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

[NordiquesForeva]

Not the goaltending duel we were expecting eh? I wonder if Donoso’s relative trade value is continuing to increase in light of DiVincentiis’s recent struggles. OA vs 19 year old will play a big role obviously but Donoso’s string of strong performances in MacKenzie’s absence must have teams kicking the tires on him.

I suspect Smyth is being showcased. Sirman is returning soon (an assistant captain on the team with winger/D-man versatility) which makes things little crowded on the back end.

Gardiner and Pinelli are much more effective with Foster on their wing than with Dever. Another instance of the team’s poor centre depth weakening our top line (by forcing Foster into a centre role he’s not accustomed to playing).

Stonehouse was all over the ice today. Really strong effort and engagement from him.

I tend to give Mews a more positive view. He has a lot to work on obviously but is a critical piece for the 67s. 10 points in his last 5 games. I’m comfortable with him in our top 3 but the group really misses Marrelli. I think he’s our top dog on the back end.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

Hey 67's fans, going to make the trip up when Saginaw is there next month. I've been to the arena once previously. Just wanted to ask if anyone had any comments/thoughts on the "ICE" seating that is being offered - can't find any pictures/info on it. Is it worth the small upcharge for those seats? It says section 4.

If you’re coming all the way from Saginaw you may as well get seats in 19 or 20 with the best sight lines. General admission on the south side of the rink offers some good sight lines as well at the cheapest price (though no view of the big screen).

Not sure what the ICE tix are and there is no section 4 that I know of.

 

[OMG67]

If you’re coming all the way from Saginaw you may as well get seats in 19 or 20 with the best sight lines. General admission on the south side of the rink offers some good sight lines as well at the cheapest price (though no view of the big screen).

Not sure what the ICE tix are and there is no section 4 that I know of.

I wonder if the ICE tickets are the ones on the glass….

 

[BThumme]

I wonder if the ICE tickets are the ones on the glass….

They are.

 

[beastintheeast]

Can anyone not agree that It’s coming to the point where it’s how don’t you go for it? 2nd in the East & 4th overall. we will call it a month from the deadline I guess the last 12 games before the deadline will really tell the tape but this could quite possibly be a go for it season

This team is not a top tier team and would need more than a couple of OA players. It has no scroing and our defence is weak for a playoff run even if we got an oa d.

I think the best thing is to stay the way we are unless we can get a player for late round pick.

If we trade Donoso then we do nothve the goaltending.

Let's trade Stonehouse and Donoso look at what there is and make a small deal.

Let's just see where this team goes as is and build for 25-26

 

[OMG67]

This team is not a top tier team and would need more than a couple of OA players. It has no scroing and our defence is weak for a playoff run even if we got an oa d.

I think the best thing is to stay the way we are unless we can get a player for late round pick.

If we trade Donoso then we do nothve the goaltending.

Let's trade Stonehouse and Donoso look at what there is and make a small deal.

Let's just see where this team goes as is and build for 25-26

The reality is the team could go either way. The worst thing to do is status quo. Either buy a little or sell a little. See where the cards fall.

 

[NoQuit67s]

I could have been convinced to "go for it" this year had it not been been for the unexpected losses of Rohrer, Beck and the injury to Uronen. Thos three would have already provided the 67s with some good depth, and we could have added a few key other pieces. Too bad...

I am convinced that making moves to benefit next season will make us much more formidable next year than we could ever be this season. I put less importance on what other teams may or may not be next season, as compared to some of the opinions in previous posts regarding this discussion. We can only control what we control. We all know that age is really important in this league, and we are poised to have a core bunch of 05s (The heart of this current team) with really good 06s and a lot of viable overage options. next year. That team could be really experienced, and the average age much higher..k

Here are some of my thoughts pointing to next year, as the go-to season
- We could have the likely top goalie, Mackenzie as an OA
- We could re-address the import situation and get something of value there,
- Our 05s would be in their 19yo season (Pinelli, Foster, Dever, Barlas, Gardiner, Ewles). This is the heart of our team.
- Hank and Frank (18 yo season) will become dominant with another season (and playoffs) experience under their belt. They both will have like be drafted.
- MacKenzie, Gerroir, Mayich are likely our OAs; there still could be a small percentage chance Stoney returns too
- Whitehead, Brady, Dietsch are all good prospect, developing well; they would all be a year older next year
- Nelson is projecting to be a promising backup goalie

