WHL Trade Deadline: Live Blog
The Western Hockey League Trade Deadline arrives Tuesday, Jan. 10, and there is no shortage of intrigue as teams look to load up in search of a run at the Ed Chynoweth Cup or, on the contrary, hope to restock the cupboards in order to speed up a rebuild.
Be sure to visit WHL.ca’s Trade Deadline: Live Blog for all the news on the latest trade activity from around the league as we keep you wired with the latest breaking trades over the week leading up to and including Jan. 10.
Tuesday, Jan. 10
4 p.m. MT – Portland Winterhawks add F Matt Revel (1996) off waivers from the Kamloops Blazers.
4 p.m. MT – Swift Current Broncos acquire D Jake Hobson (1999) from the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for a fifth round pick (2018).
3:30 p.m. MT – Swift Current Broncos acquire G Jordan Papirny (1996) and a fourth round pick (2018) from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for G Travis Child (1997), D Kade Jensen (1997), a second round pick (2019) and a fifth round pick (2018). – COMPLETE STORY
The Swift Current Broncos brought in some championship pedigree goaltending right before the WHL Trade Deadline, acquiring 2016 WHL Champion Jordan Papirny from the Brandon Wheat Kings.
“Jordan enjoyed a great career with the Wheat Kings,” said Kelly McCrimmon, owner, governor and former head coach and general manager of the Wheat Kings, in a team release. “He was an integral part of the success our team enjoyed, culminating with a WHL Championship last year.
“It was an honour to coach him, I consider him a good friend and I wish him nothing but success moving forward.”
3:30 p.m. MT – Brandon Wheat Kings acquire import D Dmitry Osipov (1996) from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for D Jordan Wharrie (1997) and a second round pick (2019). – MORE TO COME
The Brandon Wheat Kings wanted to get bigger on the blueline and they did just that with the addition of 6-foot-4, 220-pound Russian defenceman Dmitry Osipov from the Vancouver Giants.
“Dmitry exemplifies what a Vancouver Giant is,” said Glen Hanlon, general manager of the Giants, in a team release. “He’s been a warrior and done everything we’ve asked of him both on and off the ice. We’ve watched him grow as a person and gain command of the English language, and we wish him continued success for the rest of the year and in the future.”
The former first overall pick at the 2013 CHL Import Draft brings a boatload of experience and solid two-way presence to Brandon.
3:30 p.m. MT – Vancouver Giants acquire F Calvin Spencer (1996) from the Swift Current Broncos in exchange for a conditional ninth round pick (2017).
Veteran Calvin Spencer is headed west for the Vancouver Giants.
“We’d like to thank Calvin for being a leader to this team on and off the ice,” said Manny Viveiros, head coach and director of player personnel for the Broncos, in a team release. “He was a terrific role model to our younger players and we wish him nothing but the best.”
12:30 p.m. MT – Regina Pats acquire D Josh Mahura (1998), F Jeff de Wit (1998) and a conditional third round pick (2019) from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for F Lane Zablocki (1998), D Dawson Barteaux (2000), a first round pick (2017), a conditional first round pick (2018 or 2019) and a conditional third round pick (2020). – COMPLETE STORY
Well, that’s a blockbuster deal.
It also may put the Regina Pats into ultimate contender territory.
An already deep and dangerous Pats squad was bolstered even further ahead of Tuesday’s WHL Trade Deadline with the acquisition of Anaheim Ducks’ prospect Josh Mahura and forward Jeff de Wit. Sitting atop the East Division, the Pats just became that much more formidable, adding a quality, two-way defenceman and a gritty, lunch-pail forward.
“Mahura and de Wit bring a considerable amount of skill and depth to our team,” said John Paddock, head coach and general manager of the Pats, in a team release. “We are excited to add to our club for the remainder of this season and for next year as well.”
On the other end, the Rebels, add promising pieces for the future, particularly with young 16-year-old defenceman Dawson Barteaux, who holds plenty of potential as a two-way blueliner. Lane Zablocki is no slouch, bringing immediate offensive impact, having been tabbed by NHL scouts ahead of the 2017 NHL Draft.
