As the Barrie Colts opened up their training camp on Monday, the organization had someone missing, and it was a significant name on the roster who decided to stay home.
Riley Patterson, who finished second in goals (25) and tied defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson for most points (59) on the Colts during the 2024-25 season, did not report to camp, as Peter Robinson reported with BarrieToday that the top scorer was staying home while he awaited a trade.
“He wants a fresh start. I still really like Riley,” said Barrie Colts GM Marty Williamson.
Williamson gave the 19-year-old forward his fresh start. The Colts announced on Wednesday evening that they have traded Patterson to the Niagara IceDogs in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, a 2027 sixth-round pick, a 2029 third-round pick, and a 2029 fourth-round pick.
“We thank Riley for his two years in Barrie, and we wish him all the best in the future,” said Williamson. “With the amount of picks we received today, we feel we can help this team now and in the future.”
The Colts should put forth a competitive roster for the coming season, maybe not championship-caliber like last season, but they will most likely look to use some of the picks they received in this deal to find a replacement for Patterson via the trade market.
London Knights Using Their Status In Signing Frenzy; Ex-NCAA Forward Leaves School To Play In The OHL
The London Knights arguably are the most coveted and highly sought-after organization in not just the OHL but the entire CHL. Young players hope to hear their name called every draft by the organization that has recently won <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/the-london-knights-hang-on-to-win-ohl-championship">back-to-back OHL Championships</a> and the 2025 Memorial Cup. And now with the new NCAA rules in play, Americans are beginning to flock to the London powerhouse.
Patterson was drafted 125th overall in the fourth round of the 2024 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks. After foregoing his commitment to Michigan State University and coming over to Barrie for the 2023-24 season, he was a standout rookie for the Colts, recording 62 points in 68 games.
Recording three fewer points one year after an impressive rookie campaign wasn’t a good sign for his development. With Niagara, the Canucks prospect will get the opportunity to play in their top-six alongside Winnipeg Jets prospect Kevin He, Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Ethan Czata, and possible top-five pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, Ryan Roobroeck.
The Colts also acquired overage forward Calvin Crombie from the Brantford Bulldogs late last week, in exchange for a 2027 10th-round pick. Crombie recorded 31 points (6 goals, 25 assists) and 89 penalty minutes in 55 games during the 2024-25 regular season. He added another seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) and 21 penalty minutes in 11 playoff games with the Bulldogs.
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