Saskatoon, Kelowna and Edmonton combine for a three-team deal.
The Saskatoon Blades, Kelowna Rockets and Edmonton Oil Kings completed a three-team trade on deadline day involving four picks and three players. The most significant part of the deal was defenceman John Babcock heading the Saskatoon as the Blades continue to add ahead of a projected long playoff run. Here are the full details of the trade:
To Saskatoon:
D John Babcock
To Kelowna:
D Carter Kowalyk
2024 second-round pick (SAS)
2026 third-round pick (SAS)
2024 fourth-round pick (EDM)
To Edmonton:
D Ismail Abougouche
2026 second-round pick (SAS)
This is a deal that helps all three teams. Kelowna and Edmonton get younger while acquiring valuable draft capital, while Saskatoon adds a shutdown defender with over 160 games of experience. While Babcock is currently dealing with a lower-body injury, it is not considered to be serious, and he should join the Blades lineup in the next few weeks. As for Abougouche and Kowalyk, expect them to make their debuts with their new teams over the next few days.
The 2024 WHL trade deadline is set for Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 2:00 PM PT. While there have already been some big moves, expect fireworks as teams try to bulk up for the playoffs. Keep your eyes peeled to THN's WHL page for all the latest trade news heading into the deadline.
