*OFFICIAL* Ottawa 67's 2014 Off-Season Thread

[44 95 plus tax]

So to begin....
Jeff Hunt has said that he has confidence in Chris Byrnes and he will be back next year. JH also said they would have picked a Finnish goalie with their first pick last year until a couple weeks before the import draft when Branch and the CHL banned drafting import goalies. Then they had to scramble.

Click to read more...

 

[OMG67]

This doesn't come as much of a surprise. That being said, what was Hunt supposed to say? This could all just be lip service. Let's see what happens moving forward.


I don't have an issue with Byrne all that much. He made buyer trades when he needed to two seasons ago. He made seller moves last year when he needed to. Unfortunately, last year was a buyers market so he couldn't get what he needed.

He did make a push for the playoffs this year with the types of moves he made but he did still add to the future with the trades as well. It wasn't what I thought he should have done but it wasn't like he was buying either.

As for coaching?...who knows. He did get great success out of the likes of Toffoli and Prince and took us to a semi-final where we lost to a better Ice Dogs team. That same Ice Dogs team finished below .500 last year and barely made the playoffs this year.

Monahan not returning did hurt us from a perspective of not being able to sell his services.

We have the 3rd pick in the OHL Priority Selection Draft and the 7th pick in the CHL Import Draft. Let's start looking towards that. Let's see if we can make a splash there and snag a high profile Euro.

How about we stop looking backwards and start looking forwards? I am excited to return to the Civic Centre next year. I decided not to renew my tickets at the CTC this past season so I am a year removed and looking forward to getting back in the groove.

 

[ecraigs]

The only reason to look back is to make sure that we don't repeat mistakes. I will watch eagerly to see what the non-draft moves will be.

Another blown draft and we are cooked for 5 years, at least. McLeod looks like the real deal, as does Mascherin or Chychrun. If there is a great import forward, then that is obvious, since we have releases to make at defence, with Vlajkov returning and we need to make room for a drafted D.

As for Monahan, it was pretty clear that he was ready to go to the NHL this year. I had my rose-coloured glasses on, like most fans, and hoped he would return. Once Calgary picked him, it was pretty clear that he was their second-line centre right out of the gate. The 67's took a gamble by keeping him, but I don't see what other options they had, short of a blockbuster offer from somewhere.

 

[BarberPole9]

Import goalies

This doesn't add up. The goalie change to the import rule was supposed to be for the 2014 draft going forward.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2013/06/11/chl_officially_moves_to_ban_import_goalies_cox.html

Case in point: Goalie Daniel Gibl was drafted by Barrie 47th overall in the 2013 import draft:

http://www.chl.ca/draft/chl/2013

2.96 GAA and .902 SV% would have been a nice addition to the team.

 

[ecraigs]

This doesn't add up. The goalie change to the import rule was supposed to be for the 2014 draft going forward.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/2013/06/11/chl_officially_moves_to_ban_import_goalies_cox.html

Case in point: Goalie Daniel Gibl was drafted by Barrie 47th overall in the 2013 import draft:

http://www.chl.ca/draft/chl/2013

2.96 GAA and .902 SV% would have been a nice addition to the team.

For 2013, the story says that teams could take an import goalie in the first round only. That means that it was a strategic decision to not take the import goalie.

 

[General Zodd]

I agree you gotta fix what's left behind and learn from your mistakes before you can move forward. Otherwise you'll keep making the same mistakes over and over again. Not going to make a difference which rink this teams plays in, the problem with this team stems from the leadership and management out. Nuff said.

 

[OMG67]

Excellent news! Bradford had his surgery and the initial prognosis is that he will be back on skates in three months. This is usually at least a six month injury. He will be back in time for training camp.

In a season where good news is hard to find, at least we can take solace in the fact that this injury, although horrific, looks to not be a factor going into next season.

 

[Kenny Bania]

Assuming Mascherin & Chychrun go 1 - 2, is it a slam dunk they take McLeod at 3?

Would the take the fast climbing Felhaber instead?

 

[OMG67]

Assuming Mascherin & Chychrun go 1 - 2, is it a slam dunk they take McLeod at 3?

Would the take the fast climbing Felhaber instead?

I doubt it. There seems to be a big enough gap between picks 3 and 4 that McLeod is the go to guy. Because of size, I could potentially see them taking Saigeon or maybe even Jones if they could guarantee his reporting.