11:45 a.m. MT – Prince George Cougars acquire F Tanner Wishnowski (1997) from the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for an eighth round pick (2018).
Last year, Tanner Wishnowski provided depth and character on a Kelowna Rockets team that went to the Western Conference championship before falling to the Seattle Thunderbirds.
This year, he can look forward to helping the Prince George Cougars try to do the same, and perhaps one better.
“Tanner is a very difficult player to play against and he’s going to add a great deal of depth and experience to our lineup,” said Todd Harkins, general manager of the Cougars, in a team release. “He’s a big body who skates well and can create havoc in all three zones. We’re very excited to welcome Tanner to the Prince George Cougars family.”
The veteran forward brings 18 games of WHL post-season experience.
11:30 a.m. MT – Moose Jaw Warriors acquire F Branden Klatt (1998) from the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for a fourth round pick (2018) and a conditional sixth round pick (2019). – COMPLETE STORY
The Moose Jaw Warriors have given Branden Klatt an opportunity to play at home in front of friends and family.
The 18-year-old forward is headed back to his hometown after a deadline day deal from the Edmonton Oil Kings.
Klatt will provide depth, size and grit for a Warriors club intent on dethroning the Regina Pats in the WHL’s East Division.
11:30 a.m. MT – Moose Jaw Warriors acquire F Spencer Bast (1997) from the Kamloops Blazers in exchange for an eighth round pick (2018).
Spencer Bast is returning to the Land of Living Skies.
The 19-year-old product of Macklin, Sask. – home of the World Bunnock Championship – is headed for Moose Jaw after a deadline day deal from the Kamloops Blazers.
Originally listed by the Blazers, Bast has tallied 23 points (10G-13A) in 93 career WHL regular season contests.
11:15 a.m. MT – Calgary Hitmen add G Trevor Martin (1996) from the QMJHL.
With Cody Porter out indefinitely due to an injury suffered Friday night in Regina, the Calgary Hitmen went out and brought a familiar face back to the Central Division, adding goaltender Trevor Martin to the roster.
“It was an unfortunate injury to Cody, which left us needing to fill a vacancy in our crease,” said Mike Moore, general manager and vice-president of business operations for the Hitmen, in a team release. “Trevor is an experienced goaltender who had a terrific season last year with the Red Deer Rebels and has spent the first half of the season with Baie-Comeau in the QMJHL. We are excited to have Trevor join Kyle (Dumba) to help us push for a playoff spot over the second half of the season.”
Martin spent the 2015-16 campaign up Highway 2 as a member of the Red Deer Rebels before making his way to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League earlier this season, making a pit stop with the West Kelowna Warriors of the BCHL along the way.
In 61 career WHL regular season games, the product of Ardrossan, Alta., is 22-19-3-2 with a 3.22 goals-against average and .900 save percentage, including a record of 18-8-1-1, 2.63 GAA and .911 SV% last season.
Martin also went 6-2-0 with a 3.05 GAA, .905 SV% in nine WHL post-season appearances last season.
10 a.m. MT – Prince George Cougars acquire import F Radovan Bondra (1997) from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for import forward Bartek Bison (1998), forward Tyler Ho (2000) and a third round pick (2018). – COMPLETE STORY
Apparently Todd Harkins wasn’t satisfied with the acquisition of just one big import.
Days after adding hulking Russian Nikita Popugaev from the Moose Jaw Warriors, the Prince George Cougars went out and pulled Slovakian sniper Radovan Bondra from the Vancouver Giants. The addition of Bondra gives the Cougars one more weapon alongside the likes of Jansen Harkins, Brad Morrison, Jesse Gabrielle, Popugaev and defenceman Brendan Guhle, just to name a few.
“Radovan Bondra is a dominant winger in our league and bring a unique combination of size, skill and finish to our lineup,” said Todd Harkins, general manager of the Cougars, in a team release. “He’s an NHL-drafted player with a very impressive international resume and provides our team with another bonafide offensive weapon.
“He’s the final piece to what we feel is a very deep and talented lineup, and we are very excited to welcome him to the Prince George Cougars.”
