Bulldogs acquire rights to USNTDP defenceman Abe Barnett from Ottawa

The Brantford Bulldogs have acquired the OHL playing rights to defenceman Abe Barnett from the Ottawa 67’s in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection.

Barnett, a Wilmette, Illinois native, is a product of the U.S. National Team Development Program and is committed to the University of Michigan. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound left-shot defenceman was originally selected by Ottawa in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection before joining the USNTDP out of the Chicago Mission program.

During his draft season in 2023–24, Barnett recorded seven goals and 33 assists for 40 points in 64 games with the Mission, helping lead the club to a U15 Tier I National Championship. Since joining the USNTDP, he has gained extensive experience at the national level, appearing in 88 games in NTDP competition and 44 games with the USNTDP Juniors in the USHL over the past two seasons.

Barnett has also represented the United States internationally, winning gold at the Youth Olympic Games at the U16 level in early 2024 and competing at the U17 World Hockey Challenge later that year. He was part of the USNTDP Juniors squad that faced Team CHL during the CHL/USA Prospects Challenge.

“Abe Barnett is one of the top defensive prospects in the 2008 age group,” said Bulldogs General Manager Spencer Hyman. “He’s a smooth-skating, two-way defenceman who impacts the game in every situation. His ability, character, and overall game speak to the path he’s on, and we’re thrilled to acquire his rights.”

The move gives Brantford the rights to a high-end NCAA-bound blueliner, while Ottawa adds a valuable draft selection as part of its future planning.

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