Based on what I have read, McLeod and Felhaber are both skilled forwards with great offence but McLeod is ahead of Felhaber on everyone's lists which would suggest when you have two similar type players, you always take the one more skilled.

If the 67's decide to look a little closer at size, that is where Jones and Saigeon potentially could come into play.

All that being said, let's hope both Sarnia and Kitchener take a pass on Chychrun. The potential threat of only two years of service may be enough for Kitchener to take McLeod over him too. I would gladly risk the two years only of Chychrun. We need a mobile D-Man with size and offence more than we need another centre right now.

 

[sirius67fan]

Interesting article in citizen this am citing likely 4 forwards and two D from this year on the outs to make room for new blood. With that in mind I thought I'd take a shot at line up for next year.
Hill,Bradford,Konecny
Bell,Salituro,import pick
Gus,Studnicka,first rounder...Mcleod?
AAA,Mcdonald,Brown


Middleton,Duchesne
Lintuniemi,Vlajkov
Henley,Davis
Second rounder....Middleton's little brother?

Goalies
Herbst
Semaio?..trade for 18-19y.o.??? Doesn't look like Blacker's coming
On the outs Urbanic, Graham,Dulong, Fielding(unfortunately),Guy,Sloboda.

Comments
Hill gets a shot on first line as adds size plus sweet hands.Needs to just improve his skating and nastiness.
Solid second line with Bell,Salituro.
Third line should be sound defensively and give secondary scoring and Brown might start the year there.
I think Mcdonald (3rd pick last year makes the team) and OMG please don't have a stroke but likely AAA gets a last shot because of his contract and underlying skill(the kid can skate when he decides to and pass).However he better have a monster training camp and eat raw meat all summer.

As for the D its likely Lintuniemi stays and Sloboda is traded or waived although I still think they should trade Lintu and think two years down the line as I've always liked Sloboda. I also think Guy is on the bubble as they might prefer to keep Davis...bigger,meaner,better defensively.Guy has shown some offensive skill but is a physical liability in his zone.and 67's will probably bank on Middleton,Vlajkov to run the powerplay.

Of the players on the outs might be able to get a few mid round picks for Fielding,Sloboda and a 4/5 for Guy from a team looking for a power play specialist.

This line up also leaves us with decent oa possibilities for 2015-2016.....Hill,Studnicka,Brown,Vlajkov,Davis.

Anyway just some thoughts to create discussion.

 

[OMG67]

I thought I'd take a shot at line up for next year.
Hill,Bradford,Konecny
Bell,Salituro,import pick
Gus,Studnicka,first rounder...Mcleod?
AAA,Mcdonald,Brown


Middleton,Duchesne
Lintuniemi,Vlajkov
Henley,Davis
Second rounder....Middleton's little brother?

Goalies
Herbst
Semaio

I think you are pretty close. I guarantee that Guy will be back considering their lack of scoring on the back end, especially the PP. You just don't trade your leading scoring D-Man.

I am not too sure AAA will be back. It will depend on whether any young guys push him out. He is a bubble boy.

Why no love for Dulong? I like that kid. I believe he will centre the 4th line. Potentially Urbanic will return to play RW on the 4th line but that depends on whether they have any younger guys pushing him out. I agree that he is a bubble boy though.

They will have extra D-Men in the fold but they have shown in the past that they will move one to forward if necessary to get ice time.

Neither McDonald nor Fanjoy make this hockey club. Their season's in Jr A simply were not even average.

Hill is an interesting discussion. You make a good point about hands but from the wrists up he is useless. I've watched him a lot over the last couple weeks (him and AAA) and he has a very low hockey IQ. He sees the ice poorly and is incapable of reading the play. Defensively he lets players get in behind him. Sure, if the puck is in the scoring zone and he happens to be there at the right time, he will score. Outside that?...good luck. Mind you, it is not like anyone will be paying much attention to him if he plays with Bradford and Konecny.

I agree Fielding will be gone BUT something tells me Gus will be gone too. He just doesn't seem the same. It is like his heart is not in it. He needs to play with a block on his shoulder to be effective and he has had too many little injuries that maybe he doesn't have it in him to do that anymore. I love that kid but sometimes size, or lack thereof, catches up to you when you play like you are 225 pounds.

I think Studnicka will move to RW to make room for McLeod. I think Brown will be the LW on that line.

 

[sirius67fan]

I think you are pretty close. I guarantee that Guy will be back considering their lack of scoring on the back end, especially the PP. You just don't trade your leading scoring D-Man.

