the ice. My sense is that the team didn't have a pleasant bus ride back from Oshawa!

Depending on MacKenzie's situation, I think this is a team that can continue winning 2 out of 3 games for the next several weeks until decisions have to be made at the trade deadline. There is likely a higher chance that Ottawa keeps Donoso now, though perhaps there is a possibility they trade him for another goaltender to free up the OA spot and if Boyd does this, perhaps it'll indicate this is an "in" year.

Stonehouse is currently on a 30-goal pace. That pace will likely increase as he was injured at the start of the season, but he's playing with Lawrence and Dever on a two-way line so 40 goals isn't out of the question, but 50 may be. Not sure what that means for his tradeability (or chances of sticking in the AHL next year), but its apparent Cameron is getting him to round out his defensive game in preparation for him turning pro so probably not much.

Pinelli and Gardiner are tremendous together, incorporating nice stretch passes or icing passes the last couple of weeks which has allowed Pinelli to pile up the chances and goals. Foster complements that line nicely.

I'm decidedly not a fan of Barlas at center. He's better at the wing, though still bottom six material. Middle-6 centre is still an area I'd really like to see Boyd try and improve at the trade deadline. Gerrior is carrying that line from an intensity and production standpoint, but he can only do so much and it feels like his skillset (speed, shooting ability, forechecking ability) can be optimized with a better puck distributor at centre.

The 4th line (Hilton/Whitehead/Korbler) has been pretty good. Ideally Korbler would be the 13th forward with Uronen somewhere in the top-9 but c'est la vie.

I still think there is a gaping hole in the top-4 D. We need a RHS to play with Marrelli. Mayich and Mews is a good pairing, but Ewles leaves a little to be desired....he should be third pairing ideally.

But with the system Cameron has in place, I see middle-6 centre as the most pressing need at the moment. That would allow Ottawa to ice a good top-6 and a more well-rounded 3rd line that can optimize Gerrior's skillset. I think we can muddle through with Ewles, Smyth, Brady and Horner as our #4-7 guys.

Regardless of what the goal is this season, we need the 3rd centre UNLESS there is a sense that Whitehead can fill that gap if we are not concerned with competing.

Part of the concept of loyalty is not just looking at the individual player and what is best for that single player. It is also about what is best for the team. In light of that, how do you tell a team that is performing well and is at the top of the Conference that the management doesn’t care about the team this year? It is all about next year. This is a sticky situation. On one hand, the goal likely was to recoup some assets this season and make a push next year when the team is more mature. On the other hand, no teams seem to be stepping forward in the Eastern Conference to take a stranglehold on the top spot. It is going to be very difficult for this management team to walk away on this season.

The management team has managed to add 2nds and 3rds. We have five of each over the next four seasons. We aren’t hurting for picks. At the same time, we shouldn’t be blowing our load either. A couple savvy moves to add a couple players in key positions wouldn’t be overly costly in the current market. We aren’t trying to go out there and add a Morrison and Mintyukov this year. Maybe a Zito for picks and a McCoy for Ewles and a pick.

Petes would get a younger D-Man that will contribute for two more years instead of keeping McCoy as an OA next year. Ottawa gets that solid veteran right side D-Man. If it isn’t the Petes on a deal like this then another team, just fill int he blanks. There are likely teams out there with middle pairing 19 year old D-Men willing to move them for a younger bottom pairing D-Man with two seasons left plus a middle pick.

North Bay needs to figure out what they are doing with Zito. Zito needs to figure out if he wants to play. He is from Ottawa so you have to think he’d suit up for the home team. Maybe this is where you look at Kelly and think a swap in this situation works best? I dunno but there are options that don’t include 2nd round picks and limited, if any, 3rd round picks. Use some players we have and shift a few around. We have to make some room next year anyway. We have two 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder plus Yanni and Dietsch to make room for. That’s five roster spots we need open. That doesn’t include the potential for adding a replacement Import pick.

 

[BarberPole9]

On a positive note on the Goalie front, Jaeden Nelson is dominating as a 16 year old rookie with a .916 save percentage over 12 games, which is tied for 3rd in the CCHL.

Jaeden Nelson - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Jaeden Nelson, 2007-04-11 Ottawa, ON, CAN Canada. Most recently in the OHL with Ottawa 67's. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

He might be ready to hop onto the team right now if needed.

 

[OMG67]

On a positive note on the Goalie front, Jaeden Nelson is dominating as a 16 year old rookie with a .916 save percentage over 12 games, which is tied for 3rd in the CCHL.

