Tips acquire forward Teal Burns

Everett made a trade this afternoon, acquiring 19-year-old forward Teal Burns from Prince Albert in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2013 bantam draft. Burns, a 5-foot-11 and 194-pound native of Victoria, B.C., is joining his fourth WHL organization and third this season, having been traded from Vancouver to Prince Albert less than a month ago. Burns had four assists in six games with the Raiders, and he also had four assists in 10 games with the Giants.

I find this a curious move by Everett. Burns has some skill, which is something the Tips are lacking, but he hasn’t really converted that into production at the WHL level yet. Also, teams that are rebuilding don’t normally trade for 19-year-olds. In addition, I caught a glimpse of Carson Samoridny outside Everett’s locker room on my way up to the press area, meaning he has indeed returned. That means Everett is back above the roster limit with 27 players, only one that I know of (Manraj Hayer) being on the long-term injury list. Combined with coach Mark Ferner’s comments following Friday’s game, it tends to imply another move is on the way. Stay tuned.