Leafs prospect traded and will finish his season in Ottawa
In Major Junior hockey news, Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Braeden Kressler has been traded from the Flint Firebirds of the OHL to the Ottawa 67s today.
Kressler signed a three-year entry-level contract with the organization back in 2021 after a strong performance in development camp and the subsequent prospects tournament.
The now 21-year-old center from Kitchener, Ontario scored 5 goals and 16 points in just 28 games in his draft season for the Firebirds. However, he then improved to the tune of 25 goals and 52 points in 47 games in 2022-23 and before his trade had 15 goals and 37 points in 33 games - on pace for 72 points in 64 games.
The Firebirds are sitting in 3rd in the West Division with a 15-19 record through 34 games, while the 67s are 2nd in the East Division with an 18-15 record and are just 3 points behind Brantford for the top spot.
Kressler should become one of Ottawa's most prolific scoring options as Luca Pinelli paces the club with 26 goals and 37 points - which would have Kressler tied for the team lead in points at the moment.
Considering his age, Kressler will finish out his relatively successful junior career in Ottawa. From there, he'll look to turn pro and secure a spot with either the ECHL's Newfoundland Growlers or the AHL's Toronto Marlies next season.
| POLL | ||
6 JANVIER | 940 ANSWERS Leafs prospect traded and will finish his season in Ottawa Who is your favourite prospect in the Leafs' system right now? | ||
| Fraser Minten | 245 | 26.1 % |
| Easton Cowan | 273 | 29 % |
| Dennis Hildeby | 364 | 38.7 % |
| Other | 58 | 6.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
