Earlier today, the Guelph Storm acquired Buffalo Sabres prospect Ethan Miedema from the Kingston Frontenacs for a 2027 fourteenth-round pick, a conditional 2026 second-round pick, a conditional 2027 third-round pick and a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick.
"Ethan is a proven veteran and leader who is capable of contributing in all areas for our team,: said Storm GM George Burnett. " He has shown a consistent ability to score in his four seasons in the OHL and is bringing over 40 games of playoff experience to our hockey club."
Miedema is the major piece in this trade. The overage forward was the fourth-overall pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. In 267 OHL games, the 6-foot-4 forward has scored 75 goals and added 113 assists.
This past season, he recorded personal highs in goals, assists and points as part of a Kingston roster that made it to the second round of the OHL Playoffs and lost in seven games to the Barrie Colts.
"I am beyond excited for the upcoming season," said Miedema. "I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and playing in front of a crowded Sleeman Centre."
Battalion Sign 2006-born USHL Defender
The wave of USHL players moving towards the OHL continued on Friday, as the North Battalion announced the signing of 2006-born defender Brandt Harper to an education and development agreement.
Miedema, who was a Buffalo Sabres fourth-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, was one of 12 2005-born players on the Frontenacs' roster last season. Based on the OHL's rules about overage players, Kingston can keep at most four of these players. They were therefore always going to be forced into trading 2005-born players this offseason if a critical number of them were returning to the league.
Bulldogs Extend Head Coach Jay McKee
Yesterday, Brantford Bulldogs GM Spencer Hyman, the brother of Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman, announced the extension of Head Coach Jay McKee through the 2027-28 season.
This trade ultimately makes sense for both teams, as Miedema could be a great addition to a Storm roster that failed to make the playoffs last season. The deal can also become very valuable for Kingston if the conditions surrounding the second, third and fifth round picks are met.
This wasn't the only move of the week for Kingston who acquired Slovak forward Tomas Pobezal from the Kitchener Rangers.