I am not too sure AAA will be back. It will depend on whether any young guys push him out. He is a bubble boy.

Why no love for Dulong? I like that kid. I believe he will centre the 4th line. Potentially Urbanic will return to play RW on the 4th line but that depends on whether they have any younger guys pushing him out. I agree that he is a bubble boy though.

They will have extra D-Men in the fold but they have shown in the past that they will move one to forward if necessary to get ice time.

Neither McDonald nor Fanjoy make this hockey club. Their season's in Jr A simply were not even average.

Hill is an interesting discussion. You make a good point about hands but from the wrists up he is useless. I've watched him a lot over the last couple weeks (him and AAA) and he has a very low hockey IQ. He sees the ice poorly and is incapable of reading the play. Defensively he lets players get in behind him. Sure, if the puck is in the scoring zone and he happens to be there at the right time, he will score. Outside that?...good luck. Mind you, it is not like anyone will be paying much attention to him if he plays with Bradford and Konecny.

I agree Fielding will be gone BUT something tells me Gus will be gone too. He just doesn't seem the same. It is like his heart is not in it. He needs to play with a block on his shoulder to be effective and he has had too many little injuries that maybe he doesn't have it in him to do that anymore. I love that kid but sometimes size, or lack thereof, catches up to you when you play like you are 225 pounds.

I think Studnicka will move to RW to make room for McLeod. I think Brown will be the LW on that line.

Actually I do like Dulong from the very limited ice time he's had. I just think that considering he's only been able to garner limited ice time in his first two years(whether justified or not) doesn't bode well for his status on the team. As for Guy you might be right but would he have been our top scoring D if Vlajkov played a full year? I just feel he's too much of a defensive liability although I will admit he has improved as the year proceeded. But if you keep him who goes as they Will likely add a 1998 on D to groom for the future. Of course all this changes should Chychrun slide to us. I disagree on Gus I thought he played well after being benched became more of a player, less of a pest. I think he's back. Finally I have a good feeling on Hill. He came to the O to ressurect his prospects and hopefully realizes what he needs to do. Big kids can take longer to get there. You're right hockey sense a bit low but might not matter playing with Konecny,Bradford. Time will tell but would be nice to see somebody pan out from that draft year.

 

[analyser]

Interesting article in citizen this am citing likely 4 forwards and two D from this year on the outs to make room for new blood. With that in mind I thought I'd take a shot at line up for next year.
Hill,Bradford,Konecny
Bell,Salituro,import pick
Gus,Studnicka,first rounder...Mcleod?
AAA,Mcdonald,Brown


Middleton,Duchesne
Lintuniemi,Vlajkov
Henley,Davis
Second rounder....Middleton's little brother?

Goalies
Herbst
Semaio?..trade for 18-19y.o.??? Doesn't look like Blacker's coming
On the outs Urbanic, Graham,Dulong, Fielding(unfortunately),Guy,Sloboda.

Personally I think Gus should probably be gone as well, skates a mile, tries hard but his lack of size, his inconsistency and just plain dumb penalties he takes at inopportune times could be his ticket out.

I think the 4 forwards I would get rid of are AAA, Urbanic, McDonald, Gus and on defense it would probably be Sloboda and I am not a big fan of Guy's. Guy is always getting pushed off the puck and his only asset is his power play time. Give Vlajkov as chance to man the power play and if it doesn't pan out use an extra forward such as Konency or Salituro if you can get him to shoot. Fanjoy I don' think will even be considered as an option now that I take a closer look. Dulong I like what I see with limited ice time and I can see him sticking around.

Let management admit, AAA turned out to be a dud and take your losses. I talked to an opponent's mom who is very familiar with AAA and she said he looks completely out of place and is not even a glimmer of what he used to be. I just don't think he will ever be capable of playing anywhere near what they expected at this level and he shies away completely from the physical aspect.

Goaltending can still be a quite risky with Herbst's injury problems and what do we have after that. They better address this issue during the off season and not wait to scramble for whomever they can get.

