2018 OHL Trade Deadline Preview

The 2018 OHL Trade Deadline is set for January 9th (for overage players), and January 10th (for all other players).

As is the annual tradition, I will look at previewing the action we may see at the deadline and what some team may, or may not do.

This year, I really don't know what to expect. I think we'll see a lot of trade action, but I'm just not sure from what teams. I feel confident that Erie, Flint, Sudbury, and North Bay will move some veteran players. I also feel confident that Oshawa will move a '98 or two (with six quality '98 born players who could return as OA's next year). After that, I really don't know.

What do the Mississauga Steelheads do? Tons of talent, but the results have been poor thus far. They were in the same position last year after a slow start, but can they really count on another remarkable second half performance to push them up the playoff ladder? Depth wise, this team just isn't constructed well IMO. Nic Hague, Mike McLeod, Jacob Moverare, etc would bring back a King's ransom in return.

What do the London Knights and Windsor Spitfires do? Both teams are currently in position to push for home ice in the first round in the West. But is either team really positioned to challenge for a Western Conference title? Both teams lack the depth necessary to make that run. So do they pick up depth to make the run, or do they sell off major pieces (like Cliff Pu, Mike Dipietro, Logan Brown, etc)?

Logic says we could see some really big names moved this deadline though. Even if only one of Mississauga, London, and Windsor decides to move some players, that will still provide enough fireworks.

So let's make some predictions:

Taylor Raddysh - Erie Otters
One of the biggest trade pieces available this year and definitely the most likely of the big fish to be moved. Erie needs to recoup assets after a sustained Championship run and Raddysh is just one of the several trade chips they hold. The veteran forward is off to the World Juniors so he can't move until after that event is over. I look at Hamilton, Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sarnia as the most likely destinations. Barrie could really use him but I think it's a given that Erie asks for a quality young player back (like a first round 2001) and the Colts won't be moving Ryan Suzuki for him (the only 2001 they can move). At the end of the day, I see the Soo as the best fit and it's also been the spot that's been rumoured. He gives them another elite scorer who has also improved greatly as a two-way player this year (a requirement of the Soo's coaching staff). The price is large, but his acquisition would make the Greyhounds the top team in the OHL, if they aren't already.
Prediction: Raddysh goes to Sault Ste. Marie in exchange for Hayden Fowler, Flint 2nd 2019, SSM 2nd 2021, SSM 2nd 2022, SSM 3rd 2019, SSM 4th 2020

Jordan Sambrook - Erie Otters
Sambrook is a very solid two-way defender who has a ton of playoff experience and would fit right into the top 4 of any OHL contender. The price is also likely to be high, but he could make a huge difference. I see Hamilton, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Kitchener, and Sarnia as the most likely destinations. Peterborough would make a lot of sense, as everyone knows they need to add to their blueline and they have some quality 2000's to add to any deal. But I actually think Sambrook ends up in Kitchener. I think that the Rangers could use another mobile, puck mover. And with Connor Hall's injury, Sambrook's addition would come at an ideal time with Kitchener going all in. There is the slight chance that Erie holds on to Sambrook if they feel that he won't get signed and returns as an OA. But I think, even then, the best thing to do would be to deal him and maximize on the return.
Prediction: Sambrook goes to Kitchener in exchange for Eric Guest, SSM 2nd 2018, BAR 3rd 2019, MIS 3rd 2020, Kitchener 3rd 2022

Kyle Maksimovich - Erie Otters
The Otters most certainly do not have to deal Maksimovich now. He'll return as an OA next year in all likelihood and would still have good value then. But I think that they would be smart to move him now while his value is at it's highest. Plus, Maksimovich is a quality complimentary offensive player and I don't think that there is any guarantee that his production will be as strong next year without insulation. So move him now. Obviously any contender would love to add his experience to the fold. He would be a solid add for a team like Niagara or Guelph to help them get out of the first round this year and play a leadership role on a quality team next year. But it's Kingston that I think makes even more sense. He fits their style of play extremely well and gives them another quick, agitating, forechecker who can produce offensively. And he'd be around next year too. The Fronts are a team that could surprise and take a still wide open Eastern Conference IMO.
Prediction: Maksimovich goes to Kingston in exchange for Bryan Laureigh, Windsor 3rd 2019, Kingston 2nd 2020, Kingston 3rd 2021, conditional Kingston 2nd 2022 (on Maksimovich returning as an OA)

