SASKATOON – For several weeks, Bob Woods has been talking about loading up for a playoff push. On Monday, the Saskatoon Blades general manager made good on his word, pulling the trigger on a pair of trades that could pay dividends for the hockey team this season.
First the Blades sent a conditional second-round draft pick in 2017, a fifth rounder in 2016, and the rights to 17-year-old prospect Dean Stewart to the Moose Jaw Warriors in exchange for Dustin Perillat.
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The 18-year-old defenceman from Saskatoon racked up 28 points in 58 games with the Warriors last season but has been sidelined for most of the 2015 campaign with a broken jaw. Perillat is reportedly close to being healthy enough to play.
Then the Blades shipped overage defenceman Mitchell Wheaton and 17-year-old blueliner Shael Higson, plus a second-round draft pick in 2017 to the Brandon Wheat Kings. The two players coming back to Saskatoon in the trade could help propel the Blades to the post season. The Blades acquired 1995-born defenceman Colton Waltz and 18-year-old left winger Braylon Shmyr.
Colton Waltz has played a combined 271 regular season and playoff games in the WHL. The Blades younger players on the back end should benefit from Waltz’s experience.
Braylon Shmyr could turn out to be a really nice piece for Saskatoon. Last season Shmyr racked up 40 points while playing with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Shmyr’s scoring touch could enhance Saskatoon’s 16th-ranked powerplay.
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