A look at what the high-profile move means for the Prince Albert Raiders and Medicine Hat Tigers going forward.

Monday afternoon saw arguably the biggest trade of the summer, where Prince Albert sent forward Ryder Ritchie to the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for forward Tomas Mrsic and a pair of draft picks. Here is my breakdown of the move on both sides.

Prince Albert receives: Tomas Mrsic, 2025 3rd round pick, conditional 2028 3rd round pick

Grade: A-

While Mrsic isn't Ryder Ritchie, the St. Louis Blues draft pick is still immediately a valuable piece to Prince Albert's puzzle. Primarily playing in the top six, more often than not on the second line with Andrew Basha on his left wing. The Surrey, British Columbia native will get equal opportunity with the Raiders, and be able to prove his worth on the top line. As for the draft picks, those are usually referred to as "magic beans" but still a nice addition to the return.

Medicine Hat receives: Ryder Ritchie

Grade: A

Quite a tidy piece of work here for Tigers general manager Willie Desjardins, as he reunites former teammates Ritchie and Gavin McKenna. While statistically, the trade is almost a wash, (since Ritchie had his season shortened) the potential is huge and it only adds to Medicine Hat's bid to sit atop the WHL come May. The real benefit comes from only selling off two third-round picks, one of which isn't for another three offseasons. 

Verdict: This is about as close to an elite win-win trade as you can get. Neither team gives up a major asset without getting one back, and the Raiders come out with a pair of draft picks to boot.

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