The London Knights have traded Brody Crane to the Niagara IceDogs in exchange for Chris O'Flaherty and three draft picks.
In a cross-division trade, the Niagara IceDogs acquire Brody Crane from the London Knights in exchange for Chris O'Flaherty, two third round draft picks (2025 & 2027), and one fourth (2026).
This is certainly not the first time that these two organizations have done business together, in fact this is their fourth trade this season. Other trades included Ryan Humphrey, Mathieu Paris, Connor Federkow and Mike Levin all coming to the IceDogs from London. In return, London has acquired a mass six draft selections, and Juan Copeland whom they have waived.
This is a change of scenery for Brody Crane, who has had a surprisingly underwhelming start to the season. Crane was a consistent middle-six producer for the Knights last season, playing more of a supporting role. He piled up 42 points in 68 games last year, and helped the Knights in their playoff run to the finals. This season, he has just 2 points in 12 games. With the abundance of young, high end talent in the Knights' system, there wasn't room to give Crane a major role this season.
Joining the Niagara IceDogs, Crane instantly becomes a veteran presence alongside Gavin Bryant and Ryan Humphrey. He will also likely get a a top-six role immediately. His supportive role and ability to generate offence often will help insulate the young forwards on the IceDogs, like Ryan Roobroeck and Ethan Czata.
There is potential for Crane to take this opportunity and run with it in Niagara. In a role where he should get loads of ice-time and opportunities, he may be able to return to his pace from last year.
Breaking down this trade from the Knights point of view, London acquires three more OHL Priority Selection picks to add to their pile. With their — already strong — pool of draft selections, they add three more high picks (two 3rd's and one 4th).
The Knights also acquire Chris O'Flaherty, a depth winger who has had trouble getting going offensively in the OHL. He began his OHL career with the Windsor Spitfires, where he scored just 16 points across one-and-a-half seasons.
When he was traded to the IceDogs last season, he gained another depth forward position in the lineup. He has accumulated a total of 7 points with the IceDogs in his time on the roster.
Another player in need of a change of scenery, O'Flaherty has not been able to find his feet at the junior level. There is a possibility that London will send him down to one of their Junior B affiliations, at least temporarily to allow O'Flaherty to gain some confidence back.
London's main pieces in this trade are the three high draft picks that they acquired, and they off-load Crane who hasn't been too effective this season. Niagara has the opportunity to make something of Brody Crane, who still has a lot left to prove at the junior level.