Vees bolster roster with NHL Draft Prospect, Import Pick from Wenatchee
PENTICTON, BC – The Penticton Vees have acquired the playing rights to 2007-born forward Jacob Kvasnicka and a 2025 third-round CHL Import Draft pick from the Wenatchee Wild. In return, the Vees have traded 2007-born listed forward Aiden Grossklaus, a 2025 first-round CHL Import Draft pick, and a 2029 second-round WHL Prospects Draft pick.
Kvasnicka spent the last two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Plymouth, Michigan. The Wayzata, Minnesota native played for the U.S. National U18 Team during the 2024-25 season, finishing sixth in team scoring with 39 points (18G, 21A) in 66 games. He also recorded 14 points (5G, 9A) in 25 games with the NTDP in the United States Hockey League (USHL). Kvasnicka, a skilled two-way forward, is ranked 152nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft.
“We are excited to add a player with Jacob’s experience at the U.S. National Team Development Program,” said Vees President, General Manager, and Head Coach Fred Harbinson. “Jacob brings offensive talent and an exceptional work ethic—qualities that will help shape the identity we’re building in our first season in the WHL.”
In 2023-24, Kvasnicka played for the NTDP’s U17 Team, posting 17 points (8G, 9A) in 30 games. The 5’11”, 173-pound forward has also represented the U.S. internationally, winning a silver medal at the 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge and a bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship in Frisco and Allen, Texas, where he tallied five points (3G, 2A) in seven games. He also helped the NTDP win the 2024 U17 Five Nations tournament,
Kvasnicka was originally selected 34th overall by the Winnipeg ICE in the 2022 WHL U.S. Priority Draft. He is currently committed to the University of Minnesota.
As a result of today’s trade, the Vees have the 62nd, 123rd, and 138th overall picks in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, which will be held on July 2nd.
