Wolves give up Leblanc for power-play specialist Carrick

With the OHL trade deadline on Jan. 10, the Sudbury Wolves decided to add some muscle to the their struggling power play.

The Pack announced today the acquisition of defenceman Trevor Carrick from the Mississauga Steelheads.

Carrick, who has signed an NHL contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, is in his final year in the OHL. The 19-year-old leads all defencemen in the OHL in goals with 16.

The Wolves also acquired a 5th round draft selection in 2015 from Mississauga and the rights to 17-year-old defenceman Bradley Bell. The Sudburian is a third-round OHL draft selection and currently plays for the Sudbury Nickel Barons Jr. A team.

Carrick, 6-2, 190 lbs, is a good pickup for the team, GM Blaine Smith said in a news release. recently signed an NHL contract with the Carolina Hurricanes and will conclude his OHL playing career in Sudbury.

“This is a big hockey trade for us as we have acquired one of the best power-play specialists in the OHL” Smith said. “Trevor has a cannon of a shot and plays with an edge.

“Trevor was a captain of the Steelheads and significantly adds to the leadership and outstanding character on our team. We are very excited to have Trevor join our club and help lead our team in the second-half.”

Smith called Bell one of the best young defenceman in the 2012 OHL draft and a player the Wolves have had their eye one.

In his rookie season in the NOJHL last year, he earned 22 points in 44 games as a 16-year-old defencemen with the Nickel Barons.

“Bradley is an exceptional talent,” Smith said. “We have been looking to acquire his rights from the Steelheads. He is physically strong and plays an OHL-style game. We look forward to assisting Bradley with his hockey development here in Sudbury.”

In return, the Wolves gave up 17-year-old rookie defenceman Stefan Leblanc. A seventh-round selection in 2012, the Oakville native has three goals and 13 assists in his first OHL season.

The Wolves also sent three second-round picks to Mississauga in 2016, 2017 and 2018, as well as a conditional third-round selection.

“In order to acquire players of Carrick’s and Bell’s magnitude, we had to surrender valuable assets and Stefan Leblanc has been one of our best young players this season,” Smith said. “We sincerely wish to thank Stefan for his contribution to the Sudbury Wolves’ success in the short time he has been with us and we wish him continued success in Mississauga.”

Carrick and the Wolves face Leblanc and the Steelheads on Friday night at 7:30 at the Sudbury Arena.