Ottawa 67s 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[Fawlty]

I agree

Gerrior is on a bit of a tear at the moment and on pace for his best season in goals scored. I wouldn't want to see him go either but he is growing in value. His value to the 67's may outweigh his value as a trade asset however.

 

[OMG67]

I know we've been talking about Stoney being the OA on the trade block but the way Gerrior is playing starting to think he may have better value...not that I want him traded.

I don’t agree. He isn’t the type of player that would garner top 6 minutes on a contender and that drop in opportunity, especially PP minutes would significantly affect his production.

Again, another player worth more to the 67’s than his trade value. Perfect example. He’s in the same boat as Dever and potentially Foster.

 

[sirius67fan]

I don’t agree. He isn’t the type of player that would garner top 6 minutes on a contender and that drop in opportunity, especially PP minutes would significantly affect his production.

Again, another player worth more to the 67’s than his trade value. Perfect example. He’s in the same boat as Dever and potentially Foster.

Agreed however Boyd needs to unload somebody and it can be argued that all three OA skaters are worth more to the poles than their trade value but....somebody has to go.

 

[BarberPole9]

Agreed however Boyd needs to unload somebody and it can be argued that all three OA skaters are worth more to the poles than their trade value but....somebody has to go.

What makes you think that it has to be one of the three skaters? Nelson is outdoing Mackenzie right now in Wins, GAA and Save Percentage.

This looks to be a pure sellers market. The 67’s are now six points ahead of North Bay. Ottawa has four more games against the Petes compared to NB with one more. They aren’t likely staying ahead of a loading up Brampton Steelhead squad, nor Brantford. Whether they sell or not, we are likely looking at the 8th place Eastern Conference team.

If they can get a big return for all of Pinelli, Foster, Mayich, Dever and even Mews they can be set up for a huge run in the 2026-28 seasons hopefully coinciding with the new arena.

 

[OMG67]

What makes you think that it has to be one of the three skaters? Nelson is outdoing Mackenzie right now in Wins, GAA and Save Percentage.

This looks to be a pure sellers market. The 67’s are now six points ahead of North Bay. Ottawa has four more games against the Petes compared to NB with one more. They aren’t likely staying ahead of a loading up Brampton Steelhead squad, nor Brantford. Whether they sell or not, we are likely looking at the 8th place Eastern Conference team.

If they can get a big return for all of Pinelli, Foster, Mayich, Dever and even Mews they can be set up for a huge run in the 2026-28 seasons hopefully coinciding with the new arena.

We will see how everything shakes down but North Bay has played virtually the entire season without Romani. I am not sure what his trade value is at this point but there is a possibility he does not get traded because of his potential for return next year as an OA. If he returns for the 2nd half and sticks with North Bay, that will give them a boost. VanSteensel may also stay because the OA market is depressed. I doubt the Leblanc twins go anywhere either. I think North bay has a very strong chance of passing Ottawa in that scenario. If Ottawa moves more than Pinelli, I think it could be Ottawa missing the playoffs in 9th with a relatively respectable record. That gives Ottawa a lottery pick. They could actually pick 1st!

I am not a fan of tanking to miss the playoffs but I don’t think we need to tank to do it. I think we could finish with 60 points and miss the playoffs. That makes the playoffs a lot of the time. We wouldn’t be starting from a tank position next season. I am not saying we’d be a contender but let’s be real. Getting a top 12 Import pick, a top 4 OHL Draft pick, a top 4 U-18 Draft pick, the possibility of signing a couple NCAA bound players…. The future could look very bright, very quick.

Parker Vaughn is exactly what this team needs. A Bigger body RW that controls the boards, can shoot the puck and plays responsible defence. You put him on a line with Amidovski on the left side and a playmaker like Whitehead between them and you have the makings of a VERY good line that could play three seasons together AFTER this season (Whitehead as an OA). There really is a lot to like about where this team could be headed if Boyd gets this deadline right.