Already sitting atop the B.C. Division, the Cougars are going to be a nasty group to deal with down the stretch.
For the Giants, Dutch import Bartek Bison gets a fresh start, while 2000-born prospect forward Tyler Ho – a product of North Vancouver – gets to come home with a shot at playing for his hometown club.
9:30 a.m. MT – Prince Albert Raiders acquire C Jordy Stallard (1997) and a seventh round pick (2017) from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for LW Luke Coleman (1998) and a fourth round pick (2018). – COMPLETE STORY
The Calgary Hitmen have moved Winnipeg Jets’ prospect Jordy Stallard to the Prince Albert Raiders.
In search of young talent, the Hitmen were required to move the longtime veteran in order to land the services of 1998-born Luke Coleman from Prince Albert.
“Luke is a power forward that will bring a presence to our team,” said Mike Moore, general manager and vice president of business operations for the Hitmen, in a team release. “He is a key addition who is tough to play against with good skating ability, hockey sense, offensive upside and leadership.
“Prince Albert demanded a critical piece in return and while it is difficult to part with Jordy, acquiring a younger player with Luke’s ability was important to us.”
The Hitmen and Raiders are set to face-off Wednesday in Prince Albert.
Monday, Jan. 9
9 p.m. MT – Lethbridge Hurricanes acquire C Alec Baer (1997) from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a third round pick (2017). – COMPLETE STORY
The Lethbridge Hurricanes aren’t messing around.
Less than 12 hours after acquiring two of the biggest 20-year-old fish available on the trade market in Matt Alfaro and Zak Zborosky, general manager Peter Anholt continued to bolster and build depth up front, acquiring 19-year-old forward Alec Baer from the Vancouver Giants.
A veteran of 240 career WHL games, the product of Minnesota brings added experience and will provide some more bite for a Hurricanes club that seems poised to go toe-to-toe with the Medicine Hat Tigers in pursuit of the Central Division crown.
1 p.m. MT – Portland Winterhawks acquire D Shaun Dosanjh (1996) from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for ninth round pick (2017).
10:30 a.m. MT – Victoria Royals acquire D Loch Morrison (1997) and a fourth round pick (2017) from the Prince Albert Raiders in exchange for D Brayden Pachal (1999) and a sixth round pick 2017). – COMPLETE STORY
The Prince Albert Raiders and Victoria Royals swapped defencemen Monday morning.
The rebuilding Raiders landed 1999-born youngster Brayden Pachal, while the Royals acquired veteran 19-year-old Loch Morrison to bolster their back end.
10 a.m. MT – Swift Current Broncos acquire F Ryley Lindgren and a sixth round pick (2018) from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for F Carson Dyck (2001) and 3rd round pick (2018). – COMPLETE STORY
With the acquisition of Matt Alfaro and Zak Zborosky from the Kootenay ICE, there was a sudden logjam of overage players in Lethbridge and Lindgren proved one of the odd men out. Off to Swift Current, he will get the opportunity to help a Broncos squad embattled in a serious playoff race with the Regina Pats, Moose Jaw Warriors, Brandon Wheat Kings and Saskatoon Blades.
“Lindgren is a terrific player and makes our hockey club better,” said Manny Viveiros, head coach and director of player personnel for the Broncos, in a team release. “We’re thrilled to have Ryley join the Swift Current Broncos and be an impact player.”
10 a.m. MT – Lethbridge Hurricanes acquire C Matt Alfaro (1996), RW Zak Zborosky (1996), and a sixth round pick (2018) from the Kootenay ICE in exchange for C Brett Davis (1999), F Colton Kroeker (1997), a second round pick (2018) and a fourth round pick (2018). – COMPLETE STORY
The Lethbridge Hurricanes landed two of the biggest fish expected to be available on the market ahead of Tuesday’s WHL Trade Deadline, but the big catch didn’t come without a cost.
In Alfaro, the ‘Canes get a gritty, two-way forward who has spent the better part of two years playing in the top six for the ICE, as well as in all special teams situations. In Zborosky, Lethbridge adds a legitimate lethal goal scorer who only adds to an arsenal that already includes the likes of captain Tyler Wong and Giorgio Estephan.
