A recent player exchange occurred between two Western Conference teams. The Edmonton Oilers have acquired forward Josh Bloom from the Vancouver Canucks ahead of the American Hockey League (AHL) trade deadline. In return, the Canucks received forward Jayden Grubbe.
Details of the Trade
Both players are yet to make their debuts in the National Hockey League (NHL) and have spent considerable time in the AHL and ECHL during their early careers. The Oilers made this move to bolster their roster, especially as Bloom has been performing well in the ECHL this season.
Josh Bloom’s Profile
- Drafted by the Canucks: 2021 NHL Draft, 3rd round, 95th overall.
- Professional Career Start: Full-time after the 2023-24 OHL season, where he helped the Saginaw Spirit win their first Memorial Cup.
- Scoring Record: Bloom has one goal and two points in 21 AHL games over the past two years.
- Recent Performance: In the ECHL with the Kalamazoo Wings, Bloom scored 20 goals and 19 assists for 39 points in 43 games during the 2024-25 season.
- This Season: Recorded 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points in 19 games with the K-Wings.
- Contract Status: Final season of a three-year, entry-level contract with an NHL Average Annual Value (AAV) of $902,500.
Bloom is expected to report to the Oilers’ ECHL affiliate, the Fort Wayne Komets, following this trade.
Jayden Grubbe’s Background
- Drafted by the New York Rangers: 2021 NHL Draft, 3rd round.
- Junior Career: Captain of the Red Deer Rebels (Western Hockey League) for three seasons.
- AHL Experience: Played for the Bakersfield Condors, the Oilers’ AHL affiliate.
- This Season with the Komets: Scored seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 28 games.
- AHL Career Stats: Across 129 games, Grubbe has tallied 10 goals and 18 assists for 28 points.
- Contract Status: Also in the final season of a three-year, entry-level contract with an NHL cap hit of $867,500.
Grubbe is set to join the Kalamazoo Wings for the remainder of the season, adding depth to the team as they continue their campaign.
This trade emphasizes the ongoing strategy of both teams to refine their rosters in anticipation of future success in the AHL and beyond.
