A trade between two teams in the West Division involved a 1-for-1 exchange of former first-round draft picks. Both players are in need of a fresh start after struggling early in the season.

The Flint Firebirds acquired Brady T. Smith from the Soo Greyhounds in exchange for Jeremy Martin. 

Smith, 17, was a primary piece in the Andrew Gibson trade last season between the Greyhounds and Oshawa Generals. Alongside eight draft picks, Sault Ste. Marie was able to snag the 17th overall pick from the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.

After coming over from the Gens, Smith recorded 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 29 games for the Greyounds, a respectable stat line for a 16-year-old who had to change teams and his living situation in his first OHL season. 

As the former North York Ranger enters his NHL draft season, expectations are higher for Smith this season. Unfortunately, it has been a rocky start for the 6-foot-1, 186-pound winger. He has recorded just one goal in 11 games to start his sophomore campaign, and has spent the last four games on the Greyhounds’ fourth line. 

Toronto Maple Leafs Prospect Suspended Pending Review For Late Blindside Hit The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a> took a flyer on Kitchener Rangers’ enforcer forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/fight-breaks-out-at-maple-leafs-development-camp-between-matthew-hlacar-and-rhett-parsons">Matthew Hlacar</a> when they selected him 217th overall in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft. A new philosophy has been adopted in the way Toronto drafts under Brad Treliving compared to former GM Kyle Dubas, and the selection of Hlacar further exemplifies that.&nbsp;

In a move to give the 2008-born forward a fresh start, the Greyhounds acquired 2023 15th overall pick Jeremy Martin. 

Martin, 18, is currently in his third year of playing in the OHL. He scored 13 goals and one assist in his rookie campaign, but his offensive production did not show improvement last season, recording 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 64 games during his NHL draft year. 

Through seven games so far this season in Flint, the Ajax, Ontario, native has scored three goals and one assist. All three goals came in Flint’s season-opener against the Saginaw Spirit. 

Once Flint started getting their NHL-affiliated players back, Martin was pushed down the lineup. In addition to that, Flint’s 8th overall pick from 2025, Charlie Murata, and 2007-born rookie Chase Hull, have been playing higher in the lineup and given more opportunities, further nullifying Martin’s involvement in the Firebirds’ offensive game. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum.

Latest OHL News:

Potential 2027 #1 Pick Jaakko Wycisk Highlights OHL's U17 World Hockey Challenge Roster Potential 2027 #1 Pick Jaakko Wycisk Highlights OHL's U17 World Hockey Challenge Roster

Guelph Adds Blueline Depth In Former Top Defense Prospect; Brantford Acquires Draft Capital The powerhouse Brantford Bulldogs organization has dealt away a former top defense prospect from the 2024 OHL draft.

Maple Leafs 7th Round Prospect Announces NCAA Commitment Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam McCue has announced his commitment to play in the NCAA for Bowling Green State University upon completion of his OHL career.