On the other end, Brett Davis heads west with Colton Kroeker. Eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft, Davis is coming into his own in his second WHL campaign and will provide a solid building block for a retooling ICE squad. Kroeker brings veteran experience to a young roster and should have an opportunity to move into a bigger role.
“Our focus heading into this year’s Trade Deadline was to add to our complement of 1999-born players as well as a veteran forward who can be a two-year player for our club,” said Jeff Chynoweth, president and general manager of the ICE, in a team release. “Brett Davis provides youth and skill to our lineup, while Colton Kroeker will be a top-six forward.
“We are excited to add them both to our group. This is a trade that benefits both teams, and along with the draft selections, addresses our needs as we continue rebuilding for the future.”
One thing is for sure, there’s no questioning the fact the Lethbridge Hurricanes mean business in the second half of the WHL season.
Sunday, Jan. 8
6:30 p.m. MT – Kelowna Rockets acquire LW Carsen Twarynski (1997) and a conditional third round pick (2018) from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for C Jake Kryski (1998). – COMPLETE STORY
The Kelowna Rockets and Calgary Hitmen helped meet one another’s needs Sunday evening, swapping forwards.
In search of a power forward, the Rockets landed Philadelphia Flyers prospect and pesky winger Carsen Twarynski.
In search of more offense, the Hitmen brought in centre Jake Kryski, who is on pace for career numbers so far this season.
“We felt we needed to add a big, physical forward and we’re getting that in Carsen,” said Bruce Hamilton, general manager of the Rockets, in a team release. “Jake Kryski is the player that Calgary wanted in return, so that’s the price we had to pay.”
6 p.m. MT – Moose Jaw Warriors acquire F Thomas Foster (1996), a fifth round pick (2018) and an eighth round pick (2017) from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for F Brayden Watts (1999), a second round pick (2018) and a fifth round pick (2017). – COMPLETE STORY
The Moose Jaw Warriors upgraded an overage slot Sunday evening, adding two-way veteran Thomas Foster from the Vancouver Giants.
“This was a hard deal for us to do,” said Ron Toigo, majority owner of the Giants, in a team release. “Thomas has been a great soldier for the Giants ever since we drafted him. He’s been a rock for our organization over the last couple years, but we felt it was important to send him to a place where he will have an opportunity to win. We wish him the best of luck with Moose Jaw the rest of the season.”
The former first round pick will bring added depth to a Warriors squad battling to catch the Regina Pats in the WHL’s East Division.
For the Giants, they add another young piece in the form of 1999-born California product Brayden Watts.
Friday, Jan. 6
10 p.m. MT – Lethbridge Hurricanes acquire D Kyle Yewchuk (1998) from the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for a fifth round pick (2018).
3 p.m. MT – Kelowna Rockets acquire RW Reid Gardiner (1996) from the Prince Albert Raiders in exchange for a conditional first round pick (2017 or 2018), a fifth round pick (2017) and a conditional fifth round pick (2019). – COMPLETE STORY
The Kelowna Rockets didn’t wait long to upgrade their arsenal after watching the Prince George Cougars land Nikita Popugaev while the Kamloops Blazers brought in Lane Bauer. Friday afternoon, the Rockets went out and acquired 40-goal scorer Reid Gardiner from the Prince Albert Raiders. The catch? The speedy 20-year-old winger hasn’t played in the WHL this season after signing with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the American Hockey League earlier this fall.
“We had an opportunity to acquire one of the league’s best scorers over the last few seasons. He has been playing in the AHL but will be coming to Kelowna to play for the Rockets,” said Bruce Hamilton, general manager of the Rockets, in a team release. “He’s excited about the opportunity to play for a competitive team with high-end teammates and with his brother Erik.
“For us, he brings something we’ve been missing in that he’s a pure shooter. We’re in arguably the toughest division in the WHL so he adds more depth to our roster. It was a big price to pay but we feel we owe it to our fans to compete again this year.”
Gardiner is on his way to Kelowna and expected to join the club for Saturday’s tilt against the Blazers.
