Watch above: it’s a open battle who will be Blades starting goaltender
SASKATOON – As a WHL rookie last year, Nikita Scherbak led the Saskatoon Blades with 28 goals and 78 points. The 18-year-old Russian was the team’s top player and by far their biggest trade asset.
On Monday, head coach and general manager Bob Woods pulled the trigger on a trade that sent Scherbak to the Everett Silvertips.
“We looked at it in the summer and knew that we might have to face this day,” admited Woods.
“We just felt when we put it all together with what we were getting back and what we were giving up it just made to much sense to go forward with it.”
The Blades get back soon-to-be 17 year old goaltender Nik Amundrud, a 2015 first-round draft pick and a second rounder in 2016.
The draft picks are dependent on Scherbak returning to the WHL from the Montreal Canadiens.
Amundrud is a Melfort product, who was drafted in the third round by Everett in 2012.
He’s yet to suit up in a regular season game but is coming off an impressive pre-season where he allowed just one goal in four games.
“It definitely gives me a better opportunity here and hopefully it all works out,” said Amundrud.
“It’s great to jump into what seems to be a mid-way regrouping team. Hopefully I’m a part of that coming through the next couple years.”
While Monday’s trade no doubt has the future in mind, the organization’s vision for “now” has now changed.
“I like a lot of the pieces we have in place. I believe if we can just make a few additions and adjustments here I think we’ll be a tough team. Our vision is still there,” said Woods.
After the trade to bring Amundrud to the Bridge City, the Blades released 20-year-old goalie Troy Trombley, who was the team’s starter last year and last Friday’s season opener.
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