Peterborough Petes acquired defenseman Matthew Jenken from the Flint Firebirds, adding more size and experience to their blueline
Peterborough Petes acquired defenseman Matthew Jenken from the Flint Firebirds, adding more size and experience to their blueline
The Flint Firebirds have taken decisive action to reshape their roster this summer to become a contender in the Western Conference, but yesterday they built up some draft capital.
At the beginning of June, the Firebirds made a blockbuster deal with the Sudbury Wolves, acquiring LA Kings defense prospect Matthew Mania, former Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick Nolan Collins, and 2004-born forward Evan Konyen.
Flint also acquired Kingston forward Christopher Thibodeau two days after their big trade.
The team resumed their roster reshaping by first announcing a significant three-team trade, which sent their star defenseman Tristan Bertucci to the Barrie Colts.
A few hours later, they announced another trade, dealing 6-foot-4 right-shot defenseman Matthew Jenken to the Peterborough Petes.
In exchange for moving the towering defender, Flint received three draft picks including a 2026 sixth-round pick (PBO), a 2028 third-round pick (PBO), and a conditional 2027 fifth-round pick (WSR).
Jenken, 19, has played 108 OHL games, including all 68 last year with Flint while recording 18 points, 39 penalty minutes, and a minus-21.
When Flint acquired Mania and Collins from Sudbury, that put two more experienced right-shot defenders above Jenken on their roster. This move allows the former 17th overall pick in the 2022 U18 OHL Priority Selection the opportunity to play an increased role on a young Petes' roster.
"Matthew is a big, puck-moving defenceman who is solid in his own end," said Petes GM Mike Oke. "He had a breakout season last year with 18 points, showing that he can help out offensively while still being a responsible defender."
Flint acquired a total of eight draft picks by the end of the day. That is a lot of future capital to work with. However, losing a defenseman like Bertucci is a major loss in Flint's quest to improve from last season, if that is their goal.
On the other end of this trade, Peterborough beefed up their D-corps by adding an experienced blue liner who has proven he can be an everyday player in the OHL.
The Petes knew last year was going to be a rebuilding year after they went all in to capture the 2023 OHL Championship. Bringing in Jenken gives the organization a defenseman for this year and the next and someone they hope can bring a bit of stability to their rebuilding defense.
Peterborough had 10 different defensemen suit up for them last year. Only two played 50 or more games for them — Carson Cameron and Liam Ladds. Ironically, both were rookies and drafted together in 2023.
We can assume that Jenken will play a top-four role on his new team considering the lack of experience on the roster. He can help provide a bit of offense, but he's going to take care of his own zone first and use his size to make playing in his own end tough on opponents.
It was a wild day in the OHL with players and draft picks exchanging rapidly between several teams. As the season draws closer we will see whether more trades end up being completed and which other teams aim to be contenders.
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