We’ve surpassed the midway point of the OHL season, and Friday’s trade deadline is looming.
Erie Otters
Erie has made for some pretty glamourous headlines so far this season. They’re undoubtedly a loaded team, but it appears they’re still loading. Erie made an early season splash in acquiring forward Nick Baptiste from the struggling Sudbury Wolves in late November, but they weren’t done there. Monday they added another strong offensive player in rebuilding Belleville’s leading scorer Remi Elie (14 goals, 34 points in 35 games), along with former Bulls captain Jake Marchment, who had requested a trade after the “C” was stripped from him following a suspension for “inappropriate and concerning activity” on social media.
In exchange, the Otters gave up defenceman Jesse Saban and centre Trent Fox, both of whom are physical 17-year-olds, along with their third and sixth selections in the 2015 OHL draft, Erie’s second and third choices in 2017, and Owen Sound’s second in 2019.
Oshawa Generals
In keeping with powerhouse teams loading up, you’ll recall the big London-Oshawa move finalized on Jan. 1 that sent Montreal Canadiens first-rounder Michael McCarron to the Generals. He’s settled in nicely, scoring a goal and adding two assists in his first two games. Two days earlier Oshawa added depth in veteran forward Brent Pedersen, 19, from Kitchener for a trio of picks (and possibly two more if he returns for his overage year).
London Knights
The Knights’ decision to sell McCarron didn’t come out of left field. Max Domi’s return to the OHL from Arizona sparked talk about a possible trade involving the top forward at the world juniors, but that depended on whether Bo Horvat and Nikita Zadorov would be back. With both of those players sticking in the NHL, Knights GM Basil McRae made it very clear Domi’s spot with the Knights was sealed. The Knights remain a dangerous and entertaining team, but one that now has building blocks in Oshawa’s first-round pick Cliff Pu (16th overall), depth scorer Josh Sterk, 19, and Erie’s second-round draft choice in 2016, Oshawa’s second-round pick in 2019 and third-round choice in 2015.
North Bay Battalion
The Battalion are pushing for a Memorial Cup appearance as well. Their Eastern final sweep of Oshawa last season proved they were a real contender and made for a flashy first season in North Bay. I’ve pinned the Battalion as a strong shutdown team the past couple years, mostly because they haven’t had many superstar players (save for a couple), and have still maintained a fairly high standing. They’ve now acquired Columbus Blue Jackets prospect and former captain of the Saginaw Spirit Nick Moutrey for up-and-coming goaltender Evan Cormier and six picks and, Monday, New Jersey third-rounder Ryan Kujawinski from the Kingston Frontenacs. They’ve added two impact forwards to help world junior gold medalist Nick Paul.
Saginaw Spirit
With three goalies and three overagers to start the season, Saginaw has been at the centre of trade rumours all season. Moutrey is gone and veteran goaltender Jake Paterson could be next. While Saginaw is lingering in eighth place, tied with the Kitchener Rangers on 38 points, it would seem they’ve entered tank mode. Though this season may be a write-off, the Spirit can rest assured they’ll be equipped with secure goaltending in the future with Cormier.
Peterborough Petes
Team Canada gold medalist Nick Ritchie has also headlined OHL trade talk. Similar to Saginaw, the Petes are hovering around a last playoff spot with Kingston and Niagara. What should have been strong leadership in Ritchie, Eric Cornel and Hunter Garlent has been fairly weak both on and off the ice— you’ll recall the Petes’ other problems this season: the Tinder situation, the five players suspended for damaging a vehicle, all on top of a poor season so far. Ritchie would be a valuable asset for any squad.
Other sellers
The Ottawa 67’s have a high number of 1995-born players. Plymouth’s season is pretty much over, and they have a sharp scorer in Matt Mistele who is eligible to come back for an overage year.
Other buyers
I think the Barrie Colts may also go all in. Like the Oshawa Generals, they’d be looking to add some depth alongside impressive overager Joseph Blandisi, and strong forwards Brendan Lemieux and Andrew Mangiapane. I’d also look to Sault Ste. Marie and perhaps the Guelph Storm to buy into some other top players—especially now that the Storm will be without Robby Fabbri for 6-10 weeks on account of his ankle injury.