The Fort Wayne Komets [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/komets-make-two-player-signings]announced on Tuesday that they have traded defenseman Noah Ganske to the Utah Grizzlies [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/grizzlies-exploring-potential-sale-and-relocation]in exchange for defenseman Grant Gabriele. Additionally, forward Nick Deakin-Poot has signed a contract to return to Fort Wayne. As of Tuesday, the Komets now have six players under contract for the 2025-26 season. Gabriele, 28, appeared in 21 games with the Toledo Walleye [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/the-mayor-is-returning-to-toledo]and five games with the Grizzlies last season. The Brighton, Michigan native made his ECHL [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/]debut collecting nine goals and 16 assists for the Maine Mariners [https://thehockeynews.com/echl/latest-news/mariners-goldberg-named-echl-executive-of-the-year]during the 2022-23 season. The 6-foot-2 right-hander has also suited up for 17 games in the AHL [https://thehockeynews.com/ahl/]with Providence, Rochester, and Cleveland. Before turning pro, Gabriele played four seasons of NCAA hockey [https://thehockeynews.com/ncaa/]at Ohio State University. Ganske appeared in a total of 130 games with the Komets from 2023-25, scoring 8 goals, 34 assists and accumulating a combined plus/minus of +29. He appeared in 15 playoff games with the Komets, scoring three assists. Ganske will add great size to the Utah blueline at 6-foot-7 and 209 pounds. “Noah is a large presence on the ice, and can play in any scenario,” Grizzlies GM Erik Hudson stated. “We will look heavily to him in key situations, and we could not be more excited to finalize this deal for Noah to come to Utah. Moving Grant was not an easy decision, we wish him the best in his playing future.” For his part, Ganske is excited to suit up for Utah. “I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to compete in Green and Black, let’s go Grizz,” he said. Deakin-Poot, 26, skated his rookie season with the Komets last season, scoring five goals while amassing 16 assists with 79 minutes in penalties. "Nick is a grinder and unbelievable hard worker, and we are delighted to bring him back to the Komets,” Fort Wayne head coach Jesse Kallechy said in a news release. "We would also like to thank Noah for his contributions to the Komet organization over the last three seasons. He is a terrific hockey player and even a better person, so we wish him the best." (Photo Courtesy of Josh Gales)
