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WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Add Veteran Presence up Front in Swap with Oil Kings

October 30, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Forward Rhett Melnyk with the Edmonton Oil Kings
Forward Rhett Melnyk with the Edmonton Oil Kings
(Saskatoon Blades)

Saskatoon, SK - The Saskatoon Blades announced on Monday the acquisition of 2004-born forward Rhett Melnyk and a conditional 2027 sixth-round pick from the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for 2006-born forward Smyth Rebman.

"Rhett brings skill, passion and leadership to our group," said Blades General Manager Colin Priestner, "He's got the ability to play anywhere in the lineup and we feel his skill set and style of play fits in well with ours. We're very excited to have him join our group."

Melnyk, a product of Fort Saskatchewan, AB, was selected by the Tri-City Americans in the second-round, 33rd overall in 2019. The 5-foot-10 winger's piled up 60 points (21G, 39A) in 167 career WHL games. Melnyk was acquired by the Oil Kings ahead of the 2022-23 season and named the 15th captain in franchise history on Jan. 26th, 2023.

In 14 games this year with Edmonton, the right-handed shot owns five assists and ten penalty minutes, following a career-best season scoring 28 points (12G, 16A) in 67 games.

"Rhett was named Edmonton's captain at 18-years-old, so we know that puts him in fairly rarified air in the WHL and that type of passion and leadership will be infectious in our room," said Priestner.

This is the third trade the Blades have made since the season began, previously acquiring 20-year-old power-forward Easton Armstrong and 19-year-old defenceman Grayden Siepmann.

"We would like to thank Smyth for his time with our club and wish him nothing but the best in Edmonton as he continues his development as a player," stated Priestner.

The Saskatoon Blades would like to warmly welcome the Melnyk family into the organization, and look forward to seeing Rhett out on the ice in the Blue and Gold.

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Images from this story

Forward Rhett Melnyk with the Edmonton Oil Kings
Forward Rhett Melnyk with the Edmonton Oil Kings
   



Western Hockey League Stories from October 30, 2023


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