EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips are standing pat.
The WHL trade deadline came and went Wednesday afternoon, and the Tips decided not to make any moves, either to bolster their lineup or accrue future assets.
Everett is currently 24-14-1-2, good for 51 points, which has the Tips tied for second place in the U.S. Division and third place in the Western Conference. Everett already made one significant move to upgrade its roster, acquiring overage defenseman Parker Berge from the Regina Pats two weeks ago.
But on a busy deadline day that saw more depth moves being made rather than blockbusters, Everett general manager Dennis Williams chose to stay out of the fray. Williams could not be reached for comment prior to the paper going to print.
Everett could have the equivalent of trade acquisitions returning to the lineup soon. First-line winger Dominik Rymon is back after winning a bronze medal with Czechia at the World Junior Hockey Championships. Meanwhile, the Tips hope to get top-nine forwards Caden Brown (lower body) and Cade Zaplitny (upper body) back from long-term injuries in the coming weeks.
One of Everett’s main rivals, the Portland Winterhawks, made Wednesday’s biggest splash, acquiring forward Nate Danielson from the Brandon Wheat Kings. The 19-year-old Danielson, who was selected ninth overall by the Detroit Red Wings in last year’s NHL draft, was the biggest name on the market. The two-way center, who was part of Canada’s team at World Juniors, has 12 goals and 14 assists in 26 games this season. Portland, which is one point ahead of Everett in first place in the U.S. Division (with four games in hand), gave up a haul that included 18-year-old forward Nick Johnson, 18-year-old defenseman Rhett Ravndahl, two first-round WHL prospect draft picks and a fifth rounder.
The other busy team in the Western Conference this week was the Vancouver Giants. Based on winning percentage the Giants currently rank ninth in the conference, which would leave Vancouver out of the playoffs. However, the Giants aided their playoff push by acquiring 19-year-old forwards Connor Levis and Ty Zimmer from Kamloops and Lethbridge, respectively. Levis cost first-, second- and fourth-round picks, while Zimmer cost a second, third, 19-year-old forward Colton Langkow and 15-year-old prospect Kai Anderson.
Prince George, the other top team in the Western Conference, made just one minor move Wednesday, acquiring the rights to 18-year-old forward Evan Groening from Brandon for a 10th-round pick.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
