Done deal
OHL trade deadline passes with some late moves by Oshawa
By Joel Wittnebel/The Oshawa Express
Oshawa’s dream team has lost a few more of its members.
The roster of that seemingly untouchable club that hoisted the Memorial Cup last season has dwindled down to only eight names remaining on the Oshawa Generals’ game sheet.
Looking to rebuild and regain youth, Gens management made a few more moves prior to the Jan. 11 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) trade deadline.
Following the blockbuster trade of captain Michael Dal Colle to the Kingston Frontenacs on Jan. 1, Oshawa then moved veteran defenseman Jacob Graves and a 2018 draft pick to the London Knights on Jan. 6 in exchange for 1998-born winger Eric Henderson.
Roger Hunt, the team’s general manager and vice-president, says the decision was a tough one due to the impact Graves had on the club in such a short period of time. The overager was brought to Oshawa in August in a deal with Kingston.
“Probably no one has made a bigger impact on the club since I’ve been here in such a short time,” Hunt said. “He was a first-class kid, a leader on and off the ice and certainly his play on the ice was better than what we thought it was going to be, he exceeded everything.”
In 38 games with Oshawa, Graves tallied 15 assists and was plus-13.
“I’m hoping he rubbed off on some of the younger guys, but in our endeavour to get younger, it’s unfortunate sometimes it costs you good guys,” Hunt said.
Henderson, a 17-year-old Kingsville native, tallied six assists in 16 games with London this season.
Following the acquisition of Henderson, Oshawa brought in veteran goaltender Justin Nichols from the Guelph Storm in exchange for a pair of draft picks.
However, these near-deadline moves were only the latest in a series of trades the Generals’ management made this season. Below is a summary of those moves and what Oshawa has gained and lost as they look to start the rebuilding process.
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Aleandre Renaud: In one of the first moves of the season, Oshawa picked up power-forward Renaud from the Sarnia Sting
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In the deal, Oshawa gave up fifth round picks in 2018 and 2019
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Stephen Desrocher: Following the movement of both Bradley Latour and Will Petschenig in the off-season, Desrocher was the first player to be moved following the opening of the 2015-16 season. Desrocher was moved to the Kingston Frontenacs in November.
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In exchange, Oshawa received second round picks in 2017 and 2018, a third round in 2016, a fifth round in 2016, as well as conditional picks.
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Matt Mistele: Things remained quiet in Oshawa for almost a month before December rolled around and Whitby native Matt Mistele was sent to the Sarnia Sting.
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In exchange, Oshawa received a second round pick in 2016, and third round picks in both 2017 and 2018.
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Liam Devine: The young goaltender, who lost out to rookie Logan Gautier for the back-up position on the Generals’ roster, was sent to the Kitchener Rangers in December.
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Oshawa received a sixth round pick in the deal.
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Sean Allen: Looking to build strength on their blue line, Oshawa brought in Sean Allen, a six-foot-two, 185-pound defender from the Kitchener Rangers.
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In exchange for the 1998-born defenceman, Oshawa dealt third and 10th round picks in 2018.
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Michael Dal Colle: Exactly one month later, following continuous rumours and speculation, Michael Dal Colle was traded to the Kingston Frontenacs on Jan. 1. A tough decision, according to Hunt, who says Dal Colle “did everything” for the team.
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In exchange for the NHL first-rounder, Oshawa received rookie Robbie Burt, second round picks in 2017 and 2019 and two third round picks, one in 2018 and 2022.
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Jacob Graves: The loss of Graves will be felt on Oshawa’s blueline after the veteran defenceman, acquired from Kingston in August was traded to the London Knights on Jan 6. Oshawa also sent out a third round pick in 2018 as part of the deal.
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From the Knights, Oshawa, continuing to build their young roster, acquired 1998-born winger Eric Henderson.
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Justin Nichols: In a slightly surprising move, Oshawa picked up a third goaltender. Veteran Justin Nichols was acquired just before the Jan. 8 overage trade deadline from the Guelph Storm.
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In the trade, the Storm received a third round pick in 2017 and a fifth round in 2018.