If you wanted some action ahead of the W-H-L Trade Deadline…with the Saskatoon Blades involved…Thursday was your day!
There were nine deals around the league Thursday, involving 14 teams…20 players, 14 draft picks and two conditional draft picks switched clubs.
The Bridge City Bunch picked up defenceman Rhett Rhinehart from Prince George for Majid Kaddoura and a prospect…after they acquired forward Evan Patrician from Vancouver for Eric Florchuk and a draft pick. Both Rhinehart and Patrician are expected to dress Friday night when the Blue and Gold host Edmonton at SaskTel Centre, beginning at 7 o’clock. The 98 Cool pre-game show for Sardinia Family Restaurant starts at 6.
Other big deals in the W-H-L from Thursday included Victoria picking up forward Brayden Tracey from Moose Jaw in a deal that saw four other players and sseven draft picks switch teams. The Warriors also traded defenceman Libor Zabransky to Kamloops and the Prince Albert Raiders landed some goaltending help by acquiring 19 year old Max Paddock from Regina. The WHL Trade Deadline passes Friday at 4 o’clock. Following are the news releases from the Blades on their trades…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades have acquired a 2020 1st round draft pick, a 2021 2nd round draft pick, and 2001-born forward Evan Patrician from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for Eric Florchuk and a 2021 7th round pick.
The first round pick in 2020 received from the Giants originally belonged to the Medicine Hat Tigers, while the 2nd round selection in 2021 is Vancouver’s.
Evan Patrician, a native of Calgary, was drafted by Vancouver in the 7th round of the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft. The 18-year-old centre made his debut in the 2016-17 season and has since appeared in 95 WHL regular season games, tallying three goals and 14 assists. Patrician also appeared in 19 playoff games during Vancouver’s run to the Ed Chynoweth Cup final last season.
“The whole Blades organization thanks Eric for his two years in his Saskatoon and wish him all the best in his hockey career,” bid Blades’ President & General Manager Colin Priestner.
With the trade, the Saskatoon Blades roster remains at 12 forwards, seven defensemen, and three goaltenders.
Patrician is expected to be in the lineup for the Blades’ next game tomorrow at home against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades have acquired 2001-born defenceman Rhett Rhinehart & a 2020 3rd round draft pick from the Prince George Cougars in exchange for Majid Kaddoura, a 2020 1st round draft pick & the rights to unsigned 2003-born prospect Jayden Watson.
Originally selected by the Prince Albert Raiders with the 13th overall pick in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, Rhett Rhinehart has played in 166 career WHL games between the Raiders & Cougars. In that span, the 6’4”, 200-pound right-shooting blueliner has registered 11 goals and 33 assists for 44 career points. This season, Rhinehart has three goals and 15 points through 36 games played. He is on pace to have a career year, averaging .42 points per game compared with .35 last season.
Like Tristen Robins of the Blades, Rhinehart is a late ’01 born player and as such is in his first year of NHL Draft Eligibility. He is currently a ‘C’ rated skater on NHL Central Scouting’s list of Players to Watch, joining his new teammates defencemen Aidan De La Gorgendiere and Radek Kucerik, and forwards Kyle Crnkovic and Robins on the rankings.
The 2020 first round pick going to the Cougars is the same pick acquired by the Blades earlier today from the Vancouver Giants, originally owned by the Medicine Hat Tigers.
“The Saskatoon Blades would like to thank Maj & his family for their time with our franchise and hope all the best for him as he continues his WHL career with Prince George,” wished Blades’ President & General Manager Colin Priestner.
With the trade, the Saskatoon Blades’ roster remains balanced at 13 forwards, seven defensemen, and three goaltenders.
Rhinehart is expected to be in the lineup for the Blades’ next game tomorrow at home against the Edmonton Oil Kings.
