Tuesday, January 01, 2008

Pats deal with Rebels

Here's the first of what should be a couple of deals made by Pats GM Brent Parker between now and the WHL trade deadline of January 10th. Details below.

Regina, Saskatchewan –The Regina Pats announced this afternoon that they have made a four player trade with the Red Deer Rebels. The Pats are shipping forward Cody Gross, prospect Brett Miller and their 3rd round pick in 2009 to Rebels in exchange for 20 year old forward J.D Watt, Scott Doucet and the Rebels 4th round pick in 2009.

Gross, the native of Winnipeg MB, has appeared in 37 games with the Pats this season, and has accumulated 3 goals and added 6assists. Gross (6’0”, 177lb) suited up for 55 games with the Prince Albert Raiders last season, collecting 6 goals and 5 assists.

Miller, the native of North Battleford, SK, has been playing this season with the Saskatoon Blazers of the SMAAAHL. Miller (6’2”, 190Ib) the 1st round Bantam draft pick of the Pats in 2006 has put up good numbers so far this season at the midget level scoring 13 goals and 19 assists in 25 games.

In exchange, the Pats receive two forwards in Watt and Doucet. With the move, the Pats will fill their 3rd 20 year old roster spot by bringing in J.D Watt. The 20 year-old Watt (6’2”, 203 lb) is playing in his fourth campaign in the WHL, having collected 34 goals and 19 assists in 70 games, last season with the Memorial Cup Champion Vancouver Giants. So far this season, Watt has 7 goals and 8 assists in 29 games played with the Rebels.

Doucet (6’0”, 200 Ib) is also in his fourth season in the WHL. The native of Coquitlam, BC will be playing on his 3rd team as he started his career in Prince Albert with the Raiders. So far this season the 19 year old forward has scored 10 goals and added 9 assists in 40 games.

“We felt that we needed to add depth and secondary scoring to our lineup and this deal addresses that. We have also added some grit and playoff experience which will be valuable to us down the stretch. You have to give up something to make these deals happen and it was tough to give up Cody and Brett, we wish them nothing but success in Red Deer” – Commented Pats General Manager Brent Parker.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Pretty good trade overall. Watt and Doucette for Miller with Gross a throw in. The thing is Mitchell and Pym from the 2006 draft are playing for the Pats, while Miller isn't on the team. Schenn and Glennie from the same draft are playing for Brandon and will likely have 25 goals each at seasons end. We needed Miller to come in and do that type of thing but he was unable. He is likely going to be a question mark player or will end up being a 1st round NHL pick under Sutter. But the main thing is we needed help, not now, but RFN.

I agree with you this should be only the first of two/three trades. We need a point a game guy badly. The last two home games = 2 goals!! We also need a veteran shut down d-man real badly. We are still too soft defensively and it cost us again tonight and twice on Saturday night. None of our d-men seem to be able to tie anyone up. I really like Dana Tyrell and Ty Wishart out of PG...we have Ketlo up there so maybe a trade could be done. I wouldn't mind Greg Gardner for Ofukany as well. Offie has been scratched so many times this year, its hard for him to work himself into shape...lol/ We still have the two needs I mentioned..I hope Parker realizes it as well. The two we got make us a grittier team but are not big numbers kind of guys. They will truly make us harder to play against. But 2 goals in 2 games tells you where aour real need lies.

Pac58 said...

How about Ofukany to Kamloops for Bender, and N. Ross to Lethbridge for Mitch Fadden? That might just about do it, in my opinion.

Anonymous said...

I would do it if they would do it. Do you think there is half a chance? Also don't you think Ty Wishart, Dana Tyrell and Greg Gardner might be interesting?

Anonymous said...

I stand corrected on that trade Pete. Ross will play somewhere next year as a 19 yr old. Fadden was drafted a year late and will be a 20 yr old next year. I doubt Tampa Bay will send him back to junior next year. I agree Nick needs a change but maybe not for a 4 month player!!
How about Ross and a throw-in for Dana Tyrell? Could you imagine two lines featuring Eberle on one Tyrell on the other?

Pac58 said...

I like Wishart, but I don't really think the Pats need him. Not as much as somebody like Bender, anyway.

I was leaning towards Lethbridge for Ross, hoping the hometown aspect would be enticing. However, Tyrell would be just fine as well. Gardner's good, but there probably isn't any room for him at centre - unless we move one of ours. Should be an interesting few days!