 

[dirty12]

We will see how everything shakes down but North Bay has played virtually the entire season without Romani. I am not sure what his trade value is at this point but there is a possibility he does not get traded because of his potential for return next year as an OA. If he returns for the 2nd half and sticks with North Bay, that will give them a boost. VanSteensel may also stay because the OA market is depressed. I doubt the Leblanc twins go anywhere either. I think North bay has a very strong chance of passing Ottawa in that scenario. If Ottawa moves more than Pinelli, I think it could be Ottawa missing the playoffs in 9th with a relatively respectable record. That gives Ottawa a lottery pick. They could actually pick 1st!

I am not a fan of tanking to miss the playoffs but I don’t think we need to tank to do it. I think we could finish with 60 points and miss the playoffs. That makes the playoffs a lot of the time. We wouldn’t be starting from a tank position next season. I am not saying we’d be a contender but let’s be real. Getting a top 12 Import pick, a top 4 OHL Draft pick, a top 4 U-18 Draft pick, the possibility of signing a couple NCAA bound players…. The future could look very bright, very quick.

Parker Vaughn is exactly what this team needs. A Bigger body RW that controls the boards, can shoot the puck and plays responsible defence. You put him on a line with Amidovski on the left side and a playmaker like Whitehead between them and you have the makings of a VERY good line that could play three seasons together AFTER this season (Whitehead as an OA). There really is a lot to like about where this team could be headed if Boyd gets this deadline right.

Pazii and Romani should both return soon for NB. But it just might turn into a race for the final lottery ticket if suggested prices for players hold. Sudbury could potentially move DeAngelis & McCoy; and though I doubted it earlier, NB may not be able to resist cashing in on Ride & Kennedy and take their chances in the off-season with available OAs. The battalion have too many players, something has to give.

 

[sirius67fan]

What makes you think that it has to be one of the three skaters? Nelson is outdoing Mackenzie right now in Wins, GAA and Save Percentage.

This looks to be a pure sellers market. The 67’s are now six points ahead of North Bay. Ottawa has four more games against the Petes compared to NB with one more. They aren’t likely staying ahead of a loading up Brampton Steelhead squad, nor Brantford. Whether they sell or not, we are likely looking at the 8th place Eastern Conference team.

If they can get a big return for all of Pinelli, Foster, Mayich, Dever and even Mews they can be set up for a huge run in the 2026-28 seasons hopefully coinciding with the new arena.

Ideally we could trade Mac but I don't see a market for OA goalies ( and his performance hasn't helped) so I believe a skater is gonna go and we have a better chance at a good return.

 

[sirius67fan]

What makes you think that it has to be one of the three skaters? Nelson is outdoing Mackenzie right now in Wins, GAA and Save Percentage.

This looks to be a pure sellers market. The 67’s are now six points ahead of North Bay. Ottawa has four more games against the Petes compared to NB with one more. They aren’t likely staying ahead of a loading up Brampton Steelhead squad, nor Brantford. Whether they sell or not, we are likely looking at the 8th place Eastern Conference team.

If they can get a big return for all of Pinelli, Foster, Mayich, Dever and even Mews they can be set up for a huge run in the 2026-28 seasons hopefully coinciding with the new arena.

I doubt they sell the farm as you suggest although it's not a bad idea from an asset perspective only. Three issues with this direction
1- it's not Boyd's philosophy of staying competitive that he's stated often
2- it would be bad for our young players development getting smoked and overwhelmed in the second half
3- if we trade all of them we will literally lack numbers

I see Pinelli and one OA go( Stoney or Gerrior) only. Maybe a second OA like Mayich ( for a team looking to upgrade their OA d) with an OA coming back to us. You can trade Mews next year. Same with Foster/Dever as returns for OA's might be better next year imo.

 

[OMG67]

I doubt they sell the farm as you suggest although it's not a bad idea from an asset perspective only. Three issues with this direction
1- it's not Boyd's philosophy of staying competitive that he's stated often
2- it would be bad for our young players development getting smoked and overwhelmed in the second half
3- if we trade all of them we will literally lack numbers

I see Pinelli and one OA go( Stoney or Gerrior) only. Maybe a second OA like Mayich ( for a team looking to upgrade their OA d) with an OA coming back to us. You can trade Mews next year. Same with Foster/Dever as returns for OA's might be better next year imo.