I think any move made this season should be done with the outlook that it will put the 67s in better position to "bulk up" next season

 

[OMG67]

I could have been convinced to "go for it" this year had it not been been for the unexpected losses of Rohrer, Beck and the injury to Uronen. Thos three would have already provided the 67s with some good depth, and we could have added a few key other pieces. Too bad...

I am convinced that making moves to benefit next season will make us much more formidable next year than we could ever be this season. I put less importance on what other teams may or may not be next season, as compared to some of the opinions in previous posts regarding this discussion. We can only control what we control. We all know that age is really important in this league, and we are poised to have a core bunch of 05s (The heart of this current team) with really good 06s and a lot of viable overage options. next year. That team could be really experienced, and the average age much higher..k

Here are some of my thoughts pointing to next year, as the go-to season
- We could have the likely top goalie, Mackenzie as an OA
- We could re-address the import situation and get something of value there,
- Our 05s would be in their 19yo season (Pinelli, Foster, Dever, Barlas, Gardiner, Ewles). This is the heart of our team.
- Hank and Frank (18 yo season) will become dominant with another season (and playoffs) experience under their belt. They both will have like be drafted.
- MacKenzie, Gerroir, Mayich are likely our OAs; there still could be a small percentage chance Stoney returns too
- Whitehead, Brady, Dietsch are all good prospect, developing well; they would all be a year older next year
- Nelson is projecting to be a promising backup goalie

I think any move made this season should be done with the outlook that it will put the 67s in better position to "bulk up" next season

That was my opinion heading into the season. I’d trade Stonehouse though. If it is about pushing next year you need the assets to push forward.

I still circle back to Mississauga. They return basically everyone. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. Sharpe(OA) is a D-Man they lose which will hurt but they will have an open OA spot next year available so they can roll that into that position easily. The assets they have in draft picks are gold as gold can be. They can buy anyone they want and outspend everyone without question. Their back end is big and mobile. Look what they are doing right now. Their centre depth is crazy. Ottawa? As of right now they will have Gardiner and Whitehead. That is the key position outside goaltending (which they currently sit in first this year). Leenders is very good but Ivankovic has been lights out as a 16 year old.

I would normally agree. But it would be irresponsible to not look at projections and adjust based on those projections.

I’m all good trading Stonehouse and Donoso, push assets forward and see what transpires next year. I have a sense of what it will look like but if I am right, there is nothing stopping the 67’s from pushing them forward another season to 25-26. So, I am 100% fine with your plan (except I trade Stonehouse). I Think with what you highlighted in regards to Beck, Rohrer and to a lessor extent, Uronen, the writing is on the wall. I don’t want to give up on this season but at the same time when the hockey Gods start rumbling against you, sometimes you should listen and ditch the “no quit” moniker.

 

[NoQuit67s]

That was my opinion heading into the season. I’d trade Stonehouse though. If it is about pushing next year you need the assets to push forward.

I still circle back to Mississauga. They return basically everyone. And when I say everyone, I mean everyone. Sharpe(OA) is a D-Man they lose which will hurt but they will have an open OA spot next year available so they can roll that into that position easily. The assets they have in draft picks are gold as gold can be. They can buy anyone they want and outspend everyone without question. Their back end is big and mobile. Look what they are doing right now. Their centre depth is crazy. Ottawa? As of right now they will have Gardiner and Whitehead. That is the key position outside goaltending (which they currently sit in first this year). Leenders is very good but Ivankovic has been lights out as a 16 year old.

I would normally agree. But it would be irresponsible to not look at projections and adjust based on those projections.

