OHL trade front quiet, for now
There has been no trade activity in the Ontario Hockey League since June 30 but that could change next week when management of member teams are together.
The OHL trade period re-opened again on August 2 and there have been no recorded transactions.
But with the OHL holding its summer meetings next week, it’s a setting that could trigger trade talk among teams looking to add or move assets.
For example, the Sudbury Wolves, who have missed the playoffs the past two seasons, are in trade-chip position to move a veteran goalie.
The Wolves have two 1997 birth-year goalies with considerable OHL experience, namely Troy Timpano and Zack Bowman. Sudbury also has a prime prospect in 1999 birth-year goalie Jake McGrath under OHL contract.
Wolves general manager Barclay Branch acknowledged that there is trade discussion going on.
“That is always something that is part of the business,” Branch told Postmedia Network. “There is always some talk but I would describe it as surface discussions, nothing in-depth. Everyone is just getting a feel for what each team has and is looking for and obviously everybody is looking for ways to improve their club.”
Windsor Spitfires, who have automatic entry into next spring’s Memorial Cup Tournament as host team, have already made two off-season trades for veteran skaters. And it’s somewhat of a given that Spitfires general manager Warren Rychel is looking to further strengthen his Memorial Cup-bound team.
Rychel may be forced to act sooner than later as hot-shot center Gabriel Vilardi will be sidelined for the next several weeks after suffering a knee injury during Hockey Canada’s under-18 training camp for the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament. Vilardi scored 17 goals as a 16-year old rookie for the Spitfires in 2015-2016.
Meanwhile, new Flint Firebirds general manager George Burnett has been a busy fellow during the off-season.
The veteran OHL boss has made three trades, acquiring two veteran players and a boatload of future draft picks as he tries to advance the second-year Firebirds into the playoffs — and position them for seasons ahead. Flint missed the Western Conference playoffs last season.
OHL Trade Rumor: Wolves trades Timpano to the Sault for Verbeek, Pucci and draft picks.
Frood:
I highly doubt that the Woofers will trade Timpano.
Speaking of Flint I think they could use a vetran Goalie.
The Bay will need a goaler or two, depending on if Garrett Forrest makes the team, or not.
Trading Cormier for a playoff rental may not have been the best gamble, in hindsight.
For the record I said on one of these blogs that the trade would bite them in the ass.
I’m Don Cherrying this moment 👍
I think that the ’67s will make a big trade and then to win a Championship.
Will Sudbury trade troy timpani to Sault saint grey hounds for verbena and Pucci and draft picks and will Windsor spirt fires
And Peter bourgh Pete’s and North Bay BATTLLION MIGHT NEED A GOAILLE
OR TWO Depending if Garrett Forrest makes on the northbay Battllion
Will the northbay battllion be making any trades or staying pat?