Spirit acquire Panthers draftee Haché in deal with Colts
Saginaw, Mich. – Spirit general manager Dave Drinkill announced Tuesday afternoon that the team has added defenseman Braden Haché (pronounced HASH-aay) and a 2027 conditional 15th round pick from the Barrie Colts in exchange for defenseman Olivier Savard and a conditional 2024 third round pick (KGN).
“As an organization, we’re thrilled,” said Drinkill. “Braden is one of the league’s top two-way defensemen. He’s got playoff experience, is an NHL draft pick, has been to NHL camps, and is a true leader at the rink and in the community.”
Listed at 6’4”, 210lbs, Haché was selected 210th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. The left-shot defenseman tallied 19 points (4G, 15A) in 68 games split between the Barrie Colts and Kingston Frontenacs this past season. He averaged 23:10 in ice time during his third OHL season.
“I’m super excited to be joining Saginaw,” said Haché. “Getting to start there from day one with the Spirit family will make this transition very smooth.”
Haché joined the Colts via trade midway through the 2022-2023 season. His +28 rating through 32 games in Barrie placed him second among his teammates. In the playoffs, Haché teamed up with L.A. Kings first-rounder Brandt Clarke on a potent top defensive pairing, tallying nine points (2G, 7A) in 13 postseason games.
“Braden is a player that we’ve wanted to acquire for a while now,” continued Drinkill. “To be able to make this deal today really gives our team a boost heading into camp. We look forward to working with him and growing his game during this special season.”
From Newmarket, Ont., Haché was drafted by the Kingston Frontenacs in the fourth round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection. The physical, all-situations defenseman has seen 152 games of OHL action, compiling 29 points (6G, 23A) in that time. Haché attended Arizona Coyotes development camp in July and enters his overage season in 2023-2024. He will don the #6 sweater in Saginaw.
“Everyone dreams of playing in the Memorial Cup,” said Haché. “To be given this opportunity is surreal. Saginaw showed last year that they have a talented team, and I can’t wait to add to it.”
Olivier Savard was selected by the Spirit in the second round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. In 109 career games in Saginaw, the defenseman tallied four goals and ten assists for 14 points. The Spirit are grateful for Savard’s time in Saginaw and wish him the best as he continues his hockey journey.
Braden Haché and the rest of the 2023-2024 Saginaw Spirit now look to training camp next week at Saginaw Bay Ice Arena. The Spirit will follow with four preseason games in September before opening the regular season in Kitchener on September 29th. Saginaw’s home opener will come on September 30th as they welcome the Sarnia Sting to the Dow Event Center at 7:05pm.
For tickets and other information, visit saginawspirit.com or follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
For media inquiries, contact Dillon Clark at [email protected].
