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OHL Flint Firebirds

Firebirds Acquire Alex Kostov, Connor Clattenburg and a Haul of Picks from Soo Greyhounds

January 7, 2024 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Flint Firebirds News Release


FLINT, Mich. - The Flint Firebirds announced on Sunday that they have acquired forwards Connor Clattenburg and Alex Kostov along with four draft picks from the Soo Greyhounds in exchange for forward Gavin Hayes.

Kostov is in his second season with the Greyhounds and has seven goals and seven assists over 36 games played. He was selected by Soo in the third round of the 2022 OHL Priority Selection and played 52 games during his rookie year in 2022-23, during which he recorded four goals and nine assists.

Clattenburg was originally selected by the Greyhounds in the 10th round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He is in his second season for Soo and has four goals and eight assists in 30 games played. Clattenburg recorded two goals and eight assists in 56 games during his rookie season in 2022-23.

In addition to Kostov and Clattenburg, Flint will receive Soo's 2027 second round pick, the Saginaw Spirit's 2025 third round pick, Soo's 2026 fourth round pick and Soo's 2025 fifth round pick.

"These are two prototypical power forwards, big bodies that will help add depth to our lineup immediately," Firebirds Head Scout Mike Oliverio said. "Both Kostov and Clattenburg have great size and compete level and as younger players, they have the opportunity to be a part of our lineup for the next couple of years."

"We feel that with Gavin nearing the end of his time in the OHL, this move sets us up both to improve in the near future and to help build sustained success," Firebirds General Manager Dave McParlan said. "We are excited about the players we received and the high-end draft picks, which will contribute towards building a championship-contending roster."

Hayes is a 2022 third round draft choice of the Chicago Blackhawks and is signed to an NHL entry level contract with Chicago. He is eligible to play for the Blackhawks and their affiliates at the conclusion of the 2023-24 OHL season. Hayes has appeared in 27 games for the Firebirds and leads the team with 19 goals along with 17 assists.

Hayes won a gold medal with Team USA in Sweden at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championships and recorded two assists over seven games during the tournament. He is second in Firebirds franchise history with 166 points on 79 goals and 87 assists in 158 career games.

"Gavin has been an enormous part of our franchise for the past three seasons," McParlan said. "What he did on the ice was of course spectacular but the way he conducted himself and was a leader in the dressing room never went unnoticed. We would like to thank him for his contributions to the organization and we look forward to watching his career blossom at the next level."

Hayes will join his younger brother Travis in the Soo. Travis is in his rookie season with the Greyhounds and has eight goals and 16 assists in 39 games.

"This move will give Gavin the opportunity to finish his career playing with his younger brother, something he and his family have always wanted to see," McParlan said. "That, in addition to the players and assets we received, is something the organization feels good about."

The Firebirds will return to action on Wednesday night on home ice against the Owen Sound Attack. It's a Buy One Get One Wednesday; any fan who buys a ticket to the game can get a second ticket of equal or lesser value for free. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Dort Financial Center.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2024


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