I’m all good trading Stonehouse and Donoso, push assets forward and see what transpires next year. I have a sense of what it will look like but if I am right, there is nothing stopping the 67’s from pushing them forward another season to 25-26. So, I am 100% fine with your plan (except I trade Stonehouse). I Think with what you highlighted in regards to Beck, Rohrer and to a lessor extent, Uronen, the writing is on the wall. I don’t want to give up on this season but at the same time when the hockey Gods start rumbling against you, sometimes you should listen and ditch the “no quit” moniker.

Totally agree.
You are much better at suggesting potential trades and evaluating what other teams may look like and what moves they may make.

My general opinion is that whatever moves they (67s) make (or not make) this year, should be with the goal of having the ability to make a strong push for the championship next season and adding assets or player or both to do so.

You know I would hate to see Stoney or Gerroir go, but if it helps us next season, so be it...

 

[NoQuit67s]

BTW, what the heck is happening in Peterborough?

 

[OMG67]

Totally agree.
You are much better at suggesting potential trades and evaluating what other teams may look like and what moves they may make.

My general opinion is that whatever moves they (67s) make (or not make) this year, should be with the goal of having the ability to make a strong push for the championship next season and adding assets or player or both to do so.

You know I would hate to see Stoney or Gerroir go, but if it helps us next season, so be it...

It is more about managing assets. It isn’t always about making a buy or sell decision. Status Quo is an option for some teams in certain situations. For example, Missy could take a status quo stance this year because they truly only loose Sharpe. One graduate. Everyone else of any value returns.

Ottawa is in a situation where they have four potential OA’s next year. One has signed his Entry Level contract (Stonehouse). So, he is likely to graduate, or at least is much more highly likely than the other three. We are also confident the other three will return for an OA season. So, we have an expiring asset in a season we are decidedly not a contender. That asset may have significant value on the trade market. That player may be worth more to Ottawa as the pieces returned in a trade. So, if they are a team that engages in significant buys when they are in position, it only makes sense to also be the team that sells when in the opposite situation.

Ottawa could cut deeper but I imagine that the other players they have graduating aren’t worth enough on the open market to trade them. They are worth more as 67’s on the ice than in the trade market. Some players like Smyth and Sirman may return to the league as OA’s. The 67’s still retain their rights so those guys could still be traded next offseason. It is possible that if we trade them now or next offseason, the asset return is equal or at least close to equal. If one of them becomes invaluable with their play the remainder of this season, their value could increase. Who knows. So, jsut because we have expiring assets, if they project to return as OA’s, there is no need to trade them if the return is relatively weak.

So, all this to say that there are a lot of decisions than need to be made. First, are they going to try to compete. IF so, who do they target. If not, who do they trade and for what?

BTW, what the heck is happening in Peterborough?

Petes had a hot start. They are experiencing what everyone in the league was waiting for the 67’s to do last year, cool off. The Petes weren’t expected to lead the division. Most had them close to out of th playoffs With a second half post Beck-Trade as being pretty weak. So, this isn’t something unexpected when you look at their last two weeks. They did have me fooled though. I thought maybe they would keep this up until the deadline but it looks more like they are cooling off. Too many players punching way above their weight compared to past performance. I’m not writing them off jsut yet but I have a feeling they will start to sink a bit now.

 

[beastintheeast]

BTW, what the heck is happening in Peterborough?

The million dollar question. I don't think even mgmt knows

 

[beastintheeast]

It is more about managing assets. It isn’t always about making a buy or sell decision. Status Quo is an option for some teams in certain situations. For example, Missy could take a status quo stance this year because they truly only loose Sharpe. One graduate. Everyone else of any value returns.

Ottawa is in a situation where they have four potential OA’s next year. One has signed his Entry Level contract (Stonehouse). So, he is likely to graduate, or at least is much more highly likely than the other three. We are also confident the other three will return for an OA season. So, we have an expiring asset in a season we are decidedly not a contender. That asset may have significant value on the trade market. That player may be worth more to Ottawa as the pieces returned in a trade. So, if they are a team that engages in significant buys when they are in position, it only makes sense to also be the team that sells when in the opposite situation.