Ivan Lodnia - Erie Otters
Was a lot of speculation that Lodnia would move this offseason but it didn't happen. And they could move him this year, similar to Maksimovich. But, I think that if they wait until the offseason, or next year's deadline, that he could be worth even more. And they need to keep a couple assets around for now to insulate some younger players and keep them somewhat competitive. You can't be a complete doormat and still develop offensive talent. Would it shock me if Lodnia moved? Definitely not. I could see any of the top contenders looking to add him. I just think that they wait. And this is especially true with GM Dave Brown's comments to the media recently hinting on the Otters not making a ton of moves.
Prediction: Stays put

Owen Headrick - Erie Otters
A very underrated player who has a limited destination list on account of him being an OA. I see Barrie, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, and Kitchener as possible destinations. His experience and puck moving ability would be a welcome addition to any of those clubs. I think Barrie might be the best fit and his destination. I think that they could use another puck mover to make their offense even more dynamic. And Headrick is solid in his own end too. And he wouldn't cost as much as some of the other big names out there (important for the Colts who have limited assets).
Prediction: Headrick goes to Barrie in exchange for Sarnia 3rd 2018, BAR 2nd 2022, BAR 3rd 2023

Troy Timpano - Erie Otters
The undisclosed long term injury pretty much kills any trade value he would have had. Figured that he'd be the top target for the Owen Sound Attack, but that won't be the case now. And maybe his injury was what caused the Attack to reach out to Ottawa for Lafreniere. Too bad, as it would have given Timpano the opportunity to go play for another Championship contender after winning one last year. If, or when, he returns, he'll likely play out his OHL career with the Otters.
Prediction: Stays put

Patrick Fellows - Erie Otters
Fellow is a quality veteran forward who can do a little bit of everything for you. But I just don't know how much of a market there is for him. Not a ton of teams with OA room and those that have it, are likely looking to add an OA defender and not a forward. Could be a good fit in Barrie if they can add a '98 defender and want to use their OA spot on a buy low candidate.
Prediction: Stays put

Jalen Smereck - Flint Firebirds
The minute he was returned to the OHL, it seemed like the writing was on the wall for him to move from Flint. The Firebirds are struggling and Smereck is a quality veteran who would have a ton to offer for a contender. Could step right into their top 4 and play in all situations. This is exactly the type of defender the Peterborough Petes could use. Plays the game hard and contributes at both ends. And likely would come a bit cheaper than some of the '98's (like Sambrook) because his OA tag gives him less suitors. Obviously, Alex Black would be moving on in this scenario. I think Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie, and Kitchener would all be great fits too. 
Prediction: Smereck goes to Peterborough in exchange for John Parker Jones, NIA 3rd 2018, Peterborough 2nd 2020, Peterborough 3rd, 2021

Maurizio Colella - Flint Firebirds
Something I will repeat a lot in this article is that the OA market is limited and that I see the teams who do have room, electing to use that spot on a defender (more quality OA defenders available than forwards). That said, like Patrick Fellows, Colella could be a great add for a team looking to inject toughness and energy into their 3rd line, such as Barrie (again, if they want a buy low candidate).
Prediction: Stays put

Nicolas Mattinen - Flint Firebirds
The Firebirds gave up a fair amount to acquire him from London earlier this year and if they dealt him now, I'm not sure that they'd get the same in return to neutralize the trade. In fact, I'm not sure how much of a market there would be for him. There are a ton of defenders on the trade market this year and I think a great number of them are better than Mattinen. IMO, the Firebirds best bet would be to hope that the Leafs don't sign him and he returns as an OA next year where he could build up his value again. Hamilton, Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie, Peterborough, and Kitchener could all be fits for him though.
Prediction: Stays put

