North Bay has acquired Sandis Wilmanis and overagers Jacob & Andrew LeBlanc for Carter Kostuch, Alex Cajkovic, and six draft selections from the Sarnia Sting.

The North Bay Battalion have certainly made themselves buyers at this year's trade deadline, as they acquire three veterans from the Sting.

2004-born twin brothers Andrew and Jacob LeBlanc are off to North Bay, along with Sandis Vilmanis from the Sarnia Sting. Jacob is a forward, and Andrew is a defender, and the Battalion fill a lot of gaps with this package deal

Both of the LeBlanc's have played huge roles for the Sting this season. Andrew LeBlanc has been playing as a top-six winger, while Jacob LeBlanc has consistently been a top pair defender. 

The Battalion get the LeBlanc's who have a lot of experience in this league, and both know how to quickly come in and adapt to new systems — being traded twice previously. 

North Bay is also acquiring Sandis Vilmanis, 2022 NHL Draft pick of the Florida Panthers. Vilmanis is likely the biggest piece in this deal. 

The Latvia-born forward will take up an import roster spot for the Battalion. Vilmanis is capable of being a top line forward who contributes on a nightly basis. 

He is returning from Sweden where he represented Latvia at the World Juniors last month, and was one of their top performers. Vilmanis possesses a lot of pure skill and offensive intelligence. He has slick hands and is able to consistently create offence.

In return, the Sarnia Sting — who are sellers at the trade deadline — receive a haul of assets. Highlighting their return is 2023 OHL first round pick, Carter Kostuch. 

Kostuch is a smaller winger, but his skill is among the top of his age group. He's a quick skater who oozes creativity. Kostuch will never back down from a battle either, he's a hard worker and plays with high energy. 

The Sting also acquired defenceman Alex Cajkovic, a 2005-born import player from Slovakia. Cajkovic will be filling the import spot of Vilmanis, and he will jump in as a minute eater for the Sting. Sarnia's defence core is very young, and Cajkovic will bring a little more experience. 

On top of these two, the Sting acquired six OHL draft selections. These include one 2nd round pick (2027), a 3rd round pick (2024), two 4th rounders (2024, 2025), two 5th rounders (2025, 2026)

For sellers, the Sting have done very well with this return for three players that play high in the lineup. 

North Bay also makes out well in this deal, as they acquire three key players that will make an impact for them in their hopeful playoff run. 

The LeBlanc's are both difficult to play against, and play with an edge at times. This will fit into North Bay's system well. With Vilmanis, they are getting another skilled winger that can create offence, and be a threat on the powerplay.