Sports stats

WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Acquire Gonick, Nolan in Three-Team Blockbuster Deal

December 28, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


SASKATOON, SK -- The Saskatoon Blades are thrilled to announce the acquisition of '04-forward Kyren Gronick, along with '04-defenceman Ryan Nolan in a major three- team blockbuster deal involving the Medicine Hat Tigers and Prince George Cougars on Tuesday.

Saskatoon has also acquired a fourth-round selection in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft from Medicine Hat.

In exchange, Saskatoon ships '04-defenceman Pavel Bocharov and '02-forward Brendan Lee to Medicine Hat, while Prince George receives a 2023 third-round pick, and a seventh-round selection in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.

"Kyren is a coveted forward who brings power and skill to our right side," said Blades general manager Colin Priestner. "He made the U18 Team Canada camp this summer alongside Brandon Lisowsky and he had an impressive 11 points in 16 games as a 16- year-old last year. We feel he has a good chance to be drafted to the NHL with a strong second half this year, and will be a big part of our offence going forward."

Drafted by the Cougars in the second round, 26th overall, in 2019, Gronick has dressed in 38 career games in Prince George, collecting eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points. This includes nine points (3G-6A) in 21 games for the Regina, SK product this season.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward is expected to make his Blades debut wearing number 27 Tuesday night, when Saskatoon plays host to the Red Deer Rebels.

Prince George also receives'04-forward Cayden Glover, '04-forward Carlin Dezainde and a second-round pick in 2023 from Medicine Hat.

Nolan, a product of Calgary, AB, joins the Blades as a rookie defenceman this season with eight career games with Medicine Hat under his belt. Prior to his WHL career, the 6- foot-0, 157-pound defender dressed for the Calgary Northstars U18 squad, where he pitched in with six assists in 30 games during the 2019-20 season.

"Ryan was a player who our scouts really liked in his previous U15 and U18 seasons, and is just starting his WHL career as a young puck moving defenceman," continued Priestner. "We're excited about his upside and character that he adds to our group in Bocharov's absence.

"We'd especially like to thank Pasha and Brendan for their contributions to the Blades.

Both young men will likely see an enhanced role on a young Tigers team, and it gives both players a great chance to be leaders and positive additions to their dressing room."

The Saskatoon Blades are thrilled to welcome both Kyren and Ryan to the organization, and look forward to helping continue their development under the guidance of Brennan Sonne's coaching staff.

Check out the Saskatoon Blades Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from December 28, 2021


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Saskatoon Blades Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central