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The Saskatoon Blades are making more moves ahead of the Western Hockey League’s trade deadline on Thursday.
The team has traded away 19-year-old forward Ben Riche to Prince George. Riche, who was acquired during the offseason from the Victoria Royals, is enjoying a career year in Saskatoon, notching 54 points in 37 games.
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Blades general manager Colin Priestner said Riche has played a huge part in the team’s recent success.
“Ben is a major reason we are in first place in the Eastern Conference,” Priestner said in a statement.
“His improvement over last year is remarkable, and we’re very excited for him to get an opportunity to play with some incredible players in Prince George in their pursuit of a championship.”
In return for Riche, the Blades acquired four new assets, headlined by Calgary Flames draft pick Hunter Laing.
The towering 18-year-old forward has 22 points in 36 games with the Cougars, and over two full seasons in the WHL Laing has amassed 45 points in 102 games.
“Hunter brings a ton of size, leadership, tenacity and excellent hand and skill to our club,” said Priestner.
“He is 18 years old so he is eligible to play with us for another two and a half years.”
Laing is expected to make his debut with the Blades on Wednesday night in Edmonton.
The Blades also acquired 15 year old defenceman Luke Dumas, who has 21 points in 25 games across two league levels.
“Dumas is one of the youngest listed players in the WHL as he just turned 15 two weeks ago,” said Priestner. “Our player development coach… has been raving about Luke.”
The Blades also acquired Prince George’s 2026 first-round pick and a fifth-round pick for 2028.
“Our goal this deadline season was to remain as competitive as possible while getting younger roster players, restocking our first and second round draft picks, and adding depth to our prospect pool,” Priestner explained.
The Blades also signed Slovakian forward František Dej, who is expect to join the team Friday and play out the remainder of the season.
The 19-year old-forward is coming off his second trip to the World Juniors.