Jaeden Nelson - Stats, Contract, Salary & More

Eliteprospects.com hockey player profile of Jaeden Nelson, 2007-04-11 Ottawa, ON, CAN Canada. Most recently in the OHL with Ottawa 67's. Complete player biography and stats.

www.eliteprospects.com

He might be ready to hop onto the team right now if needed.

Boyd did say they were confident he would be a part of the 67’s future. Now? I think from a development perspective, leave him alone. Let him face the rubber at that level.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Regardless of what the goal is this season, we need the 3rd centre UNLESS there is a sense that Whitehead can fill that gap if we are not concerned with competing.

Part of the concept of loyalty is not just looking at the individual player and what is best for that single player. It is also about what is best for the team. In light of that, how do you tell a team that is performing well and is at the top of the Conference that the management doesn’t care about the team this year? It is all about next year. This is a sticky situation. On one hand, the goal likely was to recoup some assets this season and make a push next year when the team is more mature. On the other hand, no teams seem to be stepping forward in the Eastern Conference to take a stranglehold on the top spot. It is going to be very difficult for this management team to walk away on this season.

The management team has managed to add 2nds and 3rds. We have five of each over the next four seasons. We aren’t hurting for picks. At the same time, we shouldn’t be blowing our load either. A couple savvy moves to add a couple players in key positions wouldn’t be overly costly in the current market. We aren’t trying to go out there and add a Morrison and Mintyukov this year. Maybe a Zito for picks and a McCoy for Ewles and a pick.

Petes would get a younger D-Man that will contribute for two more years instead of keeping McCoy as an OA next year. Ottawa gets that solid veteran right side D-Man. If it isn’t the Petes on a deal like this then another team, just fill int he blanks. There are likely teams out there with middle pairing 19 year old D-Men willing to move them for a younger bottom pairing D-Man with two seasons left plus a middle pick.

North Bay needs to figure out what they are doing with Zito. Zito needs to figure out if he wants to play. He is from Ottawa so you have to think he’d suit up for the home team. Maybe this is where you look at Kelly and think a swap in this situation works best? I dunno but there are options that don’t include 2nd round picks and limited, if any, 3rd round picks. Use some players we have and shift a few around. We have to make some room next year anyway. We have two 1st rounders and a 2nd rounder plus Yanni and Dietsch to make room for. That’s five roster spots we need open. That doesn’t include the potential for adding a replacement Import pick.

That all sounds reasonable. I like Ewles and he's proven to be a relatively reliable defenseman, but in the context of our defense group I'm not sure he helps us get to where *I think" we want to go. I'd be much more comfortable with him as a 3rd pairing defenseman, but he's currently playing on the 2nd pairing with a good, but still young Marrelli who is by no means a finished or complete product yet. So in my mind he's a decent player playing a notch higher in the depth chart than he should be.

Whitehead will be a good middle-6 centre for us in the future, but I think he's at least a year away from that point honestly. His skating is electric and he's very good on the rush and in open space, but he's still very slight and gets knocked off the puck easily. I think lining him up between Gerrior and Kelly solves some problems, but potentially creates others. Plus, he's showing well in limited minutes on the 4th line so why mess with that?

I keep coming back to our top priority needing to be a veteran 3rd line centre than can bump Barlas back to the wing and help optimize Gerrior.

 

[OMG67]

That all sounds reasonable. I like Ewles and he's proven to be a relatively reliable defenseman, but in the context of our defense group I'm not sure he helps us get to where *I think" we want to go. I'd be much more comfortable with him as a 3rd pairing defenseman, but he's currently playing on the 2nd pairing with a good, but still young Marrelli who is by no means a finished or complete product yet. So in my mind he's a decent player playing a notch higher in the depth chart than he should be.

Whitehead will be a good middle-6 centre for us in the future, but I think he's at least a year away from that point honestly. His skating is electric and he's very good on the rush and in open space, but he's still very slight and gets knocked off the puck easily. I think lining him up between Gerrior and Kelly solves some problems, but potentially creates others. Plus, he's showing well in limited minutes on the 4th line so why mess with that?

I keep coming back to our top priority needing to be a veteran 3rd line centre than can bump Barlas back to the wing and help optimize Gerrior.