Ottawa could cut deeper but I imagine that the other players they have graduating aren’t worth enough on the open market to trade them. They are worth more as 67’s on the ice than in the trade market. Some players like Smyth and Sirman may return to the league as OA’s. The 67’s still retain their rights so those guys could still be traded next offseason. It is possible that if we trade them now or next offseason, the asset return is equal or at least close to equal. If one of them becomes invaluable with their play the remainder of this season, their value could increase. Who knows. So, jsut because we have expiring assets, if they project to return as OA’s, there is no need to trade them if the return is relatively weak.

So, all this to say that there are a lot of decisions than need to be made. First, are they going to try to compete. IF so, who do they target. If not, who do they trade and for what?



Petes had a hot start. They are experiencing what everyone in the league was waiting for the 67’s to do last year, cool off. The Petes weren’t expected to lead the division. Most had them close to out of th playoffs With a second half post Beck-Trade as being pretty weak. So, this isn’t something unexpected when you look at their last two weeks. They did have me fooled though. I thought maybe they would keep this up until the deadline but it looks more like they are cooling off. Too many players punching way above their weight compared to past performance. I’m not writing them off jsut yet but I have a feeling they will start to sink a bit now.

We should be looking 2 years down the road. Barrie andiss will be strong next year we will still be missing parts.

As to trades donoso to Kingston looks good to me. Pick up a draft pick and the goalie they got earlier this year.

Stonehouse will get us picks and should go but I would want picks we can use this spring.

If we can get an oa for a couple of late round picks be it defensive or center fine if not stay with what we have

 

[OMG67]

We should be looking 2 years down the road. Barrie andiss will be strong next year we will still be missing parts.

As to trades donoso to Kingston looks good to me. Pick up a draft pick and the goalie they got earlier this year.

Stonehouse will get us picks and should go but I would want picks we can use this spring.

If we can get an oa for a couple of late round picks be it defensive or center fine if not stay with what we have

We have two 1st, one 2nd, three 3rds in the next draft. I don’t think the priority should be on this draft, especially considering how many returning players we have and the 16 year olds we need to make room for on the roster next year (Yanni, Dietsch, and Nelson). We have some pick gaps in 2025 and 2026.

I agree the 25-26 season should be in focus but the challenge is it is two seasons from now so it is tough to truly circle that with so many variables between now and then. The picks this coming spring will also only be 17 that season. Who knows how good those players will be.

Someone on another thread had mentioned if you think you can be competitive now, make the run. You never know how the future unfolds. Although I agree with that statement, I also have conflicting viewpoints with that as well. I think if management focuses on a very specific season, two years of moves all aligned to that can make a difference if you are committed to it.

I think Stonehouse is a wildcard at this deadline. I don’t think there is another player in the league like him. A 30+ goal scorer that agitates the oppositions and draws penalties? Who knows what that type of player is actually worth? I don’t know. In a normal season, his value jsut on the goals scored is probably two 2nds and two 3rds. When you add the other attributes, what does that end up as a value? There aren’t a lot of comparables for players like him.

I don‘t care about the return for Donoso. I want to see him go somewhere he can play. I think he is owed that opportunity.

The million dollar question. I don't think even mgmt knows

After these last two weekends, if they don’t know, they are finding out pretty quick.

 

[AGranderson]

I have been told that Ottawa will look to improve & not make any sell off moves. In fact phones have been active & trying to improve this roster ASAP rather than wait for the deadline

 

[sirius67fan]

We have two 1st, one 2nd, three 3rds in the next draft. I don’t think the priority should be on this draft, especially considering how many returning players we have and the 16 year olds we need to make room for on the roster next year (Yanni, Dietsch, and Nelson). We have some pick gaps in 2025 and 2026.

I agree the 25-26 season should be in focus but the challenge is it is two seasons from now so it is tough to truly circle that with so many variables between now and then. The picks this coming spring will also only be 17 that season. Who knows how good those players will be.

Someone on another thread had mentioned if you think you can be competitive now, make the run. You never know how the future unfolds. Although I agree with that statement, I also have conflicting viewpoints with that as well. I think if management focuses on a very specific season, two years of moves all aligned to that can make a difference if you are committed to it.