 

[Dogger]

Actually I do like Dulong from the very limited ice time he's had. I just think that considering he's only been able to garner limited ice time in his first two years(whether justified or not) doesn't bode well for his status on the team. As for Guy you might be right but would he have been our top scoring D if Vlajkov played a full year? I just feel he's too much of a defensive liability although I will admit he has improved as the year proceeded. But if you keep him who goes as they Will likely add a 1998 on D to groom for the future. Of course all this changes should Chychrun slide to us. I disagree on Gus I thought he played well after being benched became more of a player, less of a pest. I think he's back. Finally I have a good feeling on Hill. He came to the O to ressurect his prospects and hopefully realizes what he needs to do. Big kids can take longer to get there. You're right hockey sense a bit low but might not matter playing with Konecny,Bradford. Time will tell but would be nice to see somebody pan out from that draft year.

Guy was no more a defensive liability then the rest of the D if you look at all their plus minuses and he had 11 or 12 more points then the next d on the team, yes he is undersized but he got 35 points this season and going into his 3rd year next year who knows how many points he will put up especially with a better team. I agree with Vlajkov coming back and possibly them drafting a D in the first 3 rounds you would think someone from this year will have to go. The few posts I have made this year I will continue to back the D as not having a lot of help from a forward group that was slow a foot and at times didn't understand the meaning of backcheck. Not interested in seeing Fielding back, think Gus will have a shot at the third overage spot unless trade happens, I think Hill could potentially have a big year next year and as far as AAA goes, time to cut bait. Hate to bash Trudeau but down the stretch he allowed an awful lot of questionable goals, that contributed to the no playoffs and they didn't have much faith in Herbst so what do they do about goaltending next season is a huge question.

 

[ecraigs]

Davis seems to get a free pass. He is physical, very strong and shoots well. However, he is an awful skater, especially backwards. It is painful to watch. Davis better work on that over the summer or he is gone. Learn a proper backwards crossover.

Urbanic gives it all every shift, every game. If we could graft his desire and effort into AAA, that would be a monster player. I wish there was a spot for him.

 

[OMG67]

When looking at the roster next year, you have to look at what potentially could come in:

1> 1st, 2nd, 3rd round picks
2> Import Pick
3> Past drafted players

Unless someone emerges that is unexpected, I highly doubt we see a past drafted player make this team. McDonald and Fanjoy have not had great seasons at Jr A and are likely to return to their club for a 2nd season of development. Outside of those two, we are looking at requiring a kid that selected the NCAA route to change his mind and sign with Ottawa.

I firmly believe the Import pick will be used; however, to use it, we need to release an Import. So, that spot takes care of itself.

That leaves this year's draft picks. Clearly the 1st rounder will play a significant role. However, past that, it is unlikely that any other drafted players will play a significant role. If you look at the somewhat limited ice time Duchesne and Henley received as rookie 2nd round picks, you will see that it isn't necessary to open a spot on the starting roster for them to play. It is more likely the 2nd and 3rd rounders will platoon a little.

All this probably means that they will open the season with 8 D-Men: Lintuniemi, Vlajkov, Middleton, Guy, Henley, Duchesne, Davis, 2014 draft pick. If necessary, they will move one up to forward like they did Nevin Guy in his rookie season...or maybe even convert one like they did Taylor Fielding.

That brings us to forwards. We have all expressed our opinions on who will return. Much of the bubble players are identified based on lack of performance (AAA) and/or advanced age (Urbanic). Do you want 19 year old 4th liners? Typically, you prefer not to have 19 year olds patrolling the 4th line; however, that is assuming you have young guys competent enough to take their place. Do we have the young guys pushing from behind? I don't think we do. That opens the door for guys like Urbanic and AAA.

If we peg the guaranteed forwards returning, I think everyone would agree on these guys: Konecny, Bradford, Bell, Salituro, Brown, Studnicka, and Hill. One of Gus or Fielding will return at least to start the season. That is 8 guys. We assume one will go to an Import pick so that is 9 guys. That leaves 3 or 4 spots open. If we don't have previous draft picks to draw from, these spots may go to the likes of Dulong, Urbanic, Graham, and/or AAA.

 

[sirius67fan]

Davis seems to get a free pass. He is physical, very strong and shoots well. However, he is an awful skater, especially backwards. It is painful to watch. Davis better work on that over the summer or he is gone. Learn a proper backwards crossover.

Urbanic gives it all every shift, every game. If we could graft his desire and effort into AAA, that would be a monster player. I wish there was a spot for him.

I'll work on that I've got a biology background ...lol. You're right though Urbanic gives his all and I like the kid but talent...? AAA opposite problem ...too bad. Just for fun I went back to the threads of his draft year and he was a concensus first rounder and had a hell of an OHL cup. Just to show you just never know for sure with kids. For some stupid reason I can't explain I still hope a switch will go on for this kid, probably because I really liked him in minor midget. I would have bet my house if somebody had wagered he'd score 3 goals in two years. I would be f...ing cold right now.

