The No. 1 ranked team in the Canadian Hockey League just got stronger – and they did it without adding John Tavares.
The Windsor Spitfires, rumoured to be one of the main players in the Tavares sweepstakes, acquired goalie Josh Unice, defenceman Ben Shurtron and centre Scott Timmins from the Kitchener Rangers in exchange for goalie Brandon Maxwell, Kitchener’s third round draft choice in 2009, Saul Ste. Marie’s second round pick in 2010, Windsor’s second round pick in 2011 and overage winger Jacob Lalonde.
"I would say this means the Spitfires will no longer pursue Tavares," said one OHL general manager. "Then again, you never know."
Tavares, who was named the top player at the World Junior Hockey Championship after leading Canada to its fifth straight gold medal, has a no-trade clause with the Oshawa Generals, but it is has been speculated he would wave it if the right deal were to come along.
Thus far the Generals have stated they have not received an offer they would take to Tavares.
If the team trades him, it would be done with an eye toward the future. While the Generals are still in the playoff hunt for this season, they aren’t likely to go too far into the post-season if they make it.
A trade for Tavares could bring back assets that would help the team in the next few years.
The London Knights and Belleville Bulls are now considered the top two teams in the hunt for Tavares. However, the Spitfires – who were in talks with the Generals about trading for the slick-scoring centre – now have different assets they may be able to package in an effort to entice the Generals to trade Tavares their way.