Dmitri Sokolov - Sudbury Wolves
Not too often that you see Import players traded these days, given the rules surrounding the scenario (must not be a first year player). But I think that the Wolves HAVE to deal Sokolov and bring in some assets for him. He's been a great player for them, but the playoffs are a long shot at this point and getting out of the first round even more so. That said, it's important to remember that as an Import, Sokolov's value won't be quite as high because the market just won't be as large. But if they can get a few quality picks and a decent young player back, you need to jump on it. Owen Sound is an extremely likely destination IMO. They need secondary scoring badly. Ditto for Peterborough. But Hamilton is another team with an Import spot open and they could badly use another goal scorer with size IMO. If you're going to go all in like the Bulldogs have done, then I don't think you should leave any stones unturned and that means filling that Import spot with one of the league's best goal scorers.
Prediction: Sokolov goes to Hamilton in exchange for Riley McCourt, LDN 2nd 2018, HAM 3rd 2019, HAM 2nd 2020, HAM 3rd 2021, HAM 3rd 2022

Michael Pezzetta - Sudbury Wolves
This is a tough one. I think that there definitely could be a market for Pezzetta. Size and tenacity down the middle are coveted traits come playoff time. A team like Barrie could really use more size up front. If London doesn't rebuild, he could also be a big add for them. But I just have this feeling that he won't be moving. Lots of rumours out there about how the Wolves want to try to remain competitive despite being in last place currently. And if they gut the team, they won't escape the basement. 
Prediction: Stays put

Cole Candella - Sudbury Wolves
There could be a market for Candella as an option for a team's 2nd pairing. Plays both ends well and is a likely candidate to return for his OA season IMO. But the Wolves just picked him up and (like Mattinen), I don't think that they'd get back what they gave up earlier. Best to hang on to him and hope he returns as an OA. Then he can be a leader for a defense that should hopefully be better next year in Sudbury. Niagara could be a sleeper for his services though for the same reasons that Sudbury should keep him.
Prediction: Stays put

Reagan O'Grady - Sudbury Wolves
Similar situation to Candella. O'Grady will likely return as an OA and be a leader for the Wolves. That said, I think that the Wolves could get some good value for him if they deal him because he's one of the few stay at home types with size on the market. Could be a great replacement for Connor Hall in Kitchener. Or could see him in Niagara to help a young team this year and next. That said, I think he would be a perfect fit in Sault Ste. Marie, to give them another defender with size who is tough to play against. 
Prediction: Goes to Sault Ste. Marie in exchange for Jacob LeGuerrier and SSM 3rd 2023

Doug Blaisdell - Sudbury Wolves
The OA market is limited and I just don't see Blaisdell being the type of impact OA that teams will be looking to add, even if he does have size and experience. Rhodes would be the more likely candidate to move IMO.
Prediction: Stays put

Kyle Rhodes - Sudbury Wolves
As mentioned with Blaisdell, the OA market is limited. Rhodes has had a solid season though after coming over from Guelph. He's a dependable two-way defender who could be a solid #4-5 for a contender. A team like Barrie, Peterborough, or Kitchener could try to pry him away as he would have a cheaper price tag than some others available. Ultimately though, I think he stays put because the market is too saturated.
Prediction: Stays put

Troy Lajeunesse - Sudbury Wolves
Another solid OA forward, but the kind of guy I just don't see a definitive market for this late into the year. 
Prediction: Stays put

Brett McKenzie - North Bay Battalion
McKenzie hasn't had the type of season many expected him to have when he was returned by Vancouver as an OA. Makes you think that the Battalion should have dealt him last year when his value would have been higher IMO. But he's still a solid player who should generate some interest at the deadline. Could be a good fit in Barrie as a solid secondary scoring option. But Owen Sound has some wiggle room on the OA front, and McKenzie would upgrade their 2nd line and help them get a little deeper into the playoffs.
Prediction: McKenzie goes to Owen Sound in exchange for London 2nd 2019, Owen Sound 4th 2020, Owen Sound 3rd 2023

Cam Dineen - North Bay Battalion
The Battalion have some decent assets to deal this year and they need to take advantage of that by rebuilding and bringing in some picks and youth, even though it hasn't exactly been Stan Butler's MO. Dineen would be the prize jewel of their possessions and he should bring back a solid return as one of the top defenders on the market. Hamilton, Barrie, Kitchener, and Peterborough could all be fits. But I actually think he'd be a perfect acquisition for the Sarnia Sting. They need to upgrade their ability to move the puck and Dineen is the best offensive defender on the market. Dineen to Kyrou would be quite the dangerous breakout.
Prediction: Dineen goes to Sarnia in exchange for Braden Henderson, BAR 2 2019, SAR 2 2020, SAR 3 2021, SAR 3 2022

