Pats make a splash just hours before WHL trade deadline

Just hours before the WHL trade deadline, the Regina Pats have pulled off a major trade with the Red Deer Rebels. 

Eighteen-year-old Pats forward Lane Zablocki, 16-year-old defenceman Dawson Barteaux, two first round draft picks and a conditional third round pick in 2020 have been sent west, to Red Deer. 

In exchange the Pats received 18-year-old defenceman Josh Mahura, 18-year-old forward Jeff de Wit and a conditional third round pick in 2019. 

“He’s a bonafide, top defenceman, star player in the league,” head coach and general manager John Paddock said about Mahula who’s notched 33 points in 39 games.

He was also  third round pick for the Anaheim Ducks in the 2016 draft.

“When you get that kind of player it really adds depth and ability to our defencemen. I think our first four defencemen out are as good as anybody’s first four so it really helps strengthening that area.” 

de Wit comes to the Pats from the Rebels with four goals and 9 assists so far this season. Paddock says he’ll expect more production from him going forward.

“I think he has the ability to be a higher level than he was shown. I think he was real good, one of their better players in the playoffs against us … that caught our eye,” Paddock said.

“Him and Josh both have lots of playoff experience,” Paddock added.

And all of these moves, according to Paddock, were done to put the Pats in the best position to win this year but will also strengthen the team for next year when the Pats could play host to the Memorial Cup.

Zablocki was acquired by the Pats from Prince George in 2015. Barteaux was in his rookie season with the Pats after being drafted by the team in the first round in 2015. 

The Pats will take on the Tri-City Americans on Friday. Puck drop is at 7 p.m. at the Brandt Centre.