By Dropping the Mitts

Great deal for all three players in PA-PG trade

Jun 3, 2014 | 9:06 PM

Monday’s trade between the two princes of the WHL is a positive move for both teams and all three players involved. In case you missed it, the Prince Albert Raiders acquired 19-year-old forward Jordan Tkatch from the Prince George Cougars in exchange for 20-year-old Chance Braid and 18-year-old Lance Yaremchuk. 

Here’s a breakdown of all three parts of the trade.

To Prince Albert

Jordan Tkatch, C

How this helps Tkatch:

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He loved playing here as a member of the Prince Albert Mintos Midget AAA club in 2010-2011, and even as an opponent.

He recorded his WHL first goal, assist and multi-point night against the Raiders Nov. 10, 2011 in just the fourth game of his career with the Cougars. In two WHL games in the Art Hauser Centre versus the Raiders, Tkatch has two points, two wins and is +4.

He is beyond excited to move back to Saskatchewan and put on green and gold again, this time for PA’s WHL club.

“When they told me I was going to Prince Albert, I couldn't think of a better place to go.” Tkatch told paNOW.com’s Drew Wilson on Monday soon after the trade broke.

How this helps the Raiders:

In getting Tkatch, the Raiders didn’t really sacrifice their future to add him. They gave up one of their seven overagers in Braid, and an 18-year-old in Yaremchuk, who only played 15 games with the Raiders last season.

Tkatch also fills an important need as a veteran forward with 196 career games under his belt.

Prior to the trade, the only 19-year-old forwards the Raiders had heading into the season were Craig Leverton, Gage Quinney and of course Leon Draisaitl. Leverton and Quinney spent most of their time on the fourth line, but spent time filling in occasionally in the top-six, especially in Quinney’s case. In Draisaitl’s case, there is a good chance the King of Leon will start his NHL career next season—but the jury is still out on that.

Even if Draisaitl does return, the Raiders will certainly find a place for Tkatch, either at his natural centre position, or on the wing.

To Prince George

Lance Yaremchuk, C

How this helps Yaremchuk:

Yaremchuk is the type of player that needs freedom to show off his creativity.

He was simply not given that as a member of the Raiders. Although he made the team out of camp, Yaremchuk was on the outside looking in.

They benched him for the first six games of the season in attempt to get him used to Raiders head coach Cory Clouston’s systems. He was healthy scratched and seldom used until his November reassignment back to the Mintos.

How this helps the Cougars:

If they’re willing to give Yaremchuk a longer leash, they could have acquired an offensive dynamo. He’s certainly been at every other level he’s played in.

With Mintos head coach Ken Morrison willing to let Yaremchuk loose the last two seasons, the PA-product potted a SMAAAHL leading 38 goals in 2012-2013, had 15 goals in 20 games this year and six goals in 7 Telus Cup games.

Yaremchuk also set up Dakota Boutin on a 2-on-1 rush deep in triple overtime to win the Telus Cup finals against les Grenadiers de Châteauguay. He was one of the most dangerous forwards at the Telus Cup, and was in my opinion, the best Midget AAA forward in the province for the last two seasons.

If Yaremchuk is given the opportunity to play his game, and not be a D-first, puck-dumper like he was asked to be with the Raiders, it should be a good move for both ‘Yarey’ and the Cougars.

Chance Braid, LW

How this helps Braid:

Braid enters the offseason as one of seven 20-year-old players the Raiders currently have on their roster (WHL teams are required to carry a maximum of three). The trade allows him to avoid the logjam and go to a team with overage space on their roster and continue his career at the WHL level. Many players in these situations end up playing Junior A.

How this helps the Cougars:

The Cougars get a heart and soul guy who has developed into a leader. Midway through last season, the Raiders sewed an ‘A’ on Braid’s chest as he showed he could lead by example.

Braid is your classic, big body, team first guy that goes out and battles and will give the Cougars some grit, leadership and heart. He’s been a loyal soldier for the Raiders the last three seasons, after making the team in 2011-2012 as an undrafted, listed player.

jdandrea@panow.com

On Twitter: @jeff_dandrea