A significant trade has reshaped the landscape of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) as the London Knights have dealt star forward Sam O’Reilly to their rivals, the Kitchener Rangers. This trade also includes 19-year-old forward Jared Woolley and has garnered attention across the league.
Trade Details
The agreement took place on a Wednesday and marks a pivotal moment for both teams. The Knights, two-time defending champions, will receive several valuable assets from Kitchener in exchange for their two forwards.
Key Players Involved
- Sam O’Reilly: A highly regarded forward, O’Reilly recently excelled at the World Junior Championships, where he helped Team Canada secure a bronze medal. He scored four goals and provided four assists, earning recognition as one of the tournament’s top players.
- Jared Woolley: The young forward is included in the trade, adding depth and potential to Kitchener’s lineup.
Compensation for London Knights
The Knights have received a substantial return for their two forwards, which includes 11 draft picks. This strategic move aims to bolster their future drafts and maintain competitiveness in the league.
Draft Picks Breakdown
| To Kitchener | To London |
|---|---|
| Sam O’Reilly | Jacob Xu |
| Jared Woolley | Kane Barch |
| 15th round pick (2027) | Second-round pick (2026, Guelph) |
| Fourth-round pick (2026, Peterborough) | |
| Fourth-round pick (2027, Brampton) | |
| 15th round pick (2027, Kitchener) | |
| Third-round pick (2028, Brampton) | |
| Third-round pick (2028, Peterborough) | |
| Fifth-round pick (2028, Kitchener) | |
| Sixth-round pick (2028, Kitchener) | |
| Second-round pick (2029, Kitchener) | |
| Fifth-round pick (2029, Kitchener) | |
| Sixth-round pick (2029, Kitchener) |
Impact on the Season
This trade occurs as Kitchener leads the Midwest Division with 50 points, creating a tight race against the Knights, who are only three points behind. The addition of O’Reilly aims to strengthen their lineup further as they push for playoff success.
As the OHL season progresses, both teams will strategically navigate the implications of this trade while focusing on their respective championship aspirations.