Agreed. If we take it a step farther, we need to look at where our gaps are next season as well. As Beast mentioned, if we have two OA Centres, then we would still have a gaping hole at centre again next year bigger than this year. Gardiner takes the #1 spot and Whitehead the #3 spot leaving the #2 spot open. That won’t be filled by an internal candidate. It also won’t be filed by a draft pick. It would need to be filled via trade. SO…..

If we are likely needing to trade for a centre, what is the cost of trading for an 18 year old now as opposed to a 19 year old next year? We did have the Rehkopf conversations this summer but he is off to a flying start. His price would likley require a 2023 1st which we don’t have. I’m not sure what else is out there but if you look at Hunter Haight last year, he went for three 2nds and two 3rds. The 19 year olds like Harrison, Arcuri and Zhilkin went for two 2nds and three 3rds. So, the difference is likely minimal (in this case an extra 2nd instead of an extra 3rd).

And before Beast jumps on me for trading picks, the picks we are accumulating are to make next year’s roster better. That doesn’t mean we can‘t make next years roster better by making a trade this year for a roster eligible player returning next year that we can also use this year.

It may be more worth while if we are making a push to think of this as a two year window and acquire an 18 year old centre. Get the value out of the player this year and next. Fills the exact same hole we have now and next year. I’m not sure IF there is a player like that potentially on the market but that’s what I would look at.

Then instead of just picks in a deal like that, what about players? We have eight rostered D-Men if you include Sirman. Then on top of that we have Dietsch. If we say Mayich, Mews, and Marrelli return with Dietsch needing a starting spot, that is four spots taken. We still have Horner and Ewles. So, that is six returning D-Men, plus Brody. We can afford to move one of the bottom 2 in that situation and not skip a beat. We can also look a t Barlas at this point and suggest he would benefit himself and the team by being used as. A trade piece. Maybe Kelly as well.

We have the two 1sts next year. Plus Yanni. Hilton is coming along well. There are a lot of parts that aren’t necessary next year that we can use in deals this year if it came to that in an effort to reduce picks being moved.

 

[BarberPole9]

I don’t see Kitchener selling anymore. That may have been the plan but they are playing incredibly well. Next year they will be able to recoup their entire draft holes by dealing Rehkopf, Andonovski and Misaljevic.

Agree that an 18 year old Center would be ideal but we may need to wait until next year’s import draft for such a player.

If they were to move Donoso, they could deal Stonehouse and another 18 or 19 year old for 3 x 2nds and 3 x 3rds. They could then add two good OA’s for a 3rd + 5th rounder each and come out 3 x 2nd and 1 x 3rd for next year and maybe be just as good with the swaps.

 

[analyser]

I don’t see Kitchener selling anymore. That may have been the plan but they are playing incredibly well. Next year they will be able to recoup their entire draft holes by dealing Rehkopf, Andonovski and Misaljevic.

Agree that an 18 year old Center would be ideal but we may need to wait until next year’s import draft for such a player.

If they were to move Donoso, they could deal Stonehouse and another 18 or 19 year old for 3 x 2nds and 3 x 3rds. They could then add two good OA’s for a 3rd + 5th rounder each and come out 3 x 2nd and 1 x 3rd for next year and maybe be just as good with the swaps.

They will have to trade or release a 20 yr. old at the very least.

 

[OMG67]

I don’t see Kitchener selling anymore. That may have been the plan but they are playing incredibly well. Next year they will be able to recoup their entire draft holes by dealing Rehkopf, Andonovski and Misaljevic.

Agree that an 18 year old Center would be ideal but we may need to wait until next year’s import draft for such a player.

If they were to move Donoso, they could deal Stonehouse and another 18 or 19 year old for 3 x 2nds and 3 x 3rds. They could then add two good OA’s for a 3rd + 5th rounder each and come out 3 x 2nd and 1 x 3rd for next year and maybe be just as good with the swaps.

Saginaw is likley to blow its brains out.

Kitchener has:
[TABLE=collapse]
[TR]
[TD]2024[/TD]
[TD]ER 2nd[/TD]
[TD]SBY 3rd*[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2025[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2026[/TD]
[TD]SBY 2nd*[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2027[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[TD]3rd[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

They just traded Hamara, a Sens 3rd round pick. That doesn’t mean they are selling off, they could just be repositioning.

The 2026 2nd will likley be there’s but not prior to the deadline So it isn’t available to be used. Same with the 2024 3rd. So they go into the ddeadline with one 2nd, one 3rd plus the 3rd they got in the deal with Branford for Hamara.