I think Stonehouse is a wildcard at this deadline. I don’t think there is another player in the league like him. A 30+ goal scorer that agitates the oppositions and draws penalties? Who knows what that type of player is actually worth? I don’t know. In a normal season, his value jsut on the goals scored is probably two 2nds and two 3rds. When you add the other attributes, what does that end up as a value? There aren’t a lot of comparables for players like him.

I don‘t care about the return for Donoso. I want to see him go somewhere he can play. I think he is owed that opportunity.



After these last two weekends, if they don’t know, they are finding out pretty quick.

I don't get at all the rational about 25/26 being a go for it season. One we'll have an 18 y.o. starting goalie ( Nelson) who is quantity unknown at this point. Two we lose from next years' projectec roster Mayich/Gerrior/ Mac as oa's. Then Pinelli, Foster and Gardiner are almost certainly gone the way they are progressing. Leavez us with Dever/ Barlas/Ewles/Horner as OA candidates. Not bad but not great imo. I know Mews/Marelli should be dominant and Whitehead should be a #1 center by then but way too many holes to fill unless we're serious sellers the next two years. I still think next year is the year or I can get on board with this year if we add a center, atop four D and a middle six forward. Two years from now don't see it and as you mention too many variables that far in the future.

I have been told that Ottawa will look to improve & not make any sell off moves. In fact phones have been active & trying to improve this roster ASAP rather than wait for the deadline

Very interesting. I guess the question is do they just go half assed or do they really go for it. I hope it's the latter.

 

[dirty12]

We have two 1st, one 2nd, three 3rds in the next draft. I don’t think the priority should be on this draft, especially considering how many returning players we have and the 16 year olds we need to make room for on the roster next year (Yanni, Dietsch, and Nelson). We have some pick gaps in 2025 and 2026.

I agree the 25-26 season should be in focus but the challenge is it is two seasons from now so it is tough to truly circle that with so many variables between now and then. The picks this coming spring will also only be 17 that season. Who knows how good those players will be.

Someone on another thread had mentioned if you think you can be competitive now, make the run. You never know how the future unfolds. Although I agree with that statement, I also have conflicting viewpoints with that as well. I think if management focuses on a very specific season, two years of moves all aligned to that can make a difference if you are committed to it.

I think Stonehouse is a wildcard at this deadline. I don’t think there is another player in the league like him. A 30+ goal scorer that agitates the oppositions and draws penalties? Who knows what that type of player is actually worth? I don’t know. In a normal season, his value jsut on the goals scored is probably two 2nds and two 3rds. When you add the other attributes, what does that end up as a value? There aren’t a lot of comparables for players like him.

I don‘t care about the return for Donoso. I want to see him go somewhere he can play. I think he is owed that opportunity.



After these last two weekends, if they don’t know, they are finding out pretty quick.

The Petes (Oke) is all-in on the idea of all-in with one draft class. I really believe he struggles with forgoing current value of McCoy and Meele vs their value to the team next season.

 

[dirty12]

I don't get at all the rational about 25/26 being a go for it season. One we'll have an 18 y.o. starting goalie ( Nelson) who is quantity unknown at this point. Two we lose from next years' projectec roster Mayich/Gerrior/ Mac as oa's. Then Pinelli, Foster and Gardiner are almost certainly gone the way they are progressing. Leavez us with Dever/ Barlas/Ewles/Horner as OA candidates. Not bad but not great imo. I know Mews/Marelli should be dominant and Whitehead should be a #1 center by then but way too many holes to fill unless we're serious sellers the next two years. I still think next year is the year or I can get on board with this year if we add a center, atop four D and a middle six forward. Two years from now don't see it and as you mention too many variables that far in the future.


Very interesting. I guess the question is do they just go half assed or do they really go for it. I hope it's the latter.

You are aware that Kingston has 7-2005 born selected by round four and an ‘05 import? They might have as many as 11 legitimate OHL players born that year.

Cameron as coach might be the only thing that separates Oshawa and Hamilton and Ottawa next season.
There is little the east division can do to prevent the ‘67s from being on top if they choose to be this season.

