Ottawa 67s 2024-25 Season Thread, Part III

[Voice from the North]

I think Mews developed very well under Cameron. It was Mews battling agaisnt Cameron trying to teach him how to play defence that was the problem. Mews was caught up in a competition with Parekh as top scoring draft eligible D-Man. He got in his own way.

Mews was rounding into being the most effective offensive D-Man in the OHL as an 18 year old. He was learning when the right time was to jump into the play and when not to. His in tight D-Zone coverage wasn’t great but that is more a result of him playing forward up until 3-4 years ago. But, his gap control was greatly improved, as was his ability to track the play in the d-Zone. He still needs work inside the 6-8 feet perimeter in front of the net. He misses coverage in tight and doesn’t tie guys up well enough because he tends to rely on speed and reflex as opposed to gluing himself to players physically.

When you look at Matier, Mews, Marrelli, Mayich etc, you see a lot of mature players defensively. If Mews gets the right tutor next year as opposed to an enabler, he will continue to develop. He probably would be best served going to Michigan for two seasons. He will get whipped into shape pretty quick there.

Mews' defensive abilities have greatly improved since he's been in Sudbury. I see everything that you mentioned here and Mews was pretty hard to watch in his own zone for the first few weeks but Barney and Berehowsky have changed his game a little bit. No enablers here, he's in the right spot

 

[dirty12]

My issue with boyd or Cameron is that they either drafted players that were ot first round calber or DC is not developing them. Rookies that make the team should be getting ice time at the start of the season. The year that he had an injures Stonehouse and another injured player against Oshawa and his refusal to play players to get experience is a huge issue. Yes he is good on defence BUT he has o idea of offence.

I agree that the plaeyrs that were chosen this year for the WJC left a lot to be desired However we have to remember that he coached the team the year before and had the same result. The ohter year that he did wellhe had a co coach named Andre on the bench with im. We either have not developed offensive players or again we drafted duds.
consider that if the OA players show up in the fall we will have Foster and Dever as the top 2 centers. That sound great until we realize tht the next year we are going to expect a player that DC gives minimal minutes to and has had on the third line 2 years in a row to be the leader of the offence. Not totally DC faul but definitely an organization issue.

I agree with eveeryone here that between now and the draft OSEG has to take a long look at this team and at the staff. Changes have to be made.

I thought Cameron did a fine job with what he was given. Most coaches have a best before date with one team, Tourigny would likely be no different.
I think it is wrong to say top picks were not played and developed by Cameron. Matier, Beck, Stonehouse, Pinelli, Gardner, Mews, Marelli, and Eshkowagon all played early on and developed. Perhaps Barlas was a whiff by Boyd, and a couple others were just small and/or not ready.
It is pretty easy to develop a player like Rossi that entered and departed as statistically the best 2-way forward in the league. Rossi was rated as a #4-8 prospect by some prior to playing for the ‘67s, and NHL drafted #9; so while Tourigny got the best out of Rossi, he did not elevate Rossi’s draft stock.

 

[Larionov]

When you look at Matier, Mews, Marrelli, Mayich etc, you see a lot of mature players defensively. If Mews gets the right tutor next year as opposed to an enabler, he will continue to develop. He probably would be best served going to Michigan for two seasons. He will get whipped into shape pretty quick there.

In listening to Kenny Walls on TSN 1200 last week, he hinted broadly that there is still an expectation that Mews will go to Michigan. Kenny would definitely be privy to a lot of chatter and insider news that we don't get, so when he says that this is still a live discussion, it is noteworthy. I had originally thought that the whole Michigan thing was a bluff by the Mews camp to force a trade - maybe not. If in fact he goes to Michigan, then the trade grade for Boyd in moving him changes significantly. A lot will depend on how the Calgary Flames view things - if they are keen to get him signed to an ELC, then I don't think he goes NCAA. If the Flames are non-committal, then going NCAA starts looking more attractive.

 

[NoQuit67s]

My issue with boyd or Cameron is that they either drafted players that were ot first round calber or DC is not developing them.

This may be true to a certain degree, but your point continues to very focused on the development of forwards, and seems to completely ignore the fact that the track record for developing defencemen seems to be really consistently good. As far as I am concerned, that track record should also belong in the overall judgement.