Two of the three you listed will be OA’s next year. May work out, may not. Rehkopf is a high Seattle pick (2nd round). There is scuttlebutt floating around they are not convinced he is going to return ala Poitras. If he keeps up this current pace, he may very well not return.

If Kitchener decides to not sell this year, they could be rolling the dice to the point that if they are wrong on Rehkopf returning, they will have virtually nothing for a full cycle. I’m not sure the management there is prepared to make that big of a gamble, especially going into a deadline armed with breadcrumbs.

They would need to rely on status quo pretty much being enough unless they make Reid and/or Romano available.

 

[frontsfan67]

Kingston has the depth to be a good team but has under achieved so far. There is still time for new coach to turn things around.

Sudbury’s biggest issue appears to be getting the right players playing together. That was Peterborough’s biggest issue after the trade deadline last year they however had it figured out by the end of the season and had the right players playing together which led to their success in the playoffs.

Oshawa has the forwards and a good goaltender but I am not sure they have the experience on defence to be a contender.

North Bay are in the mix but have they got enough to be a true contender?

In fact the whole Eastern Conference is a wild card.

Kitchener like North Bay should be going into a rebuild but are currently the top team in the league. They don’t have the assets to add much. The just added a 3rd and a 4th and did have an overage to move but that is now in question with Mitchell Martin’s injury.

London is under achieving and are limited in their assets. They probably can make one big move and a couple of smaller ones as long a they are willing to part with one their good young forwards. Will those moves be enough?

Saginaw still has time to turn things around and will improve with trades.

Sault Ste Marie to me in the end will likely be the team to beat in the west but have often under achieved in the playoffs.

It will be interesting in the next few months as we approach the trade deadline.

Fronts are 5-2 since Mann took over- and they were missing mann for 2 of those games at the start. the fronts have mosr certainly turned it around and within a week or two they will be getting frasca back who will be top 6 easily.

 

[dirty12]

Saginaw is likley to blow its brains out.

Kitchener has:
[TABLE=collapse]
[TR]
[TD]2024[/TD]
[TD]ER 2nd[/TD]
[TD]SBY 3rd*[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2025[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2026[/TD]
[TD]SBY 2nd*[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2027[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[TD]3rd[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

They just traded Hamara, a Sens 3rd round pick. That doesn’t mean they are selling off, they could just be repositioning.

The 2026 2nd will likley be there’s but not prior to the deadline So it isn’t available to be used. Same with the 2024 3rd. So they go into the ddeadline with one 2nd, one 3rd plus the 3rd they got in the deal with Branford for Hamara.

Those are conditional on Hague, so I expect they go back to Sudbury.
They do now have ‘24-2,3,4,5 picks after the Hamara trade, so a sell other than one OA is not necessary this season

Two of the three you listed will be OA’s next year. May work out, may not. Rehkopf is a high Seattle pick (2nd round). There is scuttlebutt floating around they are not convinced he is going to return ala Poitras. If he keeps up this current pace, he may very well not return.

If Kitchener decides to not sell this year, they could be rolling the dice to the point that if they are wrong on Rehkopf returning, they will have virtually nothing for a full cycle. I’m not sure the management there is prepared to make that big of a gamble, especially going into a deadline armed with breadcrumbs.

They would need to rely on status quo pretty much being enough unless they make Reid and/or Romano available.

 

[Section5Petes]

@OMG67 You and I both believe Mayer will go for a high return, what would that realistically look like? Petes probably want a body back as well

 

[OMG67]

@OMG67 You and I both believe Mayer will go for a high return, what would that realistically look like? Petes probably want a body back as well

I prefer to look at it from the perspective of picks to make it easier. I think a 2nd and 3rd is where it should be but if there is a push from a few teams, it could climb. It really depends on how he is truly viewed. I think he brings a strong combination of offence and defence mixed in with leadership. He isn’t perfect and definitely isn’t a major prospect. But, that doesn’t really matter. OHL teams pay based on what he can bring in this league.

We will see where the market starts to settle in. I think Mayer will rise above the market value.

 

[BarberPole9]

Saginaw is likley to blow its brains out.

Kitchener has:
[TABLE=collapse]
[TR]
[TD]2024[/TD]
[TD]ER 2nd[/TD]
[TD]SBY 3rd*[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2025[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2026[/TD]
[TD]SBY 2nd*[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]2027[/TD]
[TD]---[/TD]
[TD]3rd[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

They just traded Hamara, a Sens 3rd round pick. That doesn’t mean they are selling off, they could just be repositioning.

