Hitmen add to forward corps with acquisition of Hansen from Blades

The Calgary Hitmen have improved their forward depth with the acquisition of 19-year-old forward Lukas Hansen from the Saskatoon Blades. In exchange for Hansen, the Blades receive 15-year-old prospect forward Adam Halat from the Hitmen.

The 5-foot-11, 179-pound Hansen is a veteran of 168 career WHL regular season outings, having recorded 43 points (22G-21A) along the way. The native of Winnipeg was originally selected by the Blades in the second round (28th overall) of the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.

The 2023-24 campaign represented a career best for Hansen, as he collected 21 points (11G-10A) in 53 games. The veteran forward owns 34 games of WHL playoff experience, notching 10 points (3G-7A).

“Lukas has been an exemplary Blade over his four years with the team,” said Colin Priestner, General Manager of the Blades. “He has battled through injuries and adversity and come through night after night for us when we needed a shot block or penalty killed off. We’re excited for him to get a fresh start in Calgary on a great team where he can bring his playoff experience and leadership.”

Halat was selected by the Hitmen in the fourth round (72nd overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft.

“Adam is a dynamically skilled and highly intelligent forward that can change the game with his ability to create offense,” said Dan Tencer, Director of Scouting for the Saskatoon Blades. “He’s having an exceptional season in Okotoks and demonstrating in a very good AEHL U18 league that he can produce at an elite level. We scouted him aggressively in the last month or so and were consistently impressed.”

In 23 games this season with the Okotoks Oilers U18 AAA program, the 5-foot-8, 161-pound forward has registered 40 points (20G-20A). He tallied 46 points (12G-34A) in 27 games with Edge School U15 Prep in 2023-24 prior to the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft.

“Adam is having the same kind of year in Alberta U18 AAA as a 15-year-old that Cooper Williams did last season,” Priestner said. “With us not having a first- or second-round pick in the 2024 draft in May, this adds another high-skill player to the forward group alongside Jaggar John, Mason Moreland, and Cohen Lewko.

“Adam has an elite hockey IQ and his passing ability is second to none. He’s not going to be the biggest guy on the ice, but he’s proven that his compete and skill level are best in class. We think his upside is extremely high.”

Lukas Hansen and the Calgary Hitmen return to action Friday, December 27 (7 p.m. MT), when they visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Hansen is expected to wear sweater No. 27 when he debuts with the Hitmen.