Firebirds deal Finnish defender
Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League have confirmed a major transaction with the Mississauga Steelheads.
The Firebirds have dealt 1997 birth-year defenseman Vili Saarijarvi — a prospect of the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League — to Mississauga for overage forward Everett Clark, a second-round pick in 2017, a fifth-round pick in 2019 and a conditional second-round pick in 2023.
Flint general manager George Burnett said Saarijarvi requested the trade.
“It is unfortunate that Vili was unwilling to continue here in Flint, especially with our new group in place,” said Burnett. “Vili’s representation made it very clear that a move was necessary or we risked losing him to the Finnish Elite League. Therefore, we wanted to find the best move possible for our club.”
In getting Clark in return, Flint receives a veteran skater who produced 35 points, including 15 goals, in 59 games for Mississauga in 2015-2016.
“He’s among the most competitive players in our league, outstanding in the face off circle and will make everybody better around him,” Burnett said of Clark.
Some guys just can’t handle Flint, Michigan…Mississauga will be a better fit for him if …