The 2026 2nd will likley be there’s but not prior to the deadline So it isn’t available to be used. Same with the 2024 3rd. So they go into the ddeadline with one 2nd, one 3rd plus the 3rd they got in the deal with Branford for Hamara.

Two of the three you listed will be OA’s next year. May work out, may not. Rehkopf is a high Seattle pick (2nd round). There is scuttlebutt floating around they are not convinced he is going to return ala Poitras. If he keeps up this current pace, he may very well not return.

If Kitchener decides to not sell this year, they could be rolling the dice to the point that if they are wrong on Rehkopf returning, they will have virtually nothing for a full cycle. I’m not sure the management there is prepared to make that big of a gamble, especially going into a deadline armed with breadcrumbs.

They would need to rely on status quo pretty much being enough unless they make Reid and/or Romano available.

Andonovski and Rehkopf are 2005 birth years.

Hamara requested a trade after Schmidt was returned. They’ll also recoup a pick or two when they trade one of their four current OA’s.

If you don’t go for it when you’re in first place, what’s the point of even playing?

 

[OMG67]

Andonovski and Rehkopf are 2005 birth years.

Hamara requested a trade after Schmidt was returned. They’ll also recoup a pick or two when they trade one of their four current OA’s.

If you don’t go for it when you’re in first place, what’s the point of even playing?

You can’t go for it with nothing to trade. When I say “nothing” I mean nothing of consequence that would push the needle. Imagine what tat franchise would look like if they were to essentially trade all 2024 picks at the deadline. Then trade one of their 2023 1st rounders. Then Rehkopf doesn’t get returned.

WOWZERS. That would mean no picks in 2024, 2025, 2026 and 2027 in rounds two and three. Not a lot left to recoup much. that is a full cycle of basement.

I think that is way too much risk.

They took their shot last year and traded almost everything not nailed down. When you do that, you are committing to a rebuild the following year. Petes are in the same situation but not quite as bad as Kitchener. Neither can truly make a push without essentially picking top 4 in each of the next three drafts. Hell, the 67’s fans are still looking at it being the right move to sell off, including me. And the 67’s have an abundance of picks on the whole. yet we are talking about Kitchener poised to make a push while Ottawa is 7 points back with three games in hand?

Put it this way. If Kitchener should make a push, then there should be no question for Ottawa. It should be all in. If Kitchener is expected to trade all five of their available picks over the next four years plus at least one of their 2023 1st rounders, Ottawa should at least be comortable moving at least four 2nds and four 3rds. Then turn around next year and move out Mews and Marrelli to recoup the assets.

Sorry if I seem harsh but that would be a seriously risky proposition considering Saginaw is likely going to push all their chips in and they have more chips to push.

 

[beastintheeast]

Agreed. If we take it a step farther, we need to look at where our gaps are next season as well. As Beast mentioned, if we have two OA Centres, then we would still have a gaping hole at centre again next year bigger than this year. Gardiner takes the #1 spot and Whitehead the #3 spot leaving the #2 spot open. That won’t be filled by an internal candidate. It also won’t be filed by a draft pick. It would need to be filled via trade. SO…..

If we are likely needing to trade for a centre, what is the cost of trading for an 18 year old now as opposed to a 19 year old next year? We did have the Rehkopf conversations this summer but he is off to a flying start. His price would likley require a 2023 1st which we don’t have. I’m not sure what else is out there but if you look at Hunter Haight last year, he went for three 2nds and two 3rds. The 19 year olds like Harrison, Arcuri and Zhilkin went for two 2nds and three 3rds. So, the difference is likely minimal (in this case an extra 2nd instead of an extra 3rd).

And before Beast jumps on me for trading picks, the picks we are accumulating are to make next year’s roster better. That doesn’t mean we can‘t make next years roster better by making a trade this year for a roster eligible player returning next year that we can also use this year.

It may be more worth while if we are making a push to think of this as a two year window and acquire an 18 year old centre. Get the value out of the player this year and next. Fills the exact same hole we have now and next year. I’m not sure IF there is a player like that potentially on the market but that’s what I would look at.

Then instead of just picks in a deal like that, what about players? We have eight rostered D-Men if you include Sirman. Then on top of that we have Dietsch. If we say Mayich, Mews, and Marrelli return with Dietsch needing a starting spot, that is four spots taken. We still have Horner and Ewles. So, that is six returning D-Men, plus Brody. We can afford to move one of the bottom 2 in that situation and not skip a beat. We can also look a t Barlas at this point and suggest he would benefit himself and the team by being used as. A trade piece. Maybe Kelly as well.

