The Saginaw Spirit have acquired Rodwin Donicio, Alex Christopoulos & a 6th-round pick in exchange for Roberto Mancini, Valentin Zhugin, and three draft picks (two 2nd round picks, one fourth round pick) from the Windsor Spitfires.

In their second trade of the day, the Saginaw Spirit have acquired two big pieces in Alex Christopoulos and Rodwin Dionicio from the Windsor Spitfires. 

Earlier today, the Spirit traded away Luke McNamara. Now they lose Valentin Zhugin and Roberto Mancini in exchange for some significant roster pieces.

Alex Christopoulos — the overage offensive catalyst — joins the Saginaw Spirit as a big offensive contributor. He joins the likes of Hunter Haight, Michael Misa, and Calem Mangone, but Christopoulos will now be the go-to player up-front. 

Injured to start the season, Christopoulos has come in firing. Similarly to last season, he is over a point-per-game pace with 11 points through 9 games. Last season, he helped the Spitfires to their historical regular season, along with Islanders draft pick Matthew Maggio. Christopoulos has remained the main contributor in the Spitfires forward group, but with a rebuilding team, the Spitfires had the opportunity to move two big pieces for a substantial return. 

Christopoulos joins this Spirit team as a veteran presence, with hope to lead them to a more successful playoff performance than he had last season. 

The other piece in this trade is Swiss defenceman Rodwin Dionicio. This is Dionicio's third OHL team, formerly playing with the Niagara IceDogs as well. Dionicio is an offensive weapon from the back-end. 

Saginaw already has Zayne Parekh scoring from the point, and with the addition of Dionicio, the Spirit's defence is going to be a force to be reckoned with. 

Dionicio has 20 points through 16 games this season, proving his offence early on. The 2004-born undrafted defender brings lots of experience to Saginaw, having represented Switzerland at the international level on many occasions. He was also an invite to the Anaheim Ducks' training camp this past offseason.

For the Windsor Spitfires, they acquire two forwards who are in desperate need of fresh starts, and three high draft picks (two 2nd round picks, and one fourth round pick). 

The Spits acquire Valentin Zhugin, who has had a very unique junior career thus far. The late-2004 birthday began his OHL career with the Guelph Storm, where he played two full seasons. He was selected in the CHL Import Draft this past offseason by Saginaw, which gave his rights to the Spirit. 

Zhugin has 14 points through 17 games this season, but was playing a sheltered role in Saginaw. In Windsor, he should get increased opportunity offensively. The Russia-born winger is competing for a pro contract this season, and hopefully an NHL Camp Invite next offseason.

Roberto Mancini — the big, overage defenceman — has played three full seasons with the Saginaw Spirit. He will get a heightened opportunity at the end of his OHL career in Windsor, as he also looks to obtain a pro contract by season's end. 

This transaction results in significant changes for both teams. The Spirit have bolstered their offensive firepower, while the Spitfires have loaded up on some high draft picks and two players that need a fresh start.