The Ottawa 67's are loading up, as they have acquired Braeden Kressler from the Flint Firebirds in exchange for several draft picks.
In the second significant trade of the day, the Flint Firebirds have dealt Braeden Kressler to the Ottawa 67's along with two picks, in exchange for five other picks.
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Braeden Kressler will head north to Ottawa, where he joins a contending team in the 67's.
Ottawa has been underachieving as of late, as they now sit 5th in the Eastern Conference. The one area that they have been severely lacking in — goal scoring.
Kressler will certainly help Ottawa produce more, and provides a veteran presence up front. He has 37 points in 33 games this season with Flint, after spending some time with the Maple Leafs in the fall.
Kressler is the definition of hard work and determination. The 2003-born centre was passed on in the NHL draft, but was signed by Toronto as a training camp invite.
He is very smart with the puck on his stick, and he is patient with it. His poised offence and ability to slow down the play makes him dangerous in the attacking zone.
Kressler takes up Ottawa's last overage spot. The 67's have a young roster, especially in the forward department. Kressler will bring lots of experience and reliability up front. He should slot in as the first line centre almost immediately.
The 67's also acquired a 3rd round pick (2024) and a 10th rounder (2024) in addition to Kressler.
The rebuilding Flint Firebirds received five draft selections in return, including one second rounder (2026), two 2024 3rd rounders, one 2027 third rounder, and a 9th rounder (2025).
Flint gets Kressler off of their books as his junior career will come to an end after this season. He spent his entire major junior career with the Firebirds, and now he will have the opportunity to go win his first championship with Ottawa.