I think you are taking what Boyd says a little too literal. When he says he wants to be competitive every year it doesn’t mean at any cost. I think his boundaries are tighter than most but at the end of the day, he understands the cycle and where possible, he will try to avoid the high variance results of the cycle but not at all costs.

I agree that it is unlikely he will set this team up to bottom out this year but he also needs to balance that against the rewards. We have a lot of quality returning players next year plus an opportunity to pick early in each of the three drafts. On top of that, there is the opportunity to get some NCAA bound players signed where possible.

Looking at the schedule, the 67’s only need a backup goalie to start games five times after the deadline. And, really, considering we won’t have a playoff or at least not a long one, Nelson can play all games except the three in three’s and we don’t have any of those after the deadline. IMO, there is no reason to keep MacKenzie now if they are not able to get a return for any of the skaters that makes sense. And, I am saying that as one of the biggest rMacKenzie supporters. He has not performed in a manner that warrants an OA slot on him. In fact, even if we were able to trade one or two of the skaters for a decent return, I would still release MacKenzie and pick up guys like Lefebvre on waivers and fill my OA slots with skaters.

I wouldn’t even worry about a backup at this point. Let a few of the younger guys get a start against a weaker team. If we get rolled then so be it. I’d prefer to go get a decent backup but not if the cost is more than a 5th round pick and even that is high for five games. A 9th would be more suitable really.

Unless they can package Foster and Mayich for a an ‘08, I wouldn’t likely move either of them. Maybe if Foster garners 2x 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, I could see those four picks maybe making a difference for Boyd but less than that isn’t worth it. We’d have to pay a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th to replace him if we need a decent OA next year to replace him. Why bother? And, as you said, if we are selling again, maybe we get a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th for him next year at the deadline. I think you and I are on the same page in that regard.

We could see deep cuts with all of Pinelli, Foster, and Mews moved at the deadline but I think that is unlikely. I am not sure there is a market for Mews that makes sense for Ottawa. The four teams with available ‘08s that are also contenders aren’t really looking for a Mews type player. Maybe if Sudbury ended up as a buyer, they might move Blonda in a Mews deal but would Mews go to Sudbury? Brantford has been a. Team I thought would make a push for Mews as a two year player but Hamara and Jiricek landed in their laps so I am not sure they will prioritize defence. Maybe Erie is more open with Schaefer out the remainder of the regular season but he should be back a bit before the playoffs start so they likely don’t have an appetite for Mews.

My sense is only Pinelli moves. Mack gets released and Maybe Foster and MAyich are moved if the deal is an overpay.

 

[BarberPole9]

I think you are taking what Boyd says a little too literal. When he says he wants to be competitive every year it doesn’t mean at any cost. I think his boundaries are tighter than most but at the end of the day, he understands the cycle and where possible, he will try to avoid the high variance results of the cycle but not at all costs.

I agree that it is unlikely he will set this team up to bottom out this year but he also needs to balance that against the rewards. We have a lot of quality returning players next year plus an opportunity to pick early in each of the three drafts. On top of that, there is the opportunity to get some NCAA bound players signed where possible.

Looking at the schedule, the 67’s only need a backup goalie to start games five times after the deadline. And, really, considering we won’t have a playoff or at least not a long one, Nelson can play all games except the three in three’s and we don’t have any of those after the deadline. IMO, there is no reason to keep MacKenzie now if they are not able to get a return for any of the skaters that makes sense. And, I am saying that as one of the biggest rMacKenzie supporters. He has not performed in a manner that warrants an OA slot on him. In fact, even if we were able to trade one or two of the skaters for a decent return, I would still release MacKenzie and pick up guys like Lefebvre on waivers and fill my OA slots with skaters.

I wouldn’t even worry about a backup at this point. Let a few of the younger guys get a start against a weaker team. If we get rolled then so be it. I’d prefer to go get a decent backup but not if the cost is more than a 5th round pick and even that is high for five games. A 9th would be more suitable really.

Unless they can package Foster and Mayich for a an ‘08, I wouldn’t likely move either of them. Maybe if Foster garners 2x 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, I could see those four picks maybe making a difference for Boyd but less than that isn’t worth it. We’d have to pay a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th to replace him if we need a decent OA next year to replace him. Why bother? And, as you said, if we are selling again, maybe we get a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th for him next year at the deadline. I think you and I are on the same page in that regard.

