After starting the season in the AHL/ECHL with the Charlotte Checkers and the Florida Everblades respectively, Kai Schwindt will be coming back to the OHL to play with the Sarnia Sting.
Long time Mississauga Steelheads forward Kai Schwindt will be returning to the OHL, but not to play in the blue-and-white.
This morning, the Steelheads traded Kai Schwindt's rights to the Sarnia Sting, who will gladly welcome some offensive depth. In return, the Steelheads will acquire a 9th round pick (2024).
Kai Schwindt played two full seasons with Mississauga, scoring a combined 42 points through those years. Schwindt spent most of his time as a middle-six forward in the OHL, but now he should be able to fill a top-six role.
The 6-foot-4 winger joins the Sarnia Sting after beginning the season playing in the AHL and the ECHL. Schwindt got into just one game in with the Charlotte Checkers, the Florida Panthers AHL affiliate. He played six with the Florida Everblades in the ECHL, picking up one assist.
The Florida Panthers signed Schwindt at the start of last season, to an Entry Level Contract that begins this year.
Heading back to the OHL, Schwindt will look to make a splash in his overage year. He is due for a breakout season, as he has not been able to dominate offensively at this level.
Schwindt is an all-round offensive player, he doesn't really lack in any certain area. He is somewhat average across the board, but nonetheless he will play a big role in Sarnia.
If Schwindt joined Mississauga this season, he would likely be stuck in the bottom-six with their recent success. In Sarnia, Schwindt should step into a top-six role and power play minutes.
Schwindt will be able to help insulate Sarnia's young talent with his experience in the league. He will be able to play a lot of minutes for the Sting, and the Panthers prospect can potentially have a breakout year himself.