Medicine Hat, Prince Albert Exchange NHL Talent In Blockbuster Trade
The Tigers and Raiders pulled off a blockbuster trade involving two NHL-drafted prospects.
Photo by Mark Peterson/WHL - Medicine Hat, Prince Albert Exchange NHL Talent In Blockbuster TradeJust days before training camp opens, the Medicine Hat Tigers and Prince Albert Raiders have pulled off a blockbuster trade involving two NHL-drafted prospects. The deal sees Ryder Ritchie head to the Tigers in exchange for Tomas Mrsic, a 2025 3rd-round pick and a conditional 2028 3rd-round pick. Both players were selected in the 2024 NHL Draft and played for Team Canada at the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
Ritchie, who was drafted by the Minnesota Wild 45th overall last June, recently helped Team Canada capture Gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. In a press release, Medicine Hat GM Willie Desjardins wrote, "We are excited to get Ryder Ritchie. Ryder has played alongside Gavin McKenna while on the Canadian National Team. We would like to welcome Ryder and his family to the Tigers." Ritchie had 44 points in 47 games for Prince Albert last season while also capturing Gold beside McKenna at the 2024 U18s.
Initially drafted 113th overall by the St. Louis Blues, Mrsic finished last season with 62 points in 63 games. In a statement, GM Curtis Hunt wrote, "Tomas is an exceptional skating and skilled centreman who can play all three forward positions. We are excited to welcome him to the Raider family and to Prince Albert. We wish Ryder the best of luck." Mrsic is entering his third WHL season, posting 86 career points in 131 games.
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