Americans acquire draft picks from Edmonton for Austin Zemlak

Kennewick, WA – Tri-City Americans general manager Bob Tory today announced the team has traded 2005-born defenseman Austin Zemlak to the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for a 2026 second round pick (Saskatoon) and a conditional 2029 fifth round pick.

“With Austin leaving school we were forced to make a decision that was best for not only our team today, but also for the future,” said Tory. “Austin will get an opportunity to finish his career closer to home.”

Zemlak, from Fort McMurray, Alberta, spent the first half of the 2025-26 season at Arizona State University, appearing in five games with the Sun Devils.

Prior to heading to the NCAA, Zemlak played the entire 2024-25 season with the Americans suiting up for 56 games and recording 25 points (5-20-25). Originally drafted ninth overall in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft by the Victoria Royals, Zemlak has played in 203 career WHL games between Victoria and Tri-City, posting 58 points (15-43-58).

The Americans now hold two firsts and two seconds in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.

He was acquired from the Royals in August of 2024.