3 p.m. MT – Edmonton Oil Kings acquire LW Riley Stadel (1996) from the Kelowna Rockets in exchange for a fifth round pick (2018). – COMPLETE STORY
With the addition of Reid Gardiner, the Rockets were forced into moving out a 20-year-old and Riley Stadel was the odd man out.
“Because of the acquisition of another 20-year-old, we had to make room to get back to three,” said Bruce Hamilton, general manager of the Kelowna Rockets, in a team release. “This was an extremely tough decision for us. Riley has been a heart-and-soul guy for us for a long time now.
“He epitomizes what a good guy and a great teammate is. He has impeccable character and this is a significant loss. It won’t be easy news for his teammates to hear.”
Dealt to the Edmonton Oil Kings, the veteran Stadel will provide newfound leadership for a club currently sitting in the Eastern Conference’s second wild card position after having moved out captain Aaron Irving (Everett Silvertips) and alternate captain Lane Bauer (Kamloops Blazers) earlier this week.
12:05 p.m. MT – Vancouver Giants acquire F Jordan Borstmayer (1998) from the Kelowna Rockets in exchange for a conditional fifth round pick (2017). – COMPLETE STORY
Looking for playoff experience, the Vancouver Giants have acquired 18-year-old forward Jordan Borstmayer from the Kelowna Rockets. A veteran of 96 career WHL regular season games, Borstmayer also skated in 17 post-season games with the Rockets during the spring of 2016 as Kelowna advanced to the Western Conference final before falling to the Seattle Thunderbirds.
Thursday, Jan. 5
3:30 p.m. MT – Medicine Hat Tigers acquire D Jordan Henderson (1997) from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a fifth round pick (2017). – COMPLETE STORY
With defenceman David Quenneville lost to injury for the foreseeable future, the Medicine Hat Tigers sought out veteran reinforcements and found them in the form of 19-year-old Jordan Henderson. A product of Vancouver, B.C., and veteran of 132 career WHL regular season contests, Henderson comes to the Tigers from the Saskatoon Blades. He joins a solid group of experienced blueliners, including captain Clayton Kirichenko, towering Latvian Kristians Rubins, and Ty Schultz. With his new club, Henderson and the Tigers will look to maintain their first place standing in the WHL’s Central Division.
3 p.m. MT – Prince George Cougars acquire import RW Nikita Popugaev (1998) from the Moose Jaw Warriors in exchange for import RW Yan Khomenko (1998), C Justin Almeida (1999), a second round pick (2018) and a fifth round pick (2017). – COMPLETE STORY
The BC Division arms race is heating up. After the Kamloops Blazers landed the services of two-way 20-year-old Lane Bauer from the Edmonton Oil Kings, the Prince George Cougars went out and reeled in another big fish in the form of 6-foot-6, 203-pound Russian import Nikita Popugaev. The hulking product of Moscow is projected to be a first round pick at the 2017 NHL Draft and brings a combination of supreme size and skill the Cougars did not previously have up front. Joining the likes of the highly-skilled Jansen Harkins, Brad Morrison and Jesse Gabrielle, Popugaev is simply one more lethal weapon in an already dangerous arsenal. Factor in defenceman Brendan Guhle, who has been lights out since his acquisition from the Prince Albert Raiders in November, and the Cougars are showing their fans and those around the WHL that they mean business in the BC Division down the stretch.
“We’ve added a player to our lineup that can be an offensive game-changer for us,” said Todd Harkins, general manager of the Cougars, in a team release. “Nikita is one of the most skilled and dominant offensive players in the Western Hockey League and he’s got a tremendously bright future in the game. He makes us better in all areas and he will play a big part in our success not only this year, but next season as well.”
For the Warriors, they replace Popugaev with another Russian by the name of Yan Khomenko. The St. Petersburg product is having a career season of his own with 20 points in 38 games thus far. On top of that, shifty 17-year-old forward Justin Almeida comes to Moose Jaw as a part of the deal. At 5-foot-10 and 162 pounds, does he remind you of another shifty Warriors forward? Jayden Halbgewachs, perhaps? We won’t jump to conclusions, but Almeida has a track record for scoring, having proven that during his time with the BCMML’s Cariboo Cougars. Maybe he can learn a thing or two from the likes of Halbgewachs and Brayden Burke out on the prairie.