OMG has already just discussed the case for Minty and Mews. Matier, Marrelli, Mayich all became (or continued to be) very good OHL D under Cameron. Dietsch and Brady made big improvements from last year. Eshkawkogan played extensively this year as a 15/16 yo 1st round pick and has looked really good. In my opinion he has developed very well. Can you claim his development was stunted because he plays here? He was a 1st round pick last year...

67s have used a lot of 1st round picks and early round picks on DMen recently, including HB who ended not showing up, and I don't think this is a coincidence. If you watch the games, a big part of their puck possession system (Cameron's system) start with defencemen who move the puck well, maintain possession, and can make good decisions breaking out of their own zone.

The powerplay efficiency also runs through the D. Same with 4 on 4 and 3 on 3 play. When Mews was here the powerplay ran through him and Ottawa was first or second overall. Its success declining since has less to do with the forward's ability to score and more with the loss of his offensive skill. The point here is that the overall system really values good defencemen, and this maybe results in some of the lack of success of more of recent forward draft picks.

So let's be careful when making a judgement, let's look at the whole picture (goalies included), and maybe not focus on very specific situations (Whitehead's name keeps coming up) to make a case one way or another.

 

[dirty12]

This may be true to a certain degree, but your point continues to very focused on the development of forwards, and seems to completely ignore the fact that the track record for developing defencemen seems to be really consistently good. As far as I am concerned, that track record should also belong in the overall judgement.

OMG has already just discussed the case for Minty and Mews. Matier, Marrelli, Mayich all became (or continued to be) very good OHL D under Cameron. Dietsch and Brady made big improvements from last year. Eshkawkogan played extensively this year as a 15/16 yo 1st round pick and has looked really good. In my opinion he has developed very well. Can you claim his development was stunted because he plays here? He was a 1st round pick last year...

67s have used a lot of 1st round picks and early round picks on DMen recently, including HB who ended not showing up, and I don't think this is a coincidence. If you watch the games, a big part of their puck possession system (Cameron's system) start with defencemen who move the puck well, maintain possession, and can make good decisions breaking out of their own zone.

The powerplay efficiency also runs through the D. Same with 4 on 4 and 3 on 3 play. When Mews was here the powerplay ran through him and Ottawa was first or second overall. Its success declining since has less to do with the forward's ability to score and more with the loss of his offensive skill. The point here is that the overall system really values good defencemen, and this maybe results in some of the lack of success of more of recent forward draft picks.

So let's be careful when making a judgement, let's look at the whole picture (goalies included), and maybe not focus on very specific situations (Whitehead's name keeps coming up) to make a case one way or another.

Counting defects, I think the ‘67s have used 5 of their 8 first picks on defencemen over the past six drafts. I’m not sure there is another team that has used three of their first picks on defencemen over the past six drafts.

 

[beastintheeast]

This may be true to a certain degree, but your point continues to very focused on the development of forwards, and seems to completely ignore the fact that the track record for developing defencemen seems to be really consistently good. As far as I am concerned, that track record should also belong in the overall judgement.

OMG has already just discussed the case for Minty and Mews. Matier, Marrelli, Mayich all became (or continued to be) very good OHL D under Cameron. Dietsch and Brady made big improvements from last year. Eshkawkogan played extensively this year as a 15/16 yo 1st round pick and has looked really good. In my opinion he has developed very well. Can you claim his development was stunted because he plays here? He was a 1st round pick last year...

67s have used a lot of 1st round picks and early round picks on DMen recently, including HB who ended not showing up, and I don't think this is a coincidence. If you watch the games, a big part of their puck possession system (Cameron's system) start with defencemen who move the puck well, maintain possession, and can make good decisions breaking out of their own zone.

The powerplay efficiency also runs through the D. Same with 4 on 4 and 3 on 3 play. When Mews was here the powerplay ran through him and Ottawa was first or second overall. Its success declining since has less to do with the forward's ability to score and more with the loss of his offensive skill. The point here is that the overall system really values good defencemen, and this maybe results in some of the lack of success of more of recent forward draft picks.

So let's be careful when making a judgement, let's look at the whole picture (goalies included), and maybe not focus on very specific situations (Whitehead's name keeps coming up) to make a case one way or another.

You can have a good defence and it seems DCis good with them but you win games by scoring goals. Tell me who of the players we have other than the OA and Ekberg are goal scorers that we can count on next year or the year after.

