The biggest buyers at the deadline were the Prince Albert Raiders and Edmonton Oil Kings, both looking to shore things up in the Eastern Conference for a push toward the WHL Final and a Memorial Cup berth. On the selling side, Swift Current and Red Deer moved out players for draft picks as they shift into rebuilding mode. Both teams did bring back a few veterans to maintain some balance, but the focus is clearly on the future.
Out west, the Everett Silvertips took a more measured approach. They added a few pieces but also moved some players for draft capital, choosing a gradual path rather than going all in or fully tearing things down.
Kelowna, sitting right on the playoff cutline, made moves to bring in veteran players in hopes of securing a postseason spot. Vancouver, meanwhile, sent out draft picks to add depth and try to climb the BC Division standings for better playoff positioning.
The Portland Winterhawks once again dipped into the trade market, sending 20-year-old Cole Southern to Edmonton in exchange for 20-year-old Niko Tsakumis and two draft picks for the next two seasons. With the Hawks currently sitting sixth in the division and tightly packed with several teams within striking distance, every move matters, especially with some rivals holding games in hand.
Portland also completed the final deal of the day, sending Tyson Yaremko to Red Deer for draft picks in 2026 and 2028. As usual, trade deadline day brought a flurry of activity across the league. With rosters now frozen, no further trades can be made, although teams will still be able to use younger players who were reassigned once their seasons wrap up.
The wildest action, as always, came out of the Ontario Hockey League. The Kitchener Rangers pulled off a blockbuster, acquiring two players while giving up one defenseman and a staggering ten draft picks spread from 2026 through 2029. Kitchener and London also completed another deal involving 15th-round picks and the rights to a player, with Kitchener receiving a 2026 second-round compensation pick in return. That is a full all-in push, especially with the two teams sitting just three points apart in the standings.
Over the next month, we will find out whether these bold moves pay off.
This Friday is Pride Night at Winterhawks games, and the Mascot Game is set for a special Monday, January 19 at 3 p.m. Post-Christmas attendance has been solid, as more fans are realizing the season is in full swing.
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