The Ottawa 67's might not have made as many moves as the Saginaw Spirit, but they made some important additions that make their roster one of the best in the OHL.
The Ottawa 67's were upset in the second round of the playoffs last season by the Peterborough Petes — who went on to eventually win the championship. The nation's capital is looking for a different outcome this season, and their management made several moves at the deadline to get closer to that goal.
The most significant trade was the addition of Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Braeden Kressler from the Flint Firebirds. Kressler is nearing the end of his major junior career, and is definitely looking to end it on a high note. Helping Ottawa win an OHL Championship would be the best possible end for Kressler's junior career.
Kressler is the definition of hard work and determination, as he was passed on in the NHL Draft. He was able to sign a contract with Toronto as a development/training camp invite.
Kressler hasn't had many opportunities to win in Flint, but will now get to join the 67's who are looking to be serious contenders.
Another move that the 67's made was the acquisition of Windsor Spitfires centre Jacob Maillet. Maillet is also undrafted, but has attended various NHL camps. He has plenty of experience in the OHL, from Guelph to Windsor.
The 2003-born right shot centre will likely slot in as Ottawa's third line centre behind Stonehouse and Kressler. Maillet will play a critical role come postseason, as it is important to have multiple lines that can score.
Maillet makes the players around him better by playing a full two-hundred-foot game. He has been a great support system for Windsor's first line this season, alongside Liam Greentree and Oliver Peer.
On the back end, the 67's brought in Samuel Mayer from the Peterborough Petes. Mayer is also a 2003-born player with two-and-a-half seasons of experience with the Petes under his belt.
Mayer possesses an ability that many of Ottawa's defencemen lack — the ability to lockdown the defensive zone. The 67's defence is very young. Mayer will not only bring experience, but he will bring reliability and responsibility in the defensive zone. He possesses a long reach and is very rangey as a defender. He's taken some steps offensively this year as well, using his powerful shot from the point.
The final acquisition that Ottawa made was the trade to get Ian Michelone from the Spitfires. Michelone will fill in as Ottawa's back up goaltender, taking the spot of Max Donoso.
Ottawa made four acquisitions, but more importantly they addressed some important needs. They were missing a veteran presence, and they get that with three overagers Kressler, Mayer, and Maillet.
Kressler gives them another top-six centre, Maillet gives them a third line centre, and Mayer gives them a reliable top-four defender. They significantly increase the quality of their depth with these pickups, in each position.