We could see deep cuts with all of Pinelli, Foster, and Mews moved at the deadline but I think that is unlikely. I am not sure there is a market for Mews that makes sense for Ottawa. The four teams with available ‘08s that are also contenders aren’t really looking for a Mews type player. Maybe if Sudbury ended up as a buyer, they might move Blonda in a Mews deal but would Mews go to Sudbury? Brantford has been a. Team I thought would make a push for Mews as a two year player but Hamara and Jiricek landed in their laps so I am not sure they will prioritize defence. Maybe Erie is more open with Schaefer out the remainder of the regular season but he should be back a bit before the playoffs start so they likely don’t have an appetite for Mews.

My sense is only Pinelli moves. Mack gets released and Maybe Foster and MAyich are moved if the deal is an overpay.

I expect at least three players to be dealt. Dever and Barlas could be good third line players on a contender as well.

There just aren’t many sellers and the 67’s could reload their draft cupboard for the next four years with aggressive moves.

With NB trailing us by six points, with a harder remaining schedule, shouldn’t be a threat to take the 8th seed. Additionally, they are the other likely seller in the East and likely to move Romani and others. If Ottawa holds their players or makes several deals, their future is almost certainly 8th and a quick exit from the playoffs. Why not take advantage of the market?

 

[OMG67]

I expect at least three players to be dealt. Dever and Barlas could be good third line players on a contender as well.

There just aren’t many sellers and the 67’s could reload their draft cupboard for the next four years with aggressive moves.

With NB trailing us by six points, with a harder remaining schedule, shouldn’t be a threat to take the 8th seed. Additionally, they are the other likely seller in the East and likely to move Romani and others. If Ottawa holds their players or makes several deals, their future is almost certainly 8th and a quick exit from the playoffs. Why not take advantage of the market?

Hypothetically speaking, you may be correct. But, what is the trade value of Dever? Can we get a 2nd and 3rd for Dever? I am not sure we can. I don’t think he has that level of value, even in a buyers market. If he is worth a 3rd and 4th, I wouldn’t move him because he is worth more to Ottawa for 1.5 more seasons. Same goes for Barlas.

Romani missed the entire playoffs last year (played 3 games). He has missed almost the entire year this season. I am not certain his value is high. Additionally, with him missing so much time, it opens the door for an OA season next year. NB may very well keep him. Additionally, they are six points back and haven’t had Romani this year. They’ve also already traded Wakely. Even if they trade Romani, it is inconsequential to them. They haven’t had him in the lineup anyway. Conversely, Ottawa trades Pinelli and it has an impact because Pinelli has heavily contributed to close to half of Ottawa’s goals while in the lineup.

I think no matter what NB does, they will stay around .500 give or take. If they get Romani back and don’t trade him, they will get an offensive boost. Who knows how far Ottawa could drop in the 2nd half even only trading Pinelli and releasing MacK. And, Ottawa has been relatively injury free. Korbler has been the only player to miss significant time. Of course Stonehouse missed a good chunk of the beginning of the season but we are rotating OA’s so that really doesn’t count. Either he is out or someone else is out.

24 of the next 34 games Ottawa has will be against teams in and around .550 or above (5th/6th place). We don’t have a lot of games vs the weaker teams. Our next seven games are tough. However, I agree that Ottawa may need to move more than Pinelli to drop to 9th and a lot of that will depend on how Deep NB cuts, or if they cut at all since they already moved Wakely and Mathurin.

 

[BarberPole9]

Hypothetically speaking, you may be correct. But, what is the trade value of Dever? Can we get a 2nd and 3rd for Dever? I am not sure we can. I don’t think he has that level of value, even in a buyers market. If he is worth a 3rd and 4th, I wouldn’t move him because he is worth more to Ottawa for 1.5 more seasons. Same goes for Barlas.

