OHL’s training camp week starts with a trade between the Barrie Colts and Ottawa 67’s.
Monday morning Barrie announced they had acquired forward Brad Gardiner from the Ottawa 67’s.
In exchange for the Dallas Stars prospect, Ottawa received a 2026 second-round pick (SAG), a 2028 second-round pick (BAR), a 2027 third-round pick (KIT), and a 2025 fourth-round pick (KIT).
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Last week Barrie significantly improved their D-corps by acquiring another Dallas Stars prospect, Tristan Bertucci, from the Flint Firebirds in a three-team trade.
Barrie finished third in the Eastern Conference in the 2022-23 season with 93 points but had a 30-point decrease this past year as they finished eighth with a record of 28-36-4-0.
Colts GM and Head Coach Marty Williamson is focused on improving from the 60 points the team mustered up in the 2023-24 season with his recent moves.
“He’s proven himself to be a reliable two-way centreman in our league. We’re excited about adding Brad’s skillset, leadership, and experience to our group,” said Williamson regarding his new forward.
The 6-foot-1, 189-pound center from Aurora, Ontario enters his fourth season in the OHL. He’s registered 95 points in 188 career games and posted career-highs in assists (33) and points (49) last year.
Gardiner is known for his 200-foot skill and well-rounded game. However, posting zero points in eight playoff games with the 67’s in the 2024 OHL Playoffs must’ve left a sour taste in his mouth.
This season has a lot of implications for Gardiner’s future. He doesn’t have a contract with the Stars and needs to prove to the organization that he deserves an entry-level contract. If he doesn’t succeed, he’ll re-enter the NHL Draft in 2025, or become a free agent if he goes undrafted.
Ottawa has been a contender in the East for numerous years, but this deal could send a signal that the team is prepared to start focusing on the future, building up draft picks, and developing their younger players.
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