We have the two 1sts next year. Plus Yanni. Hilton is coming along well. There are a lot of parts that aren’t necessary next year that we can use in deals this year if it came to that in an effort to reduce picks being moved.

OMG LOL

Thanks for the shout out.

This management team has a lot of questions to answer.

Will Korbler be back after xmas?
Can Whitehead handle the third line?
What do you do with Barlas and Kelly
Are you going to get value for Stonehouse?

The big question is Stonehouse. If the 67's get a good offer and take it then the rest of the questions get answered.

If we can get a center that will be here next year and can play 2nd or 1st little center then it makes sense to trade some late-round picks and maybe one of the young guns (Barlas, Kelly)

I think Donoso is now an afterthought, unfortunately. NB holds the key to what can happen to him. Also if Boyd decides to go for it he is great insurance for us.

What is the status of Sirman I know he does not have size but he could possibly fit with Mayich?

Like we said there are a lot of teams that have a lot of unknowns. Wednesday may tell us a little about where we stand. Kingston has the band together with a New coach and for once in a long time a defensive coach. They get Frasca back soon and that should help them

 

[OMG67]

OMG LOL

Thanks for the shout out.

This management team has a lot of questions to answer.

Will Korbler be back after xmas?
Can Whitehead handle the third line?
What do you do with Barlas and Kelly
Are you going to get value for Stonehouse?

The big question is Stonehouse. If the 67's get a good offer and take it then the rest of the questions get answered.

If we can get a center that will be here next year and can play 2nd or 1st little center then it makes sense to trade some late-round picks and maybe one of the young guns (Barlas, Kelly)

I think Donoso is now an afterthought, unfortunately. NB holds the key to what can happen to him. Also if Boyd decides to go for it he is great insurance for us.

What is the status of Sirman I know he does not have size but he could possibly fit with Mayich?

Like we said there are a lot of teams that have a lot of unknowns. Wednesday may tell us a little about where we stand. Kingston has the band together with a New coach and for once in a long time a defensive coach. They get Frasca back soon and that should help them

1> Korbler. I really don’t think him here or not here is consequential in any way unless they are looking to replace him with another Import at the deadline. If they are looking at that possibility, the decision will be made for him.

2> Whitehead. I fall on the same side and Nords. I think keeping him sheltered on the 4th line and then playing him higher if an injury happens is probably ideal.

3> Barlas and Kelly. I believe Barlas has reached his ceiling from a development standpoint. The only thing that will increase is his points totals That come organically with age. HE’ll get bigger and stronger as he ages and that will translate into more production. He is a north-south winger with strong PK skills. He is a prototypical 3rd line player. That’s what he is and I’d be happy to keep him in that role. However, if he is needed in a package to get a more pivotal player then so be it. Not ideal but sometimes you gotta give something to get something. Kelly is a different beast. I really want to see him play with a productive centre for an extended period of time before there is any discussion about him moving. I’d be very surprised if he were to move this year. If he is moved it is because the acquiring team holds him in high regard.

4> Are we looking at the Stonehouse situation the correct way? We are currently looking at it as if Stonehouse is on the move and it is a matter of what the return is that will dictate our fortunes this year. Maybe that is the wrong way to look at it. Maybe it truly needs to start with a decision on what our goals are this year and finalize that strategy. THEN and only then do the 67’s start making moves. That includes Donoso as well. If this is a go for it year, then keeping donoso makes sense as a safety net. IF he needs to step in for MacK, he would likely be doing it for a longer stretch because of injury so that satisfies his performance need to play a lot. Otherwise his games will be agaisnt weaker competition and it should be an issue if he is a bit inconsistent.

What other teams do should not impact Ottawa’s decisions. Ottawa needs to decide what their strategy is. Then they need to go out and execute it. I can see them go any of the three options.. buy, sell, status quo. I can’t honestly argue with any of the options. We can discuss them but argue with them? Nope. This is probably the first time I’ve posted on this board or the old NOOF board a situation where I don’t feel grounded in the direction I feel the team should go at the deadline. I will be happy and sad no matter what they do!

 

[beastintheeast]

1> Korbler. I really don’t think him here or not here is consequential in any way unless they are looking to replace him with another Import at the deadline. If they are looking at that possibility, the decision will be made for him.

