IceDogs acquire Studnicka, Brassard from Generals
Centre Jack Studnicka was acquired by the Niagara IceDogs from the Oshawa Generals Tuesday as part of a blockbuster trade. Photo by: OHL IMAGES
The Niagara IceDogs jumped the gun on the Ontario Hockey League trade deadline Tuesday competing a blockbuster deal with the Oshawa Generals they feel will give them a better shot at an OHL championship.
The IceDogs acquired a pair of NHL prospects in centre Jack Studnicka (Boston Bruins) and defenceman Matt Brassard (Vancouver Canucks) in exchange for rookie defenceman Lleyton Moore and six draft picks.
“This is a huge day for us in Niagara. In Jack and Matt we are adding the exact two players we targeted as perfect fits for our roster,” IceDogs general manager Joey Burke said. “The skill set they will add to an already deep group could not be more exciting, and I can’t wait to watch how well they fit in with our guys.”
Studnicka, who turns 20 next month, joins the IceDogs following the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship, where he represented Canada and collected a goal and three assists. Studnicka served as captain for the Generals where he collected 184 points (56 goals, 128 assists) over the course of three-and-a-half seasons.
“In Jack, we are adding the most complete player in the OHL,” Burke said. “He is a guy who does absolutely everything at an elite level — be it with, or away from the puck. He is an every-situation player, and a guy who I genuinely believe you can win a championship with. He is a player who will excel when the grind of playoff hockey kicks in, and off the ice is as high character as they come.”
Brassard, a 20-year-old defenceman, was drafted in the seventh round (188th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks in 2017. He collected 114 points (37 goals, 77 assists) in 192 games, split between the Barrie Colts and the Oshawa Generals.
“With Matt, we add a premier defenceman in the league and immediately address our biggest need, a complete right-shot defenceman who cannot only defend with the best of them, but is one of the more impressive offensive defenders out there, as well as being a hard working character guy who wants to win,” Burke said.
The price to get the deal done was exorbitant with three second round picks and three third round picks also heading to Oshawa.
“Without a doubt it’s the most difficult trade I have ever executed and put together,” Burke said. “We know exactly what we’re sending out the door with Lleyton Moore. He’s going to be a top defeneman and a top player in the league in a year or two.”
The IceDogs are home to Guelph Thursday and Kingston Friday.
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