As to Mews I think the Flames and teh NHL rules committee will have a lot to say on where he goes next year. He was drafted as a CHL player therefore the CHL rule falls into place that the Flames have 2 years to sign him or he goes back into the draft or is a free agent. It is going to be interesting to see how this new system works. BUT if you are him do you sign with the flames or do you take aflyer and go NCAA and throw that away and pray nothing happens to you while you are at Michigan if the offer is there.

 

[dirty12]

You can have a good defence and it seems DCis good with them but you win games by scoring goals. Tell me who of the players we have other than the OA and Ekberg are goal scorers that we can count on next year or the year after.

As to Mews I think the Flames and teh NHL rules committee will have a lot to say on where he goes next year. He was drafted as a CHL player therefore the CHL rule falls into place that the Flames have 2 years to sign him or he goes back into the draft or is a free agent. It is going to be interesting to see how this new system works. BUT if you are him do you sign with the flames or do you take aflyer and go NCAA and throw that away and pray nothing happens to you while you are at Michigan if the offer is there.

The ‘67s will very likely struggle to score next season unless drafting an older import and/or adding older forwards. The trades of Gardner & Mews and having only one ‘06 forward (releasing Korbler) is on Boyd, not Cameron.
It might not be pretty next season, but Whitehead, Yanni, Ekberg, and Amidovski should shine in 2026-27.

Look at how much NB has struggled to score playing without a 19 yr old forward for nearly the entire season.

 

[OMG67]

The challenge has been consistent. They have not identified, drafted, and developed centres. The end. You cannot get consistent offence when you are scrambling to control the centre ice position. They acquired three centres over the previous two deadlines and we are arguing about them not adding Wright to make it four centres.

Foster is a fill in at centre. His production and Pinelli’s production is lacking this year because he is out of position. Gardiner was slated to be our 1st line centre and yet on a sold team in Barrie, he is a winger. Dever has performed well and I think he is likley a more productive centre than a winger but his real spot is likely 3C.

We have struggled down the middle for many years now. This is something that needs to change. Once that is fixed, I think we will see much more consistent offence.

 

[OMG67]

Mews' defensive abilities have greatly improved since he's been in Sudbury. I see everything that you mentioned here and Mews was pretty hard to watch in his own zone for the first few weeks but Barney and Berehowsky have changed his game a little bit. No enablers here, he's in the right spot

Mews was awful last year defensively. He was lost. It affected his game. You could see he wanted to play pond hockey. In fact, had he been on Saginaw instead of Parekh, I am 100% certain he would have been a 1st round pick. His point totals would have stood out for certain.

He started this year much like he finished last year. But, about a month in, he started to change his game. It was like Cameron finally wore him down. His defensive coverage was vastly improved. His offence also took off. He is clearly continuing that in Sudbury. Good to see.

But, I think he will go to Michigan unless Calgary gives him his ELC and he wants to sign it. There is something about that kid that gives him a pretty big head and I think going to Michigan will fuel his big head more than staying in the OHL. I think he looks for prestige and validation. He will get it there more than in the OHL with the Wolves. So, again, unless Calgary gets his signature on a contract, I think he is most certainly gone.

 

[Larionov]

So in thinking about this further...

Once Mews goes NCAA, my understanding is that the NHL team that drafted him would then control his rights until his class graduates. Therefore, if you are the Calgary Flames, you may not be all that upset to see him go NCAA - he can develop and not count against your 50 contract limit. And, unless he is committed to doing the full four years, you get first shot at signing him when he declares that he wishes to turn pro...

 

[dirty12]

So in thinking about this further...

Once Mews goes NCAA, my understanding is that the NHL team that drafted him would then control his rights until his class graduates. Therefore, if you are the Calgary Flames, you may not be all that upset to see him go NCAA - he can develop and not count against your 50 contract limit. And, unless he is committed to doing the full four years, you get first shot at signing him when he declares that he wishes to turn pro...

Maybe, but I don’t think that is true. I think that because he was drafted out of the OHL, Mews is subject to the NHL-CHL agreement.

 

[leafs4life94]

Maybe, but I don’t think that is true. I think that because he was drafted out of the OHL, Mews is subject to the NHL-CHL agreement.

I've been wondering about this since the NCAA agreement was announced - because if teams can extend how long they can hold onto a players rights if they go to the NCAA, I think we could see a lot more players leaving earlier than expected because why would a team not want more time to evaluate a player.

