Battalion acquire Sebastien Gervais, Hayden Barch from Spirit for draft picks

The North Bay Battalion have acquired forward Sebastien Gervais and defenceman Hayden Barch from the Saginaw Spirit in exchange for a package of OHL Priority Selection picks.

In return, Saginaw receives five draft selections, including third-round picks in 2026 (Barrie), 2028 (North Bay), and 2029 (North Bay), along with fifth-round picks in 2027 (London) and 2028 (Owen Sound).

Gervais, an overage centre, joins the Battalion in his fifth OHL season. The 6-foot, 200-pound left shot from Windsor, Ont., recorded 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) in 38 games with Saginaw this season. Originally selected in the 12th round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Gervais wraps up his Spirit career with 139 points (52 goals, 87 assists) in 297 regular-season games, the second-most in franchise history.

A Memorial Cup champion in 2024, Gervais played an important role during Saginaw’s title run, contributing three points in five tournament games. He is committed to the Clarkson Golden Knights for the 2026-27 season.

“This is a player who knows how to win,” said Battalion General Manager John Winstanley. “He’s been through meaningful games and understands what’s required every day. We’re excited to have him join our group.”

Barch, a right-shot defenceman from Grand Bend, Ont., was selected in the 13th round of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound blueliner has appeared in 61 career OHL games over the past two seasons, posting nine points (one goal, eight assists). This season, he recorded four assists in 34 games with the Spirit and added a goal during the 2025 OHL Playoffs.

“He plays a hard, honest game,” Winstanley said. “He defends well, brings physicality, and understands his role. We’re excited to work with him and see where his game can go.”

Saginaw General Manager Dave Drinkill thanked both players for their time with the organization.

“They were excellent representatives of our program, on the ice and in our community,” Drinkill said. “These are difficult decisions, but we’re grateful for everything Sebastien and Hayden brought to the Spirit.”

The move gives North Bay added experience and depth as the trade deadline approaches, while Saginaw adds future draft capital as it continues to shape its roster for the seasons ahead.

All confirmed trades can be found on our OHL Trade Deadline Tracker.