According to Sportsnet's Jeff Marek, the WHL's Kamloops Blazers are sending a massive package to the Everett Silvertips in exchange for defenseman Olen Zellweger (ANA) and center Ryan Hofer (WSH).
"More on the Zellweger deal - sounds like the Kamloops Blazers are sending 2 players and 2 prospects along with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th round picks to go along with the 4 first rounders I referenced in a previous tweet to Everett for Zellweger and Hofer. Just a monster deal. Expect an official announcement soon."
Full trade:
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Olen Zellweger was selected 34th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in 2021 and is considered to be one of the club's top defensive prospects, along with Pavel Mintyukov (#10, 2022). Zellweger has 28 points in 23 games with the Silvertips this season and posted 17 points in 14 World Junior Championship matches with Team Canada (across two tournaments).
Ryan Hofer, a 2022 6th round pick of the Washington Capitals, provides depth up the middle for Kamloops. With 36 points (23g-13a) in 36 games, Hofer ought to provide the Blazers with a premiere scoring threat in their hunt for a CHL championship.
Kamloops currently sits 3rd in the WHL's Western Conference with a record of 22-8-4-2. This move certainly boosts their chances for a run at the Memorial Cup championship, but competition will be stiff. On the other side, Everett is a .500 team and felt that a move for the future was in order, given they aren't expected to contend.
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