 

[dirty12]

I've been wondering about this since the NCAA agreement was announced - because if teams can extend how long they can hold onto a players rights if they go to the NCAA, I think we could see a lot more players leaving earlier than expected because why would a team not want more time to evaluate a player.

That would not be in the player’s favour. Mews would not choose NCAA for the flames’ benefit.

 

[OMG67]

I don’t believe there is a decision on how it will affect teams holding player rights. The rule is announced but not in effect until next year. I imagine @dirty12 is accurate but I’d think this will be a topic for the next NHLPA agreement.

Mews is so head strong that I could see him leverage this into not signing with Calgary in hopes of being a 1st round pick in 2026! All the power to him but this whole situation smells funky. He’s the only player truly in this situation.

 

[beastintheeast]

I don’t believe there is a decision on how it will affect teams holding player rights. The rule is announced but not in effect until next year. I imagine @dirty12 is accurate but I’d think this will be a topic for the next NHLPA agreement.

Mews is so head strong that I could see him leverage this into not signing with Calgary in hopes of being a 1st round pick in 2026! All the power to him but this whole situation smells funky. He’s the only player truly in this situation.

I think for Mews there is still a gamble going NCAA route. Does Michiganplay his style, does he get injured, does the NHL forget about him, Also I think he is better suited to play in the AHL where he will learn that run and gun d are a dime a dozen. It would be smart of him to talk to Bahl and get a feeling of what it takes.

I am sure betman has looked at tings and theowners will come up with a ruling on Mews going forward. Calgary will want to try to protect him but how that works is going to be up to the Agents and owners the NHLPA realy has nothing todo with it.

If you were his agent would you risk losing the contrct because we really donot kow what he will be offered after the NCAA. Teams move on and I donot see him making the jump to the NHL from HCAA so he will probably get a 2 way contract which is not that great.

 

[OMG67]

I think for Mews there is still a gamble going NCAA route. Does Michiganplay his style, does he get injured, does the NHL forget about him, Also I think he is better suited to play in the AHL where he will learn that run and gun d are a dime a dozen. It would be smart of him to talk to Bahl and get a feeling of what it takes.

I am sure betman has looked at tings and theowners will come up with a ruling on Mews going forward. Calgary will want to try to protect him but how that works is going to be up to the Agents and owners the NHLPA realy has nothing todo with it.

If you were his agent would you risk losing the contrct because we really donot kow what he will be offered after the NCAA. Teams move on and I donot see him making the jump to the NHL from HCAA so he will probably get a 2 way contract which is not that great.

No changes can be made without negotiating with the Union. Mews is a drafted OHL player. I am not certain but as I said, I believe @dirty12 is correct that he was drafted out of the OHL so the CHL agreement stands. This may be something the two sides can agree on and amend the CBA but if you know anything about Unions, nothing ends up coming for free. So, this is more likley going to be resolved long term in the next Collectively Bargained agreement. Until then, who cares? We are talking about one player now and that is “potentially” Mews. I cannot see a mass exodus of players leaving the CHL leagues early to play NCAA. So, I highly doubt this will be a priority for the NHL.

With respect to Mews, who knows with that kid. We don’t know what is going through his head. We have a strong sense that he blames the 67’s (Cameron’s system) for dropping to the 3rd round. He has a big ego. He is probably pretty selfish based on some of the things I’ve heard behind the scenes. But, we don’t know what his true motivation really is. HE could be going simply to stroke his ego and be a star at Michigan, the most prestigious school out there. HE could be doing it because he doesn’t want to play for Calgary and wants to re-enter the draft and Michigan gives him the best opportunity. HE could be doing it because he honestly thinks Michigan is better for his development. Maybe he wants the NCAA experience with a lighter schedule. Or, this all could be a smoke screen and he doesn’t intend to leave the OHL at all and used this whole thing to pressure Boyd to trade him. Pick one.

All these players have insurance policies. IF they get a career ending injury, they get paid. That risk comes with the territory. Whatever decision he makes comes with positives and negatives. I don’t think there is an obvious right choice with no downside. The reality is it is his life and his career. He wants to be in the drivers seat and I cannot hold it against him for taking advantage wherever possible. He will make a decision. It will be informed. He has people around him. He will live with whatever decision he makes, good or bad. The positive on his side is that he will be the one that orchestrates his success or failure so there will be no one to blame. IT will be on him. I hope it works out for him. Clearly he worked his ass off to get where he is now. He deserves whatever success he finds. I’m not rooting against him. He is a very talented player.

