The Kitchener Rangers needed to move an overage player. Ultimately, they decided on defenseman Jakub Chromiak to Niagara for two draft picks.
When the Belleville Senators of the AHL loaned back defenseman Matthew Andonovski to the Kitchener Rangers, it created an overage dilemma for the organization.
The organization had recently acquired overage forward Dylan Edwards from the Erie Otters. That acquisition put the Rangers at the three-player OA limit. With Andonovski back in the fray, GM Mike McKenzie had to decide: trade the blueliner who was just loaned back to you? Or move the other overage defenseman on the roster, Jakub Chromiak?
That decision was made on Tuesday.
The Niagara IceDogs have swooped in and taken advantage of Kitchener’s OA problem, sending a 2027 second-round pick and a 2028 third-round pick (Peterborough) for the right-shot Chromiak.
Chromiak joined the Rangers last season. He previously had spent the first two years of his OHL career with the Sudbury Wolves and Kingston Frontenacs. He had become a crucial piece to Kitchener’s blueline, using his effortless skating to transition pucks up ice on breakouts and add an offensive touch from the point.
It was clear that McKenzie did not want to make this move, but his hand was forced.
“This is an extremely tough decision and one of the hardest I have ever had to make as General Manager of the Rangers. Jakub is one of the best kids we have ever had here and the ultimate professional and team guy. We will miss him immensely and wish him the best of luck in Niagara,” said McKenzie.
Though McKenzie had a hard time pulling the trigger on this deal, this deal gives the team two more high draft picks they can use to make another move to strengthen their squad before Friday’s trade deadline.
Niagara's blueline lacks an offensive-minded defenseman. Grayson Tiller leads all IceDogs defensemen in points with just 9, which is the lowest among defense team leaders in the OHL. Needless to say, Chromiak’s presence will be very welcoming for Niagara.
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