Romani missed the entire playoffs last year (played 3 games). He has missed almost the entire year this season. I am not certain his value is high. Additionally, with him missing so much time, it opens the door for an OA season next year. NB may very well keep him. Additionally, they are six points back and haven’t had Romani this year. They’ve also already traded Wakely. Even if they trade Romani, it is inconsequential to them. They haven’t had him in the lineup anyway. Conversely, Ottawa trades Pinelli and it has an impact because Pinelli has heavily contributed to close to half of Ottawa’s goals while in the lineup.

I think no matter what NB does, they will stay around .500 give or take. If they get Romani back and don’t trade him, they will get an offensive boost. Who knows how far Ottawa could drop in the 2nd half even only trading Pinelli and releasing MacK. And, Ottawa has been relatively injury free. Korbler has been the only player to miss significant time. Of course Stonehouse missed a good chunk of the beginning of the season but we are rotating OA’s so that really doesn’t count. Either he is out or someone else is out.

24 of the next 34 games Ottawa has will be against teams in and around .550 or above (5th/6th place). We don’t have a lot of games vs the weaker teams. Our next seven games are tough. However, I agree that Ottawa may need to move more than Pinelli to drop to 9th and a lot of that will depend on how Deep NB cuts, or if they cut at all since they already moved Wakely and Mathurin.

North Bay doesn’t have a 2nd round pick in any of 2026, 2027 and 2028. I’d be shocked to see their very astute GM not make deals.

It makes NO sense for Ottawa to return all of Barlas, Dever and Foster next year. At least one OA next year has to be a defenceman based on their roster construction. When looking at the potential Vandenberg and Krawczyk additions, they need room up front.

Keep in mind that Ottawa may receive players back in these deals. If they get Parker Vaughan, he may play 3rd line in the second half as the 5th overall pick. It won’t be a pure net subtraction scenario.

 

[OMG67]

North Bay doesn’t have a 2nd round pick in any of 2026, 2027 and 2028. I’d be shocked to see their very astute GM not make deals.

It makes NO sense for Ottawa to return all of Barlas, Dever and Foster next year. At least one OA next year has to be a defenceman based on their roster construction. When looking at the potential Vandenberg and Krawczyk additions, they need room up front.

Keep in mind that Ottawa may receive players back in these deals. If they get Parker Vaughan, he may play 3rd line in the second half as the 5th overall pick. It won’t be a pure net subtraction scenario.

Again, all great points. But, we need to see how it all plays out first. The reality is the deals need to make sense from a value perspective. The key to keeping those guys is they all can play centre, albeit not naturally. Having that flexibility is important.

I think from a NB perspective, if they trade Romani, nothing changes for them. He hasn’t really played this year anyway.

Ottawa will remain competitive and entertaining. But, I still feel like the 8th place team will finish around .500 and the 9th place team around .475. I think Ottawa trading Pinelli gets them to around .475. I think we do 100% agree it is likely better to miss the playoffs but I don’t want to trade players to tank. I still want the deals to make sense value wise.

 

[ZinErie]

I think you are taking what Boyd says a little too literal. When he says he wants to be competitive every year it doesn’t mean at any cost. I think his boundaries are tighter than most but at the end of the day, he understands the cycle and where possible, he will try to avoid the high variance results of the cycle but not at all costs.

I agree that it is unlikely he will set this team up to bottom out this year but he also needs to balance that against the rewards. We have a lot of quality returning players next year plus an opportunity to pick early in each of the three drafts. On top of that, there is the opportunity to get some NCAA bound players signed where possible.

Looking at the schedule, the 67’s only need a backup goalie to start games five times after the deadline. And, really, considering we won’t have a playoff or at least not a long one, Nelson can play all games except the three in three’s and we don’t have any of those after the deadline. IMO, there is no reason to keep MacKenzie now if they are not able to get a return for any of the skaters that makes sense. And, I am saying that as one of the biggest rMacKenzie supporters. He has not performed in a manner that warrants an OA slot on him. In fact, even if we were able to trade one or two of the skaters for a decent return, I would still release MacKenzie and pick up guys like Lefebvre on waivers and fill my OA slots with skaters.