Adam Thilander - North Bay Battalion
Certainly not a guarantee to move considering his Import tag. But I do think that there will be some interest in his services. Could be a good, cheap buy for a team looking to add experience before the playoffs. Hamilton, Saginaw, and Niagara could all be fits IMO. I actually think Niagara could be a good destination for him. Give them a solid second pairing guy to help their young team reach the second round of the playoffs.
Prediction: Thilander goes to Niagara in exchange for SAR 2 2019, NIA 3 2022

Riley Bruce - North Bay Battalion
See everything else that I've said in this article about OA's. Bruce is a serviceable OHL defender, but I don't know if he's a big enough upgrade (no pun intended) for contending teams to bring him into the fold. SSM could stand to add more size to their blueline and they do have an OA spot available. Could be a solid #6 for them. But ultimately I think they go after bigger fish.
Prediction: Stays put

Riley Stillman - Oshawa Generals
One of the other players that I'm quite certain moves this deadline. Way too many rumours out there surrounding him. And it would make sense for them to deal him because they need to jettison some 98's. But Stillman is a quality two-way defender. Has a penchant for the big hit and is a solid puck mover when he's not asked to do too much. Would be a great add for a contender. Hamilton, Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Kitchener, and Sarnia are all good fits. Ultimately, I think it's Hamilton who pulls the trigger. I'd like to see them add more physicality to their back-end and his puck moving ability wouldn't hurt either.
Prediction: Stillman goes to Hamilton in exchange for Zachary Jackson, Windsor 3rd 2018, HAM 2nd 2021, HAM 3rd 2023, Conditional 2nd if Stillman returns as an OA

Kenny Heuther - Oshawa Generals
Heuther is a solid player who has a lot of experience, but the OA market is pretty saturated. Could see a team like Barrie or Sault Ste. Marie try to pick him up relatively cheap if they don't go after bigger fish.
Prediction: Stays put

Renars Krastenbergs - Oshawa Generals
Underrated secondary scoring option who could be a solid 3rd line winger for a contender or playoff hopeful. As an Import, he won't have as many suitors as others, but I do think that he ends up moving. Owen Sound could be a fit with their need for secondary scoring. But I think it's Saginaw that ends up being his destination. The Spirit are playing great hockey the last month and it would be a great motivator for the team if they make a small move to show faith in them. With an import spot open, Krastenbergs' scoring ability would be a welcome addition.
Prediction: Krastenbergs goes to Saginaw in exchange for BAR 3 2018, SAG 3 2019, SAG 3 2020

Matt Brassard - Oshawa Generals
I think that the Generals will only move one of their '98 defenders and that guy appears to be Stillman. Brassard is a likely OA candidate next year for a team that should be an Eastern Conference contender. That said, he will generate trade interest because of his two-way ability and the fact that he can QB the Powerplay. 
Prediction: Stays put

Eric Henderson - Oshawa Generals
As mentioned, the Generals have a lot of '98's and the team would be smart to move some now before they have less value. Henderson has seen his role reduced a bit and if it comes down to keeping him or Commisso next year as an OA, I think that's an easy choice for the Generals. But Henderson's speed and size on the wing would generate interest, even if I'm not sure he has a ton of value. Could see a team like Guelph being interested because he could play on their 3rd line and be an OA leader next year. Ditto for Kingston and Niagara. But I see the Colts scooping him up as a veteran checking line player who wouldn't cost a ton. As I've said a few times, the Colts will be bargain hunting.
Prediction: Henderson goes to Barrie in exchange for Erie 3rd 2022, Hamilton 4th 2018

Sean Allen - Oshawa Generals
I think that pretty much every contender will be contacting the Generals about Allen. Not a ton of stay at home, physical defenders on the market and Allen is a good one. But he's also a key leader for the Generals and will be that same key leader next year as an OA for a solid team. Would likely take overpayment from a team to make the Generals move him. And I don't see that happening despite a team like Peterborough, Sault Ste. Marie, Niagara or Kitchener pushing for him.
Prediction: Stays put

