Firebirds acquire Jets prospect Kevin He in trade with IceDogs

The Niagara IceDogs and Flint Firebirds pulled off a major deal on Sunday that sees IceDogs captain Kevin He heading to Flint.

The Firebirds receive He, the rights to forward Darcy Dewachter, Niagara’s 2029 second-round pick, and Brantford’s 2026 fourth-round selection. Going back to Niagara are forward Chase Hull and a sizable collection of future draft picks, including two second-rounders in 2026 (Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie), third-round picks in 2027 (Owen Sound), 2028 (Peterborough), and 2029 (Flint), a fourth-round pick in 2028 (Kingston), and a sixth-round pick in 2027 (Flint).

He, 19, wraps up his time in Niagara as one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. Selected 25th overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, the left winger wore the ‘C’ beginning in October 2024 and became a fixture near the top of the IceDogs scoring list. Over parts of four seasons, He recorded more than 100 goals and close to 200 points, ranking among the club’s all-time leaders in several offensive categories.

This season, He continued to produce at a high level, collecting 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) through 25 games. Drafted by the Winnipeg Jets in 2024, He later made history as the first Chinese-born player to sign an NHL entry-level contract.

His tenure in Niagara featured no shortage of memorable moments, from multiple 30-goal seasons to a Teddy Bear Toss winner in 2022 and a six-point night against Brampton in October 2024. Off the ice, He’s been just as impactful, leaving a lasting mark on the organization and its community.

Coming to Niagara, Chase Hull adds a young forward with scoring upside. The 18-year-old was a fourth-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and is in the middle of his rookie OHL season. Hull has chipped in 13 points (8 goals, 5 assists) through 30 games so far in 2025-26.

Dewachter, whose rights also move to Flint, appeared in 43 games with the IceDogs over parts of two seasons and is currently playing with the Niagara Falls Canucks of the OJHL.

The move gives Flint a proven, NHL-drafted scorer for the stretch run, while Niagara brings in youth and draft capital as it reshapes its roster moving forward.