I wouldn’t even worry about a backup at this point. Let a few of the younger guys get a start against a weaker team. If we get rolled then so be it. I’d prefer to go get a decent backup but not if the cost is more than a 5th round pick and even that is high for five games. A 9th would be more suitable really.

Unless they can package Foster and Mayich for a an ‘08, I wouldn’t likely move either of them. Maybe if Foster garners 2x 2nd, 3rd, and 5th, I could see those four picks maybe making a difference for Boyd but less than that isn’t worth it. We’d have to pay a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th to replace him if we need a decent OA next year to replace him. Why bother? And, as you said, if we are selling again, maybe we get a 2nd, 3rd, and 5th for him next year at the deadline. I think you and I are on the same page in that regard.

We could see deep cuts with all of Pinelli, Foster, and Mews moved at the deadline but I think that is unlikely. I am not sure there is a market for Mews that makes sense for Ottawa. The four teams with available ‘08s that are also contenders aren’t really looking for a Mews type player. Maybe if Sudbury ended up as a buyer, they might move Blonda in a Mews deal but would Mews go to Sudbury? Brantford has been a. Team I thought would make a push for Mews as a two year player but Hamara and Jiricek landed in their laps so I am not sure they will prioritize defence. Maybe Erie is more open with Schaefer out the remainder of the regular season but he should be back a bit before the playoffs start so they likely don’t have an appetite for Mews.

My sense is only Pinelli moves. Mack gets released and Maybe Foster and MAyich are moved if the deal is an overpay.

I think Mews makes sense for Erie. He could run pp1 until Schaefer gets back and be part of their D next season.

 

[beastintheeast]

I expect at least three players to be dealt. Dever and Barlas could be good third line players on a contender as well.

There just aren’t many sellers and the 67’s could reload their draft cupboard for the next four years with aggressive moves.

With NB trailing us by six points, with a harder remaining schedule, shouldn’t be a threat to take the 8th seed. Additionally, they are the other likely seller in the East and likely to move Romani and others. If Ottawa holds their players or makes several deals, their future is almost certainly 8th and a quick exit from the playoffs. Why not take advantage of the market?

Given a choice of ,8th or missing playoffs I will take missing the playoffs.

I am not worried about the young players. If they get ice time and good coaching they will be interesting and better off for it.

A top 4 draft position means boyd will have to draft well as he won't have excuses of drafting after all the good players are gone.

Early euro means we should get a replacement for one of the present ones.

What is the sense of making the playoffs to go 4 and out.

 

[beastintheeast]

Trivia time

What connection do Larry curly and Moe have with the OHL and Kevin Weekes

 

[dirty12]

Given a choice of ,8th or missing playoffs I will take missing the playoffs.

I am not worried about the young players. If they get ice time and good coaching they will be interesting and better off for it.

A top 4 draft position means boyd will have to draft well as he won't have excuses of drafting after all the good players are gone.

Early euro means we should get a replacement for one of the present ones.

What is the sense of making the playoffs to go 4 and out.

Think of Eshkowagon; more TOI surrounded by less experience increases chances of shoulder surgery, by a lot.

 

[beastintheeast]

Think of Eshkowagon; more TOI surrounded by less experience increases chances of shoulder surgery, by a lot.

But the team will still have a lot of experienced players. It's not a great idea or practical to trade all players

 

[dirty12]

But the team will still have a lot of experienced players. It's not a great idea or practical to trade all players

If Pinelli, Mayich, & Mews are moved; …? The 16-17 yr olds could be sitting ducks.

 

[Larionov]

In watching the WJC I think we all have to be honest and say that Pinelli, while a great player for us, was a pretty questionable choice for this roster. Can anyone tell me with a straight face that Pinelli deserves to be there over Misa or Sennecke? And, as the cherry on top of the sundae, he takes a dumb penalty in the third period of a crucial game last night. Yo, Luca, you are 5'9" on a good day - no one has you on their team to play it physical. You are there to skate and generate offense. I like the kid and he has been a great player for the 67's organization, but in hindsight Cameron is going to take some flak for having him there, and it will be deserved given Canada's results...