I’m still not happy they decided to not pick Beaudoin. The big Ottawa area centre was needed and they passed on him. Water under the bridge but it was a mistake.

 

[beastintheeast]

No changes can be made without negotiating with the Union. Mews is a drafted OHL player. I am not certain but as I said, I believe @dirty12 is correct that he was drafted out of the OHL so the CHL agreement stands. This may be something the two sides can agree on and amend the CBA but if you know anything about Unions, nothing ends up coming for free. So, this is more likley going to be resolved long term in the next Collectively Bargained agreement. Until then, who cares? We are talking about one player now and that is “potentially” Mews. I cannot see a mass exodus of players leaving the CHL leagues early to play NCAA. So, I highly doubt this will be a priority for the NHL.

With respect to Mews, who knows with that kid. We don’t know what is going through his head. We have a strong sense that he blames the 67’s (Cameron’s system) for dropping to the 3rd round. He has a big ego. He is probably pretty selfish based on some of the things I’ve heard behind the scenes. But, we don’t know what his true motivation really is. HE could be going simply to stroke his ego and be a star at Michigan, the most prestigious school out there. HE could be doing it because he doesn’t want to play for Calgary and wants to re-enter the draft and Michigan gives him the best opportunity. HE could be doing it because he honestly thinks Michigan is better for his development. Maybe he wants the NCAA experience with a lighter schedule. Or, this all could be a smoke screen and he doesn’t intend to leave the OHL at all and used this whole thing to pressure Boyd to trade him. Pick one.

All these players have insurance policies. IF they get a career ending injury, they get paid. That risk comes with the territory. Whatever decision he makes comes with positives and negatives. I don’t think there is an obvious right choice with no downside. The reality is it is his life and his career. He wants to be in the drivers seat and I cannot hold it against him for taking advantage wherever possible. He will make a decision. It will be informed. He has people around him. He will live with whatever decision he makes, good or bad. The positive on his side is that he will be the one that orchestrates his success or failure so there will be no one to blame. IT will be on him. I hope it works out for him. Clearly he worked his ass off to get where he is now. He deserves whatever success he finds. I’m not rooting against him. He is a very talented player.

I’m still not happy they decided to not pick Beaudoin. The big Ottawa area centre was needed and they passed on him. Water under the bridge but it was a mistake.

Which Michigan team is it that he thinks he is gong to. I say thinks because usually if they can sign or get a tenetative agreement they announce it to the world and use it as a recruiting piece.

As to him being the

If it is Michigan state then he will be trying to make ateam that has some pretty good defence and I am not sure he will be the star. He will also be joining Moldenhauer.

The lat thing the NHL is likes is setting the wrong prececdence so I am sure that even if it is only him the NHL will do something so they do not have to fight it later whenother players might try it. The NHLPA has a lot of other things more imortant and I don't think they really care about a single player that might or might not become a member.

Anyway it is his choice and I think it will be interesting to see how he does because I think he needs to grow up and either at the AHL or NCAA he is going to find that his attitude is not welcome.

 

[OMG67]

Which Michigan team is it that he thinks he is gong to. I say thinks because usually if they can sign or get a tenetative agreement they announce it to the world and use it as a recruiting piece.

As to him being the

If it is Michigan state then he will be trying to make ateam that has some pretty good defence and I am not sure he will be the star. He will also be joining Moldenhauer.

The lat thing the NHL is likes is setting the wrong prececdence so I am sure that even if it is only him the NHL will do something so they do not have to fight it later whenother players might try it. The NHLPA has a lot of other things more imortant and I don't think they really care about a single player that might or might not become a member.

Anyway it is his choice and I think it will be interesting to see how he does because I think he needs to grow up and either at the AHL or NCAA he is going to find that his attitude is not welcome.

Mews is a top D-Man in the OHL. He isn’t going to have an issue being a star at Michigan. Mews is 3rd in scoring for D-Men and he is doing it on teams that value defence. If he had a late birthdate and were to be drafted this year, I think he’d be a 1st NHL round pick. If he goes there, he will play a lot and will be relied upon. Their current leading scoring D-Man is a 4th round pick of NJ back in 2020. Mews is exactly what that team lacks.