11:30 a.m. MT – Kamloops Blazers acquire F Lane Bauer (1996) and a seventh round pick (2017) from the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for D Conner McDonald (1999), a second round pick (2017) and a fifth round pick (2018). – COMPLETE STORY
The Kamloops Blazers have made a big splash ahead of the WHL Trade Deadline, acquiring 20-year-old forward Lane Bauer. Entrenched in the competitive BC Division, the Blazers will benefit greatly from the added veteran presence and offensive abilities of the product of Anchorage, Alaska, who is on pace to re-establish the career highs he set in goals and points last season.
“Lane is an impact player that will be a significant addition to our hockey club as we enter the second half of the season,” said Stu MacGregor, general manager of the Blazers, in a team release. “He is a leader, and a Memorial Cup champion with the Oil Kings in 2014.
“We believe Lane will add another offensive threat to our hockey club. He will be a great addition to our power play and will also be counted on to win faceoffs.”
Meanwhile, this marks the second consecutive day the Edmonton Oil Kings have unloaded a 20-year-old veteran after sending former captain Aaron Irving to the Everett Silvertips on Wednesday. After acquiring a shifty centreman in the form of Brett Kemp from Everett, the Oil Kings land a mobile, puck-moving defenceman in the former of Conner McDonald from the Blazers.
10 a.m. MT – Saskatoon Blades acquire F Cole Johnson (1998) from the Swift Current Broncos in exchange for a fifth round pick (2018) and seventh round pick (2017). – COMPLETE STORY
With injuries mounting, the Saskatoon Blades called in reinforcements with the acquisition of 1998-born forward Cole Johnson from the Swift Current Broncos. Johnson is a player the Blades see untapped potential in after he battle injuries early in his WHL career.
Wednesday, Jan. 4
2 p.m. MT – Lethbridge Hurricanes acquire D Brady Pouteau (1998) from the Regina Pats in exchange for a seventh round pick (2018). – COMPLETE STORY
In search of further depth on the blueline, the Lethbridge Hurricanes find it in the form of soon-to-be 19-year-old defenceman Brady Pouteau. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound product of Oak Bluff, Man., is a veteran of 61 career WHL regular season games who stands to bring some more meat and muscle to a Hurricanes defensive group that already includes the likes of 6-foot-6, 225-pound rookie Ethan King and 6-foot-5, 217-pound Ukrainian import Igor Merezhko.
12 p.m. MT – Edmonton Oil Kings acquire C Brett Kemp (2000), RW Graham Millar (1996) and a first round pick (2018) from the Everett Silvertips in exchange for D Aaron Irving (1996) and a seventh round pick (2017). – COMPLETE STORY
The first major deal in the week leading up to the WHL trade deadline sees the Everett Silvertips bolster an already fierce defensive core with the addition of Irving, the second-leading scorer among defencemen in the WHL with 43 points (14G-29A). The 20-year-old product of Edmonton joins Noah Juulsen, Kevin Davis and Lucas Skrumeda on a stingy Silvertips team that has allowed the fewest goals (77) in the entire WHL.
“As a captain in Edmonton, Aaron Irving brings great heart and soul leadership along with a Memorial Cup championship on his resume,” said Garry Davidson, general manager of the Silvertips, in a team release. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to add those elements at this time of year and welcome Aaron to the Silvertips family. Likewise, we acknowledge the character, skills, and work ethic that Graham Millar and Brett Kemp brought to the Silvertips every day. We thank them for their service and wish them well in the next step of their careers.”
Meanwhile, the Oil Kings add a budding star in Kemp, who has seven points (3G-4A) in 17 games as a rookie after representing Canada Black at the 2017 World U-17 Hockey Challenge earlier this season. Joining Kemp in the journey north is Millar, a veteran of 226 career WHL regular season games. Not to be overlooked is the acquisition of a vital first round pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.
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