 

[beastintheeast]

I agree

We have two 1st, one 2nd, three 3rds in the next draft. I don’t think the priority should be on this draft, especially considering how many returning players we have and the 16 year olds we need to make room for on the roster next year (Yanni, Dietsch, and Nelson). We have some pick gaps in 2025 and 2026.

I agree the 25-26 season should be in focus but the challenge is it is two seasons from now so it is tough to truly circle that with so many variables between now and then. The picks this coming spring will also only be 17 that season. Who knows how good those players will be.

Someone on another thread had mentioned if you think you can be competitive now, make the run. You never know how the future unfolds. Although I agree with that statement, I also have conflicting viewpoints with that as well. I think if management focuses on a very specific season, two years of moves all aligned to that can make a difference if you are committed to it.

I think Stonehouse is a wildcard at this deadline. I don’t think there is another player in the league like him. A 30+ goal scorer that agitates the oppositions and draws penalties? Who knows what that type of player is actually worth? I don’t know. In a normal season, his value jsut on the goals scored is probably two 2nds and two 3rds. When you add the other attributes, what does that end up as a value? There aren’t a lot of comparables for players like him.

I don‘t care about the return for Donoso. I want to see him go somewhere he can play. I think he is owed that opportunity.



After these last two weekends, if they don’t know, they are finding out pretty quick.

I agree the question though is what is out there and at what cost.

Are we going to get anything that will help us this year or next?

There is just so much unknown this year. I really do not see any sellers in the east other than maybe NB

The West is going to have a lot of buyers but they are going to be buying players and trading draft picks,

The one thing I think that could be made and might make sense is Stonehouse and 3rd round pick for a player and picks in 25.

I agree if we are not going for it Donoso should be traded. The Kingston thought was that they have a goalie that they got for nothing and sent to the OJHL so really there is no cost to them.

I think the challenge is going to be who wants it.
If Kingston is going for it you might see an opening there but except for Sudbuty who will be going after the top players I don't see a lot of buying.

 

[dirty12]

I agree

I agree the question though is what is out there and at what cost.

Are we going to get anything that will help us this year or next?

There is just so much unknown this year. I really do not see any sellers in the east other than maybe NB

The West is going to have a lot of buyers but they are going to be buying players and trading draft picks,

The one thing I think that could be made and might make sense is Stonehouse and 3rd round pick for a player and picks in 25.

I agree if we are not going for it Donoso should be traded. The Kingston thought was that they have a goalie that they got for nothing and sent to the OJHL so really there is no cost to them.

I think the challenge is going to be who wants it.
If Kingston is going for it you might see an opening there but except for Sudbuty who will be going after the top players I don't see a lot of buying.

The Petes are sellers period

Kingston is ~0.480 and loaded for next season while NB is ~0.580 with arguably the best group of 2003-04 born in the conference even though DiVincentiis is barely performing at replacement level. And make no mistake, Romani could very well be the best goal scorer in the league.
Explain the rationale of NB as sellers and Kingston as buyers

 

[OMG67]

I don't get at all the rational about 25/26 being a go for it season. One we'll have an 18 y.o. starting goalie ( Nelson) who is quantity unknown at this point. Two we lose from next years' projectec roster Mayich/Gerrior/ Mac as oa's. Then Pinelli, Foster and Gardiner are almost certainly gone the way they are progressing. Leavez us with Dever/ Barlas/Ewles/Horner as OA candidates. Not bad but not great imo. I know Mews/Marelli should be dominant and Whitehead should be a #1 center by then but way too many holes to fill unless we're serious sellers the next two years. I still think next year is the year or I can get on board with this year if we add a center, atop four D and a middle six forward. Two years from now don't see it and as you mention too many variables that far in the future.


Very interesting. I guess the question is do they just go half assed or do they really go for it. I hope it's the latter.

Don’t get it twisted. There isn‘t a rationale about making 25-26 “the year.” As I mentioned, that is a wide gap. However, if they decided to make a push for that season, yes, they would need to engineer it. It would come down to how they manage assets and bulk up their ‘06 group through trades. It can be done for sure but there are so many variables in play two years out that it is really hard to get there, especially after having our 1st round ‘07 defect.

