Rangers acquire Winnipeg Jets’ Prospect Danny Zhilkin from Guelph
Kitchener, Ont. – The Kitchener Rangers announced today that the club has completed a trade with the Guelph Storm.
In the trade, the Rangers acquire Winnipeg Jets’ NHL-signed forward Danny Zhilkin (pronounced Jihl-kin) and Guelph’s eighth-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. In return, the Rangers trade forward Jesse Fishman, Barrie’s second-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Hamilton’s fourth-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Oshawa’s third-round pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Hamilton’s second-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Kitchener’s third-round pick in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection and Kitchener’s third-round pick in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection.
This season, the Kitchener Rangers have now received commitments from Montréal Canadiens’ 2022 first-round NHL pick Filip Mešár and Ottawa Senators’ third-round NHL pick Tomáš Hamara, acquired 2022 OHL Champion goaltender Marco Costantini, acquired Oshawa Generals captain and overage defenceman Lleyton Moore, acquired OHL leading goal scorer Francesco Arcuri, and now acquired Winnipeg Jets’ NHL-signed forward Danny Zhilkin.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2022: Danny Zhilkin of Winnipeg Jets against the Edmonton Oilers (Photo by Marissa Baecker / Getty Images)
Zhilkin, 19, comes to Kitchener after signing a three-year NHL Entry-Level Contract with the Winnipeg Jets this past Friday. He is currently third on Guelph’s roster with a 1.04 points per-game-average, recording 26 points (12G, 14A) in just 25 games played. Notably, Zhilkin is second in the league in face-off winning percentage, winning an impressive 59.2% of his face-off draws.
“Danny is a player we targeted when we made the decision to add to our team,” said Kitchener Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie. “His two-way play, speed and skill will be a huge addition to our team in the second half.”
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound, left-shot forward was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the third-round, 77th overall, of the most recent 2022 NHL Draft. Last season, Zhilkin recorded an impressive 55 points (23G, 32A) in 66 games played. He played a key part in leading Canada to a Gold Medal at the 2021 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Under-18 Championship.
“I’m super excited. Obviously it’s a great franchise and I’ve heard a lot about it,” said Zhilkin. “Being there at the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game last spring, I’ve seen the facilities and they’re top notch, so I’m excited to be a Ranger. We’re going to achieve something special here.”
A native of Mississauga, Ont., Zhilkin was Guelph’s first-round pick, 14th overall, in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. He played his minor hockey with the Toronto Marlboros AAA Hockey Club in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL).
Zhilkin will join the Rangers for practice at The Aud this morning before the team departs to Sault Ste. Marie at Noon. He will wear number 17 for Kitchener and is expected to be in the line up when the Rangers face the Greyhounds tomorrow night.
Next up: The Rangers will hit the road for five days, opening the New Year in Sault Ste. Marie Wednesday night. The Rangers’ next home game is on Friday, Jan. 13 when the Blueshirts host the Oshawa Generals in a nationally televised game on TSN. Great seats are still available and can be purchased online here.
For inquiries, contact:
Dominic Hennig
Senior Director, Broadcasting, Communications & Hockey Operations
Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club
519-497-9342
[email protected]