 

[NordiquesForeva]

In watching the WJC I think we all have to be honest and say that Pinelli, while a great player for us, was a pretty questionable choice for this roster. Can anyone tell me with a straight face that Pinelli deserves to be there over Misa or Sennecke? And, as the cherry on top of the sundae, he takes a dumb penalty in the third period of a crucial game last night. Yo, Luca, you are 5'9" on a good day - no one has you on their team to play it physical. You are there to skate and generate offense. I like the kid and he has been a great player for the 67's organization, but in hindsight Cameron is going to take some flak for having him there, and it will be deserved given Canada's results...

I thought Pinelli looked pretty actually good actually, and looked like he belonged on the roster at least (maybe not in the top-6, but there in some capacity) until last night. In the first few games he, with his linemates Catton and McKenna, were amongst the few forwards that were willing to attack the middle of the ice and were able to generating scoring opportunities. With his lack of discipline last night, he's likely played himself down the lineup or maybe even up into the pressbox; we'll see.

That was always going to be a risk with Pinelli - stupid penalties. It costs the 67s, and it cost Team Canada last night.

In terms of whether he was a questionable choice, I'd say that based on his play, he wasn't as questionable a choice as Howe, Cataford, Martone or Gauthier. Hindsight is 20/20 of course, but those three or four players in particular haven't had much of a positive impact on the team, whereas at least Pinelli has been able to contribute offensively.

 

[Larionov]

In terms of whether he was a questionable choice, I'd say that based on his play, he wasn't as questionable a choice as Howe, Cataford, Martone or Gauthier. Hindsight is 20/20 of course, but those three or four players in particular haven't had much of a positive impact on the team, whereas at least Pinelli has been able to contribute offensively.

True - Pinelli has been far from Canada's least effective forward. Howe is actually the poster boy for poor roster choices - he is the Rob Zaumuner of this group. "Oooh, look, he's pesky and plays with grit! We need that!" (Insert face palm here.) Why Hockey Canada keeps making the same mistakes over and over again is so incredibly frustrating...

 

[OMG67]

Pinelli shouldn’t be a whipping boy. Had DC not been the coach, Pinelli wouldn’t have the target on him right now.

The reality is, the Team Canada preferred structure of two scoring lines is not ideal IMO. It should be three scoring lines. If that’s the case, then look more at the energy guys to replace.

From a DC perspective, I don’t like dump and chase hockey when you have elite talent. At least they started to abandon that last night and were gaining entry with puck possession on the top two lines. Dumping it in and asking Pinelli to go retrieve pucks is dumb. It’s not what he does.

DC is stubborn. He’s not flexible. This tournament is the example why he should no longer be coaching. Old dogs can’t learn new tricks. It is what it is.

All that said, the tourney isn’t over. Their road to Gold isn’t changed. They play Czechia instead of Slovakia game one but will likely play Sweden and USA the next two games regardless. So from a positioning perspective, it is pretty much meaningless.

 

[dirty12]

The problem is not a roster constructed with too little offence imo.
While Rehkopf & Martone (at this time) have absolutely no business playing for Canada at this tournament, I doubt Walton & Senneke would be any better.
The simple fact is the 2004-05 classes are/were weak compared to 2002-03 and 2006. The roster is a combination of too young, and too small or some that are bigger but also cannot hit or play without the puck effectively.
The type of player over looked imo, is K. He; one of the fastest and most fierce competitors in the OHL actually able to deliver a body check with out penalty.

 

[OMG67]

The problem is not a roster constructed with too little offence imo.
While Rehkopf & Martone (at this time) have absolutely no business playing for Canada at this tournament, I doubt Walton & Senneke would be any better.
The simple fact is the 2004-05 classes are/were weak compared to 2002-03 and 2006. The roster is a combination of too young, and too small or some that are bigger but also cannot hit or play without the puck effectively.
The type of player over looked imo, is K. He; one of the fastest and most fierce competitors in the OHL actually able to deliver a body check with out penalty.

This may be one of the better posts on the topic. The ‘05 group in general is weak. A lot of the complaining about roster selection is related to not taking ‘06 and ‘07 players like Senneke and Misa. There doesn’t’ seem to be much related to ‘05s. Even in the OHL, the top of the scoring leaders list is a who’s who of ‘06s and ‘07s.