The preseason is here, and we are starting to see potential lineups for the upcoming season. Though teams have paired down from their training camp rosters, there are still decisions to be made before we arrive at regular season. next, we will take a look at the Ottawa 67's.

Ottawa finished sixth in the Eastern Conference with 80 points on the season. They edged out the Brantford Bulldogs in a tightly contested series before falling in the second round of the OHL playoffs to the Oshawa Generals. 

Last year, the 67's had a large number of 2004-born players as well as their complement of overage players. As a result, there are spaces available for incoming talent. 

Ottawa made two big trades this offseason that moved experienced forwards out of their lineup. First, they moved Vegas Golden Knights prospect Tuomas Uronen before trading away Dallas Stars prospect Brad Gardiner. In both cases the return was draft picks.

Overage Players

Ottawa has big questions to answer in terms of their overage players. There are five overage players on the preseason roster, including Will Gerrior, Matthew Mayich, Thomas Sirman, Collin Mackenzie and Ian Michelone.

Will Gerrior, or the generator as he is known in Ottawa, has played the last three seasons in the capital. Over the course of 200 OHL games, Gerrior has scored 100 points. Every year he has improved his point totals, setting personal highs year after year.

Another overage player entering their fourth year is Thomas Sirman. The veteran defender has played 160 OHL games for Ottawa in a depth role on defense. He played in only 40 games last year and recorded 16 points. 

St. Louis Blues prospect Matthew Mayich has played in 190 games for the Barber Poles over three seasons. Last year's alternate captain scored 6 goals and added 18 assists for 24 points in 66 games. If he stays with the team he will be a core part of the D-corps. 

Journeyman goaltender Ian Michelone is in the 67's preseason roster. The team acquired him at the deadline last season in a trade with Windsor. In 18 games, Michelon recorded a 3.02 goals against average and an .887 save percentage.

The team's final overage player is Collin Mackenzie. Entering his fourth year with the 67's. In 69 games played, Mackenzie has a 2.66 goals against average and a .907 save percentage. It's hard not to project Mackenzie exiting the preseason as the starting goaltender for this squad. 

Goaltending Battle

One of the biggest questions coming into preseason is what will happen with Ottawa's goalie situation. There are four goaltenders on the roster including Collin Mackenzie. 

The three players battling it out for the backup position are Jaden Nelson, Ian Michelone and newly signed 2007-born goaltender Liam Conway.

Nelson played several games for the 67's last season when the team was struggling with injuries. At the Jr A level, he dominated the CCHL and won just about every accolade a goaltender can receive in the CJHL.

The team signed Conway several days ago. He played for the U-18 AAA Mississauga Reps last season. 

One of these three will take up the backup position behind Mackenzie when we arrive at the regular season. It does seem somewhat unlikely that it will be Michelone taking on this role. Running with two overage goaltenders does not leave much room to develop younger players for the future.

Draft picks

Three 2024 OHL draft picks remain in the 67's roster after training camp. First-round picks Nathan Amidovski and Kohyn Eshkawkogan plus third-round pick Jordan Perrier. 

At 6-foot-2 Amidovski is a big forward with great offensive abilities. In 33 games last season, Amidovski scored 40 goals and added 29 assists for a total of 69 points. During the season he acted as a alternate captain and was second in overall scoring on the team. 

Eshkawkogan is a small defender who has strong passing skills and above average skating abilities. In 76 games with the North York Rangers, the young defender scored 13 goals and added 52 assists. He led all defensemen on the team in scoring and was fourth overall on the team. 

Jordan Perrier is an Ottawa native who spent last season playing for the Ottawa Valley Titans U-16 AAA team. In 29 games last season, Perrier scored 16 goals and added 28 assists for a total of 44 points. He elevated his game further at the OHL Cup scoring two goals and adding four assists in a mere four games. 

Overview

With the offseason trades, Ottawa seems to be signaling they are entering a minor rebuild. They have lots of young players who can add to an already established roster for a strong season. The pick they acquired in the offseason can be used to bolster the team in the future.