 

[sirius67fan]

On another note anybody hear about Henley's suspension? Still listed as indefinite on the OHL media website.Its been over a week what's taking so long? Still think he deserves a minimal suspension if any!

 

[OMG67]

On another note anybody hear about Henley's suspension? Still listed as indefinite on the OHL media website.Its been over a week what's taking so long? Still think he deserves a minimal suspension if any!

They are probably waiting on Mack Lemmon's status before they make a decision.

 

[ecraigs]

I'll work on that I've got a biology background ...lol. You're right though Urbanic gives his all and I like the kid but talent...? AAA opposite problem ...too bad. Just for fun I went back to the threads of his draft year and he was a concensus first rounder and had a hell of an OHL cup. Just to show you just never know for sure with kids. For some stupid reason I can't explain I still hope a switch will go on for this kid, probably because I really liked him in minor midget. I would have bet my house if somebody had wagered he'd score 3 goals in two years. I would be f...ing cold right now.

The funny thing is that all of his 3 goals have come from posting up in front of the net and banging in a rebound. I remember because... well it isn't hard to remember.

So why won't he play like that all over the ice surface? I don't know that that is fixable. His success in minor hockey came because he played against his own age level and most of the other players were nowhere near as skilled. In Major Junior, he has to play against players bigger and better than he. That is a tough adjustment for some.

 

[sirius67fan]

Fellow 67's fans
In view of the recent uproar about the merits of C.Byrne as a coach and GM and the fact I presently have too much time on my hands (no games to watch) I figured to try and assess him as a GM. As for coaching its more difficult and will leave it to others although I've got my own opinion. GM however can be looked at from 4 pts of view.

1-entry draft
2-import draft
3-trades
4-ability to sign/attract players from US,Europe or kids leaning to NCAA
I'll do this over several posts as it would be too long. Hope don't bore you too much and look forward to your opinions.

 

[sirius67fan]

Let's start with the entry drafts since 2011. This brings a question of what is a successful draft? I think you need to get 4 players that end up playing a significant role on your team either directly or used in trades to acquire a key player.

2013-konecny
Henley
Mcdonald-cup of coffee with team
Fanjoy “ “
Semaio-did not even test the coffee yet
Intangibles-blacker,ott(usndt),ruggiero(usndt)

Opinion-good draft just on basis of of tk and henley. Could become a great draft depending on development and who reports.

2012-salituro
Duchesne
AAA
Guy
Dulong
Opinion- just ok first two doing ok, AAA a wash up to now, last two might prove good contributors next one to two years

2011-perklin
Vlajkov
Hill
Blair
Brown
Opinion-ouch although to his credit Byrne got us Mcfarland for perklin

Conclusion-IMO score on draft C+-B?

 

[sirius67fan]

Next in my little diatribe, the import draft
2013- Lintuniemi, Sloboda-nothing against Lintuniemi but he was a second overall pick, would expect an impact player, hopefully next year will turn in impact shutdown D. Sloboda was IMO a great pick up at #62 unfortunately might be sacrificed for the greater good.

2012-czech fellow who left the team(name escapes me)
-zigmund who did not make the team
In fairness Byrne was picking at the bottom of the barrel that year

2011-Farmer-enough said
I don't think they had a second that year


Opinion-C rating on import draft-got to get an impact player with that seventh thisyear.

 

[sirius67fan]

All right now for trades which I will rate win,lost,even or time will tell

2014-Herbst for 2nd and 4th(cond)-time will tell
Bradford,3rd,3rd(cond)-win-hated this initially but Byrne was right Bradford as good as Blandisi offensively and better defensively. If we get a second third from Blandisi OA year we win big time.

 

[sirius67fan]

Trades 2013

Pettachio-9th pick-loss he didn't pan out
Graovac-Kuptsov,2nd2013,3rd2014-loss as of now,might change if two picks pan out
Urbanic-8th-even he's worth about an 8th pick
Middleton,Blandisi-Ceci,Janes,3rd-win for the future
Bell-3rd-win
Studnicka-5th-win
Graham,3rd pick 2014-callaghan-loss at this point-might change with pick
Stewart-15th-loss kid did not stay
Duhaime-14th-loss same reason
Hughes-7th-loss he did not get into a game