Michael McLeod - Mississauga Steelheads
Would be the crown jewel of the trade deadline if the Steelheads choose to go full blown rebuild. But I just don't see him moving, even if I think it would be the correct thing to do given the circumstances. Brother Ryan is still there, and I think Mississauga still believes that they can be a contender. But if he does move, you can bet that every team with Championship aspirations will be calling. He'd look particularly good in Barrie, although I don't think they'd have the assets to acquire him and some additional pieces (that I've highlighted in this article).
Prediction: Stays put

Nic Hague - Mississauga Steelheads
See Mike McLeod. Would be the smart thing to move him, but I just don't see the Steelheads doing it. No question that Peterborough, Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie, Kitchener, and Sarnia would be clamoring for his services. And there's no question that he'd bring back a quality young player and picks. But I see him staying in Mississauga as they hope to pull off back to back second half miracles.
Prediction: Stays put

Jacob Moverare - Mississauga Steelheads
This is the one guy I do see the Steelheads moving. I think that they can afford to move him and still remain competitive with Merrick Rippon sliding up into the lineup and on to the powerplay. And Moverare's defensive ability would be highly coveted by a few contenders with an Import spot open (like Hamilton, Peterborough or SSM). I think Peterborough would make a lot of sense because the Steelheads could get Alex Black back who would give the team a solid veteran to play the PK and keep the team competitive. 
Prediction: Moverare goes to Peterborough in exchange for Matyas Svoboda, Alex Black, GUE 2nd 2018, North Bay 2nd 2019, Peterborough 3rd 2020, Peterborough 4th 2021

Trent Fox - Mississauga Steelheads
Veteran forward who can be a solid secondary scoring option, but like some of the others mentioned, likely isn't enough of an upgrade at the OA spot to warrant a team bringing him in via trade.
Prediction: Stays put

Jacob Cascagnette - Mississauga Steelheads
Another veteran OA forward and the most likely to move of Mississauga's OA's. One of the few forwards available with size who can forecheck and excel on the PK. Could be a solid cheap upgrade for a team like Barrie. But, again, bigger fish on the market may force him to remain a Steelhead.
Prediction: Stays put

Stephen Gibson - Mississauga Steelheads
Hulking stay at home blueliner who might generate interest from a team (like SSM) who wants to get bigger on the back-end. Ultimately, he's jut not enough of an upgrade IMO to generate serious trade interest. In fact, if my prediction with Peterborough ends up being correct and they bring in Alex Black, I see Gibson moving on in favor of Black, who's the better defender IMO.
Prediction: League waivers

Sam Miletic - London Knights
Has worked hard to become a terrific OHL player (even earning an NHL contract). The OA would be a welcome addition to the 2nd or 3rd line of any OHL contending team with an overage spot available. Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie, Kitchener, and Owen Sound could all be interested. But I think London hangs on to him and hopes to advance past the first round of the OHL playoffs.
Prediction: Stays put

Cliff Pu - London Knights
I see the Knights dealing one of Pu or Jones. They've done this type of deal before in a similar situation (see Michael McCarron). They never go full rebuild, but if they can deal one of their elite 98's for a great return and still make the playoffs with a solid roster, it's a win. Pu is the guy I think that they end up dealing and Hamilton, Peterborough, Barrie, SSM, and Sarnia could all be suitors. A deal to Sarnia could make the most sense. They get another prime time forward with speed to play their up tempo style of hockey and have some good young assets to be able to make the deal happen.
Prediction: Pu goes to Sarnia in exchange for Brady Hinz, SSM 2 2019, SAR 3 2023 

Max Jones - London Knights
As mentioned, I think one of Pu or Jones goes. And I put my money on Jones staying because I think the Knights see his style of play being more critical for their playoff success this year. But if he does move, one team that I think could be really interested is the Barrie Colts. They could really use to add his size and physicality to their top 6. The question is, do they have the assets to pull off this type of deal?
Prediction: - Stays put

