Earlier today, the London Knights sent 2006-born forward Ryder Boulton to the Brantford Bulldogs in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick. 

"We believe Ryder is the toughest player in the CHL," said Brantford GM Spencer Hyman. "He'll give our group confidence, help our team stand a little taller and play a little bigger."

Boulton is a fascinating pick up for Brantford. Listed at 5-foot-10, he isn't the biggest players, but he is certainly one of the toughest players in the OHL. In 88 OHL games, he's recorded just 11 points while amassing 141 penalty minutes.

Though he's only been in the league for two seasons, he was part of London's back-to-back J. Ross Robertson Cup wins and played a role in the team's Memorial Cup victory this past season. That winning experience is something that Hyman, who is the brother of Edmonton Oilers' forward Zach Hyman, is hoping will give the Bulldogs an edge. 

"The Madhouse on Market is one of the hardest buildings to play in thanks to our incredible fans, and we know they're going to love what Ryder brings," said Hyman. "He's been part of back-to-back championship teams and understands what it takes to win."

The Bulldogs employed a rough style themselves last season. In that regard, Boulton will boost something that is already a strength in Brantford. Brantford feels like a natural fit for Boulton, whose father, Eric Boulton, played with Bulldogs' Head Coach Jay McKee on the Buffalo Sabres.

It is clear that London is trying to beef up their lineup after winning the Memorial Cup. In the postseason, Boulton played limited minutes for a London team that was loaded with talent. Now that most of the talent will likely move up to higher levels, London will try to work to gain more skill. Boulton's physicality will be less important on a roster that will need to find more skill and depth scoring. 

Spencer Hyman has been one of the busier GMs in his first offseason with the club. We will see whether he continues to make trades as we approach the regular season. For now, he has boosted the toughness of his lineup by adding an experienced player in Boulton.