2> Whitehead. I fall on the same side and Nords. I think keeping him sheltered on the 4th line and then playing him higher if an injury happens is probably ideal.

3> Barlas and Kelly. I believe Barlas has reached his ceiling from a development standpoint. The only thing that will increase is his points totals That come organically with age. HE’ll get bigger and stronger as he ages and that will translate into more production. He is a north-south winger with strong PK skills. He is a prototypical 3rd line player. That’s what he is and I’d be happy to keep him in that role. However, if he is needed in a package to get a more pivotal player then so be it. Not ideal but sometimes you gotta give something to get something. Kelly is a different beast. I really want to see him play with a productive centre for an extended period of time before there is any discussion about him moving. I’d be very surprised if he were to move this year. If he is moved it is because the acquiring team holds him in high regard.

4> Are we looking at the Stonehouse situation the correct way? We are currently looking at it as if Stonehouse is on the move and it is a matter of what the return is that will dictate our fortunes this year. Maybe that is the wrong way to look at it. Maybe it truly needs to start with a decision on what our goals are this year and finalize that strategy. THEN and only then do the 67’s start making moves. That includes Donoso as well. If this is a go for it year, then keeping donoso makes sense as a safety net. IF he needs to step in for MacK, he would likely be doing it for a longer stretch because of injury so that satisfies his performance need to play a lot. Otherwise his games will be agaisnt weaker competition and it should be an issue if he is a bit inconsistent.

What other teams do should not impact Ottawa’s decisions. Ottawa needs to decide what their strategy is. Then they need to go out and execute it. I can see them go any of the three options.. buy, sell, status quo. I can’t honestly argue with any of the options. We can discuss them but argue with them? Nope. This is probably the first time I’ve posted on this board or the old NOOF board a situation where I don’t feel grounded in the direction I feel the team should go at the deadline. I will be happy and sad no matter what they do!

I am going with status quo unless they get an offer they can't refuse for Stonehouse.

As I have said the unknown devincetis is holding up things there NB needs to pull the pin as everyone wants him Donoso is a poor mans solution right now.

Whitehead to 3rd line will depend on who is better at center after the break Barlas or whitehead

 

[OMG67]

I am going with status quo unless they get an offer they can't refuse for Stonehouse.

As I have said the unknown devincetis is holding up things there NB needs to pull the pin as everyone wants him Donoso is a poor mans solution right now.

Whitehead to 3rd line will depend on who is better at center after the break Barlas or whitehead

I think DiVin is injured Right now. I’m not sure what the prognosis is or when he is scheduled to return.

I think the competitive landscape is holding a lot of things up. When you see Lockhart go to Oshawa and Savard go to Kingston both for what you’d normally consider soft packages and middling to lower half teams, it suggests there are a lot of teams not ready to commit either way.

Once Ottawa commits one way or the other, they can look at Donoso and Stonehouse. I don’t think they have committed one way or the other. I think they are going to use their time to figure it all out, see how the landscape changes and make a decision heading into the Christmas break. I honestly think they are likely as dumbfounded as we are right now.

 

[PuckStop75]

I think DiVin is injured Right now. I’m not sure what the prognosis is or when he is scheduled to return.

I think the competitive landscape is holding a lot of things up. When you see Lockhart go to Oshawa and Savard go to Kingston both for what you’d normally consider soft packages and middling to lower half teams, it suggests there are a lot of teams not ready to commit either way.

Once Ottawa commits one way or the other, they can look at Donoso and Stonehouse. I don’t think they have committed one way or the other. I think they are going to use their time to figure it all out, see how the landscape changes and make a decision heading into the Christmas break. I honestly think they are likely as dumbfounded as we are right now.

Ottawa is a good hockey team with very specific needs, a top 4 RD and top 6 LW. Much focus has been placed on the centres and after watching Pinelli and Gardiner together it is clear the issues aren't with them playing centre, it is with having a legitimate LW to play with. Foster has been selectively good with both of them, adding a top 6 LW will free up both lines and shuffle Gerrior to a more comfortable 3rd line roll. A centre and shifting Pinelli to the wing would achieve the same result.

I don't think it is a matter of commitment, Ottawa doesn't have the assets to be making deals for marginally improvements at other positions. Either players to fill the voids are available or they are not. These needs do carry over to next year, I don't see the development happening internally for this to be resolved. The catch looking forward, they will also need to address the Lawrence roll again and if Stonehouse graduates a top line RW.