Logan Brown - Windsor Spitfires
I definitely think Brown ends up moving. I think the writing on the wall for that has been etched since Brown was returned from Ottawa. And with his size down the middle, the league's best will be lining up for his services. Hamilton, Sault Ste. Marie, and Sarnia could all be serious fits. Well, so could any contender. But Barrie is the team that I think could benefit the most by his acquisition (see the Max Jones blurb). Another big body for them throw out there. Imagine a PP with he and Andrei Svechnikov? With a lack of serious resources, they'll have to get creative with any sort of return (something that I've alluded to), but have enough assets to get one large deal done IMO.
Prediction: Brown goes to Barrie in exchange for Curtis Douglas, Owen Sound 3rd 2018, Erie 2nd 2019, London 2nd 2020, Sudbury 2nd 2021

Michael Dipietro - Windsor Spitfires
Let's get this straight, the Spitfires do not have to deal Dipietro. He'll return to the OHL next year as a 19 year old and will still have a ton of value. But if you want to rebuild and want a solid draft pick, this guy is so good that he can keep you from getting a top 5 pick. I think a deal involving him just makes sense for them right now, especially if they can get one heck of a return. Problem is, there's really only one suitor for him in Kitchener. But I see the Rangers as all in this year and have the resources to get the deal done. 
Prediction: Dipietro goes to Kitchener (with McEneny) in exchange for Luke Richardson, Grayson Ladd, SAG 2 2018, Kingston 2nd 2019, Mississauga 2nd 2021, Oshawa 3rd 2021, Windsor 2nd 2023, Windsor 2nd 2024

Aaron Luchuk - Windsor Spitfires
Luchuk has definitely been one of the bigger surprises in the OHL this year. He's always been a very serviceable offensive player, but he's exploded in his OA year to be among the league's leading scorers. Windsor would be crazy not to capitalize on this by dealing him for some prime picks. Barrie, Sault Ste. Marie, Kitchener, and Owen Sound all have an OA spot to play with and I think of those teams, Luchuk makes the most sense for the Soo. He fits well into the style of hockey they play and would provide a veteran presence to one of the Soo's younger top 3 scoring lines that they like to roll.
Prediction: Luchuk goes to Sault Ste. Marie in exchange for Guelph 2nd 2020, Windsor 2nd 2021, SSM 3rd 2020, SSM 3rd 2022

Sean Day - Windsor Spitfires
This is a tough one. I think that Windsor wants to deal Day. And I think that he would be a valuable add for a competing team. That said, I just see some of those competitive teams utilizing their assets on some of the other prime defenders available. Could easily see him in Sarnia, Hamilton, Peterborough, Kitchener, or the Soo though. Sarnia could make the most sense as it would at least keep him close to home in Michigan.
Prediction: Stays put

Austin McEneny - Windsor Spitfires
I think McEneny is an extremely underrated defender in this league. Steady two-way influence who plays bigger than his 5'11 size. His mobility would be an asset and good use of an OA spot for several teams in the league. I see Kitchener as a good fit, especially if they end up with Dipietro. 
Prediction: McEneny goes to Kitchener (with Dipietro) in exchange for Luke Richardson, Grayson Ladd, SAG 2 2018, Kingston 2nd 2019, Mississauga 2nd 2021, Oshawa 3rd 2021, Windsor 2nd 2023, Windsor 2nd 2024

Givani Smith - Guelph Storm
Similar to the London Knights and Oshawa Generals this year, the Storm could look to move Smith this year in order to gain assets that they can use to make themselves better next year (when they will likely hope to contend for the Western Conference). This is especially true since they haven't played most of the year with him (thanks to an ankle injury). But I think Guelph keeps their core intact to try to get as deep in the playoffs as possible. That said, I think Smith could be a good fit in Barrie or Owen Sound, where his in your face style would be appreciated and his secondary scoring valued. And his brother Gemel did play in Owen Sound.
Prediction: Stays put

Anthony Dumont-Bouchard - Kitchener Rangers
Tough situation for Kitchener. Dumont-Bouchard has been excellent this year for Kitchener, but he's been out for a long time with an UBI and I just don't think Kitchener can bank on him returning. They need to utilize that OA spot on someone who can definitely contribute and they need a clear solution in net moving forward. If released, because of his injury issues, I'm not sure he gets picked up.
Prediction: League waivers