The Ottawa 67's find themselves in an enviable position as the Ontario Hockey League's trade deadline looms this Friday. The team sits atop the OHL's overall standings, a remarkable feat that has fans and analysts wondering if management will make a final push to bolster the roster for a deep playoff and Memorial Cup run.
A Stunning Turnaround Season
This season represents a dramatic reversal of fortune for the Ottawa 67's. After finishing a disappointing 17th overall and missing the playoffs entirely last year, few could have predicted their current dominance. The team has manufactured an impressive 28-7-3 record for 59 points, allowing the fewest goals in the 20-team league at just 87, while scoring the fifth most with 143. Their disciplined play is also a hallmark, as only the Kingston Frontenacs have taken fewer penalty minutes than Ottawa's 355.
General Manager Jan Egert, who officially assumed the role on November 11, acknowledged the surprise in the record. "Did I expect to have a very good hockey team? Yes," Egert said. "Did I envision the record being what it is at this point? No. But that's credit to the players, that's credit to the organization, that's credit to the group." He also heaped praise on head coach Dave Cameron, whose leadership was questioned after Canada's performance at last year's world junior championship. "Dave's done what Dave has always done. For me, Dave is one of the top coaches in the Canadian Hockey League," Egert stated firmly.
Addressing Areas for Improvement
Despite their stellar record, the 67's have a clear area needing attention: special teams. Their penalty-killing success rate of 75.1% is the worst in the entire OHL, and their power play operates at 20.1%, ranking only 11th best. These statistics could make them vulnerable in tight playoff games, where special teams often decide outcomes.
This weakness may be a key factor driving the team's decision-making ahead of the deadline. Strengthening their penalty kill or adding a power-play specialist could be the final piece needed to transform a great regular-season team into a championship contender.
Recent Moves and Deadline Strategy
The 67's have already been active in the market. In early December, they acquired veteran winger Sam McCue from the Brantford Bulldogs. The 20-year-old, 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward had 10 goals in 25 games before the trade and brings 69 career OHL goals in 181 games to Ottawa's lineup. More recently, the team signed free-agent forward Teddy Spitznagel and completed a minor deal, sending rookie Jaxon Williams to Brampton for a future draft pick.
When asked if the 67's will be buyers before Friday's cutoff, Egert pointed to these acquisitions as evidence they already are. The question now is whether General Manager Egert believes one more significant addition could put the team over the top. With the Memorial Cup as the ultimate goal, the pressure is on to evaluate whether the current roster has enough depth and special teams capability to win it all, or if a strategic trade is necessary.
The clock is ticking for the Ottawa 67's front office. Their unexpected position as league leaders presents a unique opportunity. The decisions made—or not made—before Friday's OHL trade deadline will signal their confidence in the current group and define their strategy for pursuing junior hockey's biggest prize.
