Rebels - Trade Deadline Day

Though it comes nothing close to spectacle it has turned into in the NHL, trade deadline day in the WHL still brings its share of excitement.

Much of that excitement comes from seeing which teams declare themselves as contenders (often overpaying to make their desired acquisitions) and which teams make it clear they are already looking ahead to next year and beyond.

Monday saw a bit of both with a pair of deals. The Brandon Wheat Kings felt just making the playoffs this season wasn't enough, so they went out and got Kevin Sundher (64 points in 40 games) from the Victoria Royals in exchange for Jordan Fransoo, Dakota Conroy, and their 1st round pick in this year's bantam draft. The moves strengthens an already potent Wheat Kings scoring attack... which is bad news for the Red Deer Rebels as they sit six points back of the Wheaties for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

The Moose Jaw Warriors, who came in 10th in the January 4 BMO CHL Top 10 Rankings, went out and got Cam Braes from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for a 1st round bantam pick this year AND a 2nd round pick in 2013. An incredibly high price for the Warriors to pay for a 20-year-old forward who they will only have for the remainder of this season. Clearly, the Warriors are 'in it to win it' this year.

As for the Hurricanes, they made out quite well in trading away their captain and arguably their best overall forward. In pulling the trigger on the deal, GM and Head Coach Rich Preston said "This is a move the organization makes with deep mixed emotions; however we feel it is good for Cam in the immediate future to pursue his goals and for the organization to continue to build for the future." The Hurricanes have played some outstanding hockey of late, but they still sit last in the conference standings so the '12 playoffs are out of reach. But they did themselves well with this particular deal.

When it comes to the Red Deer Rebels, it remains to be seen what they might do on deadline day. Personally, I would be surprised to see them do anything as they have already made their big moves for the year (Inglis for Siwak, Dubyk, Fafard for Muller and Pufahl). But, as that over-hyped doll-faced Bieber kid likes to say, "never say never." GM and Head Coach Jesse Wallin told me the Rebels are exploring every option... which could mean anything from "we're actively seeking a trade" to "we're just kicking some tires to see what might happen." So as far as I'm concerned I'll be taking a 'wait and see' approach to today. If something does come down from Rebels head office you can be sure we'll be all over it at 106.7 The Drive and Big 105.