It's been talked about for weeks and it looks like it may have finally happened...
Unlike most NHL trade rumors - which usually don't end up coming to fruition- this speculation appears like it's about to see the light of day...
Reports say Brayden Schenn has just been traded by the Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL) to his hometown Saskatoon Blades.
The Kings first round draft pick in 2009 will be playing for his fifth team in the last six months. After starting the year in LA, he saw time in Manchester (AHL), with Brandon and then finally Team Canada at the World Junior Championship - where he just won the silver medal and came home with a separated shoulder that will sideline him for the next two weeks.
Brief notes at the center of the trade:
Brandon Wheat Kings - last in their division and second to last in their conference...they hosted the Memorial Cup last season, but are now looking to rebuild for the future...Schenn (their team captain) won't be back next year, so it made sense to trade him.
Saskatoon Blades - Schenn's hometown team leads the Eastern Conference with 63 points...they've also scored the second most goals in the WHL (156)...they're in a tight battle with Kootenay for the best overall record in the WHL...they wanted to make a big statement before tomorrow's trade deadline and acquiring Schenn is as big a statement as could be made this weekend.
The Portland Winterhawks were believed to be in the running, but couldn't come up with the assets in the end. Kootenay took a big swing themselves, trading five players and three draft picks to acquire Washington Capitals' prospect Cody Eakin from the Swift Current Broncos.
Mark Lamb, GM and Head Coach of the Broncos, said "Eakin has been the best player to come to this team since Joe Sakic. It’s a trade we didn’t want to do, but it’s the best thing for our hockey club in the long run.”
Like Schenn, Eakin is expected to be out of action a few weeks after suffering an injury (hand) playing for Team Canada at the WJC.
With the trade gates open, what's next? Will fellow Kings prospect Jordan Weal be traded by the Regina Pats? We looked at that scenario here yesterday.
UPDATE: - the exact details of the Schenn trade are not expected to be announced until Monday morning by the WHL.
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