Bulldogs acquire rights to Bruins prospect McCrate from Attack

The Brantford Bulldogs have acquired the OHL rights to Boston Bruins prospect Cullen McCrate from the Owen Sound Attack in exchange for defenceman Cameron Merrick and a fourth-round selection in the 2030 OHL Priority Selection.

McCrate, an Adrian, MI native, was originally selected by the Attack in the seventh round, 143rd overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The 6-foot-2 defenceman spent the 2025-26 season with the USHL’s Fargo Force, recording 30 points (10-20-30) in 61 games before being selected by the Boston Bruins in the seventh round, 216th overall, of the 2026 NHL Draft.

“Cullen McCrate is a tremendous addition to our organization,” said Bulldogs President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He brings size, strength, and a physical presence that every team covets, while also being a dependable two-way defenceman who can impact the game in all situations. He competes hard, defends with authority, moves the puck well, and plays the game with an edge. Just as importantly, Cullen is a high-character young man who fits the identity and culture we’ve built in Brantford.”

Heading to Owen Sound is Merrick, an 18-year-old defenceman who signed with the Bulldogs in January after playing for Minnetonka High School in Minnesota. The Boston, MA native also suited up for Team The Base in the Upper Midwest High School Elite League during the offseason.

“As we evaluated our prospect pool, Cullen McCrate was a player we believed had the potential to help our hockey club this season,” said Attack President and General Manager Tyler Nother. “However, after speaking with Cullen and his representation, it became clear that since being drafted by the Owen Sound Attack in 2025, he had no intention of ever playing for our organization.

“Once the facts became clear, we focused on putting our club in the best possible position moving forward, and are very pleased with the return.”

“We always want to do right by our players,” Hyman added. “Owen Sound provides Cam with a great opportunity to continue his development, and we’re excited for him and wish him great success.”

As part of the execution of the transaction, Brantford agreed to waive the conditions attached to the June 2 trade involving goaltender Ryerson Leenders. As a result, Owen Sound will retain the previously conditional second-round selection in 2027 (originally Sault Ste. Marie) and third-round selection in 2028 (originally Sarnia) while Brantford retains a 15th-round pick in 2028.

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