Kingston Frontenacs GM Kory Cooper had a busy day.
The Frontenacs sent out 16 draft picks and three players across three separate deals on Tuesday, taking back three picks and three players — including world juniors gold medallist Joey Willis — in return.
The day began with the Frontenacs, who are fifth in the OHL's Eastern Conference, as sellers when they dealt forward Matthew Manza to the Sarnia Sting for two fourth-round picks (2027, 2028) and a 10th-rounder (2027).
But Cooper and Kingston quickly turned to improving the roster.
The Frontenacs picked up centre Ethan Hay and defenceman Will Bishop from the Saginaw Spirit in exchange for eight draft picks, including second-rounders belonging to Sarnia and Erie in 2026 and 2027.
Hay has 13 points (eight goals, five assists) in 32 games while Bishop has 12 points (three goals, nine assists) across 34 contests.
Next, Kingston went back to the well with Saginaw and sent another eight picks to acquire Willis, who's coming off a championship run with the U.S. at the world juniors in Ottawa.
Willis is the biggest offensive threat among the three players heading to the Frontenacs with an even 17 goals and 17 helpers in just 26 games.
The wild day of trading was not without precedent: in June, the Flint Firebirds also sent away 16 draft picks across two trades.
With picks dealt as far out as 2028, only time will tell if Cooper's moves pay off.
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