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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Acquire Orchard, Picks; Solve Overage Situation

September 25, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Saskatoon, SK - The Saskatoon Blades have acquired two draft picks and the rights to '01 forward Jerzy Orchard from the Kamloops Blazers in exchange for overage forward Ryan Hughes.

"Jerzy is a local product who brings a lot of energy and has some untapped skill," begun Blades' General Manager Colin Priestner. "We look forward to bringing him into our group and seeing what he can provide to the depth of our team."

From Delisle, Saskatchewan, Orchard was drafted into the WHL by Kamloops in the 5th round in 2016. He made his debut last season, appearing in 41 games and recording 3 points (1G-2A). He also played in five of the Blazers' six playoff games last Spring, earning one assist.

The draft picks received from the Blazers are a 2nd round selection in 2022 and a 3rd round selection in 2021. Both picks are the Blazers' original selections in those years. The added picks now mean the Blades have two 2nd round selections in 2022 and three 3rd round selections for the 2021 WHL Bantam Draft.

"Moving any one of our four twenty-year-olds was going to be hard and leave a great player on the outside looking in. Ultimately we felt the return we could get for Ryan was more than fair and now we can go out and look to use those pieces to try and replace some of the offence we will lose with his departure. Moving him was a very difficult decision for myself and our staff," said Priestner of the trade.

"The whole Blades organization thanks Ryan Hughes for being an outstanding player for us last season, and we know playing in Kamloops on a very good team will be great way for him to finish his WHL career," concluded Priestner.

The Saskatoon Blades roster now sits at 15 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders. The departure of Hughes leaves the Blades with three overage players on the roster; defensemen Scott Walford and Nolan Kneen, and forward Riley McKay.

Jerzy Orchard is expected to join the Blades ahead of the team's next game this Friday at home against the Winnipeg ICE.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 25, 2019


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