I have almost zero faith in next season. We don‘t stack up on paper. We can make a run this year and then sell off some of those assets next year to recoup. Then the focus would be on 26-27 the next time the Memorial Cup is in Ontario.

 

[OMG67]

I have been told that Ottawa will look to improve & not make any sell off moves. In fact phones have been active & trying to improve this roster ASAP rather than wait for the deadline

If Ottawa is trying to improve, which I have no reason to think otherwise, especially with an open OA spot available to be filled, I think it all comes down to how committed they are to making a run vs being competitive. I don’t think this management team will truly try to make a run. I think they will nibble at the fringes, fill the open OA spot, maybe trade Donoso and open up a second OA spot to fill and that is pretty much about it. I don’t see them making a splash.

 

[RangerNation]

Don’t get it twisted. There isn‘t a rationale about making 25-26 “the year.” As I mentioned, that is a wide gap. However, if they decided to make a push for that season, yes, they would need to engineer it. It would come down to how they manage assets and bulk up their ‘06 group through trades. It can be done for sure but there are so many variables in play two years out that it is really hard to get there, especially after having our 1st round ‘07 defect.

I have almost zero faith in next season. We don‘t stack up on paper. We can make a run this year and then sell off some of those assets next year to recoup. Then the focus would be on 26-27 the next time the Memorial Cup is in Ontario.

And if Kitchener is serious about hosting in '27, that's an important year for the East.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

If the 67s were to make a push this year (which I think they should), I really hope Boyd learned some lessons from last season's playoffs and prioritizes size and physicality when filling he open OA spots and any other needs.

A centre is a must-have to right-size the lineup and get everyone into their proper positions and roles. We're constantly needing to move wingers into the centre position and its just not optimal from any perspective (first Pinelli, then Barlas, now Foster). A better centre, with all due respect to Lawrence, would get more of out of Stonehouse too. Acquiring a good top-6 centre would be a big win.

In addition to a centre of some sort (call him an OA), Ottawa (almost desperately) needs a power forward type winger than can add some size and nastiness to the top-6. Pinelli has a good amount of push back, Stonehouse too, but neither player is what you would call intimidating and I find Ottawa is on the losing side of physical play almost every game. Doesn't necessarily need to be a Boucher-level presence, just someone that can clear some space for Gardiner/Pinelli/Stonehouse to operate, bump guys like Dever down to the bottom-6, finish offensively, and stick up for his teammates.

I'm interested to see what Cameron does with Sirman when he returns. I think Smyth is being showcased, which makes sense if the plan is for Sirman to play defense upon his return. Smyth is a good player/teammate but won't garner a whole lot in a trade - maybe a later round draft pick. Even with a healthy Sirman (and no Smyth), the defense still requires an upgrade in the top-4. Ewles gets absolutely rocked at least once a period and having a more experienced d-man back there would take some pressure off him to play top-4 minutes, as imo he's just not there yet.

I would have to imagine that Donoso has increased his relative trade value over the past few weeks. Big credit to him. If he's traded, as we all expect him to be, that'll open up another OA spot for us. MacKenzie will keep this team in every game and it feels like the right season to make a push. The competitive environment next season is shaping up to be unfavourable for Ottawa.

A rebuild/retool would be very quick with some subset of Pinelli, Gardiner, Foster, Mayich, Gerrior, and maybe even MacKenzie potentially being put on the market at some point next year.

 

[sirius67fan]

Don’t get it twisted. There isn‘t a rationale about making 25-26 “the year.” As I mentioned, that is a wide gap. However, if they decided to make a push for that season, yes, they would need to engineer it. It would come down to how they manage assets and bulk up their ‘06 group through trades. It can be done for sure but there are so many variables in play two years out that it is really hard to get there, especially after having our 1st round ‘07 defect.

I have almost zero faith in next season. We don‘t stack up on paper. We can make a run this year and then sell off some of those assets next year to recoup. Then the focus would be on 26-27 the next time the Memorial Cup is in Ontario.

Oups reread your post thought you said " the focus" not in focus. Did find it an odd post coming from you