Knights’ Humphrey, Paris headed to Niagara in exchange for Copeland and picks
The London Knights and Niagara IceDogs arranged their latest exchange to begin the week on Monday, with players headed in both directions in the midst of the OHL preseason.
The IceDogs acquired overage winger and former OHL champion Ryan Humphrey along with 18-year-old forward Mathieu Paris in exchange for third-year winger Juan Copeland, North Bay’s second-round pick in 2026 and Flint’s third-round pick in 2026.
The centrepiece of the trade going to Niagara, Humphrey, a 20-year-old from Fowlerville, Michigan, joins the IceDogs having played in 171 career OHL regular season games, recording 96 points (41-55–96) in the process. He hoisted the Robertson Cup as a member of the 2022 Hamilton Bulldogs, and recorded 12 points (8-4–12) in 21 games last spring as the Knights were crowned Western Conference champions.
“Niagara is pleased to welcome Ryan to the IceDogs family,” said IceDogs Interim GM Wes Consorti. “Ryan brings a high level of leadership and compete level. He has won championships and understands what it takes on and off the ice to achieve that. He will be a valued member of our organization in every aspect.”
Paris joins the IceDogs following eight points (2-6–8) in 45 games with London last season. The former third round pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection hails from Ottawa, Ont. He put up 40 points (20-20–40) in 39 games with the St. Thomas Stars of the GOJHL in 2021-22.
“Mathieu is a high IQ player with great playmaking ability that will further strengthen our lineup,” Consorti said of the new addition. “He is another great addition to our organization on and off the ice.”
The Knights acquire Copeland, who like Humphrey comes from Fowlerville, Michigan, as he enters his third OHL season. The 5-foot-11, 169Ib. left-winger recorded 21 points (10-11-21) in 57 games as a sophomore in 2022-23. He put up 22 points (12-10–22) as a rookie in 2021-22 after being Niagara’s second round (22nd overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.
“Juan is an offensive style player,” said Knights Associate GM Rob Simpson. “He plays a highly skilled game that is high in puck possession, which is the way we ant to play in London. He will fit into our system, and we are excited for what he will bring to the lineup.”
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