Chiefs acquire defenseman, four draft picks from Winnipeg in exchange for Graham Sward
Spokane, Wash. — The Spokane Chiefs have acquired defenseman Jaren Brinson (2004) as well as a first-round pick in the 2023 draft, a third-round pick in the 2025 draft, a second-round pick in the 2026 draft and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft from the Winnipeg ICE in exchange for defenseman Graham Sward (2003).
“It’s extremely difficult to say goodbye to a player who was drafted into our program and has spent four years in the organization,” Spokane Chiefs General Manager Matt Bardsley said. “Graham is a very quality player and part of our leadership group. He has given everything to the organization. Winnipeg showed a very strong interest in Graham and proposed an offer that included Jaren and draft picks, which would enable us to stay competitive this year while adding to our future as well. We look forward to Jaren joining the Chiefs organization and the contributions he will make to our team.”
Brinson, a 6-foot-2, 178-pound blueliner from Airdrie, Alberta, has 85 WHL games under his belt, scoring three goals and 10 assists. In his third season in the league, he was originally a second-round pick (36th overall) by the Prince George Cougars in the 2019 WHL Draft.
Sward has played 132 games for Spokane, scoring 14 goals and 52 assists for 66 total points. He was originally the Chiefs’ first-round (17th overall) pick in the 2018 WHL Draft.
After leading all Spokane defensemen in scoring and posting career-highs across the board last season, Sward earned the Chiefs’ 2021-22 John “Hitman” Hern Defenseman of the Year award. He was also named Spokane’s Humanitarian of the Year.
Named an alternate captain for a second time this season, Sward has four assists in eight games so far. Originally from Abbotsford, B.C., he was a fifth-round pick (146th overall) by the Nashville Predators in the 2022 NHL Draft this summer.
“We wish Graham all the best in Winnipeg and thank him for everything he has done for the Spokane Chiefs organization,” Bardsley said.
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The Chiefs’ next home game is Saturday, October 29 versus Kamloops. It’s the Chiefs’ Fright Night and Halloween Celebration so be sure to wear your best costume to the game! Tickets for October 29 and all regular season games are available online at spokanechiefs.com/tickets.
The Spokane Chiefs are a member of the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League, the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players. Since 1985 the Chiefs have been a pillar in the Spokane community, offering family-friendly entertainment and a winning tradition, which includes: two Memorial Cup Championships in 1991 & 2008, two WHL Championships in 1991 & 2008 and four Western Conference Championships in 1991, 1996, 2000 & 2008. Over 60 alumni have gone on to play in the National Hockey League.
