London Knights allow 2025 NHL draft prospect to get more ice time by trading him to Niagara
We recently wrote an article about how stacked the London Knights' roster is after getting back Kasper Halttunen and signing Ottawa Senators prospect Blake Montgomery.
However, with the organization fully healthy, roster spots are at a premium for the Knights.
Therefore, London has made a trade with the Niagara IceDogs that allows a 2025 NHL draft-eligible player an opportunity to get more playing time.
The IceDogs have acquired Blake Arrowsmith from London in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick (BFD), a 2028 third-round pick (NIA), and a 2025 sixth-round pick (SAR).
Arrowsmith, 17, had a strong start to the season, while London's star players weren't back from their NHL training camps yet. He had a four-game point streak to start the season, including three goals.
Once the organization's all-stars returned, Blake was pushed down the lineup, playing minimal minutes in the team's bottom six.
When everyone is healthy, the competition for ice time on the fourth line would be at a logjam, between players like: Evan Van Gorp, Ryder Boulton, Logan Hawery, Rene Van Bommel, Noah Aboflan, and Noah Read.
The American-born forward was a high draft pick by the Knights in 2023 (third-round, 55th overall). He suited up in nine games in the OHL last season, registering three assists. Arrowsmith played the majority of the season in the GOJHL for the London Nationals.
At 6-foot-1, 186 pounds, the new IceDogs forward brings a strong motor and physicality on the forecheck. He's a strong north/south skater who can improve his skill set by slowing down his pace of play with the puck to manipulate time and space more effectively when possessing the puck.
In Niagara, Blake will have a tough time playing in a top-six role regularly, but he should be able to find a spot either on their third or fourth line.
The Knights are expected to chase after another OHL Championship this season with their star-studded lineup, and accumulating three draft picks gives them more resources to use leading up to the trade deadline to bolster their lineup.
Bookmark The Hockey News OHL site to never miss news, interviews, and any updates around the league.