As the Western Hockey League slowly exits the "dog days" of the summer, with national team development camp selections getting back in action, it's time to look at which teams have had the most success in the offseason so far. Two clubs stand out the most, partially because they have made the most (or the flashiest) moves but appear to be quite impactful regardless.

Kelowna Rockets

In:
1st round pick, 2025 Import Draft (F Tomas Poletin)
Daniel Pekar (7th overall, 2025 import draft)
2028 Conditional 2nd (WHL Entry Draft)
Mazden Leslie (From Vancouer Giants)
Carson Wetsch (From Calgary Hitmen)

Out:
F Michael Cicek (aged out)
F Max Graham (aged out)
2025 2nd (WHL Entry Draft)
2025 4th (WHL Entry Draft)
2026 1st (WHL Entry Draft)
2026 3rd (WHL Entry Draft)
2026 Conditional 3rd (WHL Entry Draft)
2025 2nd (CHL Import Draft)
2027 1st (WHL Entry Draft)
2028 Conditional 1st (WHL Entry Draft)
Ben MacBeath

Kelowna went big game hunting. Trading down from third overall in the 2025 WHL prospects draft is a bold choice, and the 2025 Memorial Cup hosts decided to take the next step. It allowed the Rockets to mildly maintain their prospect pool and draft pick cupboard, but the real change came in the form of roster player acquisition. A deal with the Mooose jaw Warriors saw Kelowna select Czech forward Tomas Poletin first overall in the CHL import draft, as well as Daniel Pekar just six picks later. In addition, the Rockets add to their leadership group with former Hitmen captain and hometown kid Carson Wetsch. With all this in mind, Kelowna's mission statement is simple: Not only host the Memorial Cup next May, but make a run as well.

Edmonton Oil Kings

In:
F Max Curran (from Tri-City Americans)
2025 2nd (CHL Import Draft)
2026 6th (WHL Entry Draft)
2027 4th (WHL Entry Draft)
2027 8th (WHL Entry Draft)

Out:
F Roan Woodward (to Victoria Royals)
F Cole Miller (to NCAA)
F Marshall Finnie (aged out)
F Rylen Roersma (aged out)
D Josh Mori (aged out)
G Alex Worthington (to AHL)
2025 1st (CHL Import Draft)
2025 2nd (CHL Import Draft)
2026 1st (WHL Entry Draft)
2027 5th (WHL Entry Draft)
2029 3rd (WHL Entry Draft)

Although the Oil Kings were less busy in the trade market, the player they got is no slouch. On paper, Edmonton effectively dealt Curran (the Americans' leading scorer in the 2024-25 season) for Roan Woodward; the now-former Oil Kings forward brought a lot to the team, and will be missed, but when you have a chance at a certain caliber of player, you take it. Edmonton passed on both selections in the CHL Import draft, sticking with Miroslav Holinka and Adam Jecho, and will have a whole host of players that are looked on to step up in their rookie or sophomore seasons.

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