Schlueting to Saginaw
Saginaw Spirit general manager Dave Drinkill has started the Ontario Hockey League trade season with a bargain pickup.
Drinkill has obtained 2002 birth year defenseman Pacey Schlueting from the North Bay Battalion for a fourth round draft pick in 2024 and a 12th round pick in 2023.
The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Schlueting was a first round pick of the Battalion, ninth overall, at the 2018 OHL priority selections draft from his hometown North Bay Trappers of the Great North Midget Hockey League.
One of the more shrewd general managers in the OHL, Drinkill talked extensively about being able to acquire a player of Schlueting’s potential.
“When the opportunity to acquire Pacey through conversations I had with North Bay became a reality, it was something we could not pass on,” relayed Drinkill.
“Going back to his OHL draft year two seasons ago, we have always thought he has the skill set to become a really good defenseman in this league. He was drafted high for that potential.
“We have received nothing but positive feedback on his work ethic and character, on and off the ice, which is extremely important to me and to the franchise. We are excited to work with Pacey and get him adjusted to our system. We believe he will flourish and become a key member of our organization for the next few seasons,” Drinkill added.
Schlueting has played two full OHL seasons with North Bay and as a former first rounder, looms as a steal of deal for Saginaw.
The Battalion have a history of trading away their first round picks – which doesn’t say much for the quality of their scouting staff. As for Schlueting, I think most season ticket holders wish him well going forward but he certainly was underwhelming for much of his time here although to be fair, there seemed to be some improvement before the covid shutdown.