For me if they can find the deals to get it done this year make them happen and know that next year there is an abundance of talent returning to replenish the draft cupboard. That same options will not be available the following year when the draft cupboard will still be empty but the team will be dealing with the potential graduation of Pinelli, Gardiner, Foster as well as Mayich, Gerrior and Mack will be aged out.

 

[OMG67]

Ottawa is a good hockey team with very specific needs, a top 4 RD and top 6 LW. Much focus has been placed on the centres and after watching Pinelli and Gardiner together it is clear the issues aren't with them playing centre, it is with having a legitimate LW to play with. Foster has been selectively good with both of them, adding a top 6 LW will free up both lines and shuffle Gerrior to a more comfortable 3rd line roll. A centre and shifting Pinelli to the wing would achieve the same result.

I don't think it is a matter of commitment, Ottawa doesn't have the assets to be making deals for marginally improvements at other positions. Either players to fill the voids are available or they are not. These needs do carry over to next year, I don't see the development happening internally for this to be resolved. The catch looking forward, they will also need to address the Lawrence roll again and if Stonehouse graduates a top line RW.

For me if they can find the deals to get it done this year make them happen and know that next year there is an abundance of talent returning to replenish the draft cupboard. That same options will not be available the following year when the draft cupboard will still be empty but the team will be dealing with the potential graduation of Pinelli, Gardiner, Foster as well as Mayich, Gerrior and Mack will be aged out.

We need the centre. Pinelli is not a natural centre. We tried this at the beginning of the year and his production was low and it wasn’t because he was playing with scrubs. Gardiner’s production was low because he was designated to play with the scrubs on the 3rd line.

Additionally, we have no centre depth. If we acquire a LW and shift Pinelli to the middle and one of them gets injured, we have a situation where we don’t have the centre depth to make up for it. At least if we acquire a centre and get an injury, maybe we can make due at that point shifting
Pinelli to centre for a short period.

Since Pinelli has lined up with Gardiner, the team has been clicking. You are trying to now separate them. I don’t understand why. If they are going out to acquire a forward, why get a LW? May as well get the centre. Shuffling the lines for the top 6 doesn’t make sense to me. Leave them alone. Get a 3rd line centre that can help put some teeth into the games of Gerrior and Kelly/Barlas. If/when Uronen returns, he can slide into the 3rd line with whomever that centre is and Gerrior. Or they can nudge Uronen up and pull Dever back to the 3rd line. Either/or. This allows for some depth coverage for injuries and allows for that flexibility needed over the course of a full season.

 

[beastintheeast]

We need the centre. Pinelli is not a natural centre. We tried this at the beginning of the year and his production was low and it wasn’t because he was playing with scrubs. Gardiner’s production was low because he was designated to play with the scrubs on the 3rd line.

Additionally, we have no centre depth. If we acquire a LW and shift Pinelli to the middle and one of them gets injured, we have a situation where we don’t have the centre depth to make up for it. At least if we acquire a centre and get an injury, maybe we can make due at that point shifting
Pinelli to centre for a short period.

Since Pinelli has lined up with Gardiner, the team has been clicking. You are trying to now separate them. I don’t understand why. If they are going out to acquire a forward, why get a LW? May as well get the centre. Shuffling the lines for the top 6 doesn’t make sense to me. Leave them alone. Get a 3rd line centre that can help put some teeth into the games of Gerrior and Kelly/Barlas. If/when Uronen returns, he can slide into the 3rd line with whomever that centre is and Gerrior. Or they can nudge Uronen up and pull Dever back to the 3rd line. Either/or. This allows for some depth coverage for injuries and allows for that flexibility needed over the course of a full season.

LOL I know OMG is going to go nuts BUT

I think this team, as it stands is good enough to stay status quo.

Here are the problems with everyone's thinking

Defence I can tell you that a few teams are looking for a top 4 RHD just look down Highway 15.

No one is going to trade us an 18-year-old LW or a center without it costing us big time. Unless we are willing to give up more than one player in a deal.

Right now due to injuries, we are at a skeleton lineup.

We can not afford to give up players and we sure as hell can not afford to give up high draft picks.

The only question is the one that OMG asked and that is what do they see for this year.

Next year Mississauga is going to be strong. Kingston should be stronger. So winning the division and conference is not a given.

I think that we have to be reasonable and realize that we do not have to be first every year just to get the playoff experience for our players. Most of these guys already have it.

Today's game is going to answer a few questions for us as to how good we are Kingson is not the cake walk that it was a month ago.