The Red Deer Rebels announced on Thursday morning they acquired forward Trae Wilke from the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
In return, the Rebels sent the Hurricanes their 84th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2024 Western Hockey League Prospects Draft and a fourth-round pick in 2026.
Rebels assistant general manager Shaun Sutter said in a media scrum later that day Wilke, who's a former second round pick, has a good shot and skill set.
"I think for different reasons it's a change of scenery trade for Trae," he said. "I think sometimes when players are high draft picks there's high expectations. Where now he just gets to come in with us, get to work, and put on his hard hat."
The 18-year-old from Saskatoon scored nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points in 64 games in his first full season with the Hurricanes. He also added one point in two playoff games.
Lethbridge selected him in the second round, 29th overall in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, and is also eligible for the upcoming 2024 NHL Entry Draft. So far, he has 33 points in 100 career WHL games.
"We traded two fourth-round picks for him so obviously we feel like there's some potential there. There's definitely talent there and now we've got to help him get to that point where he can be an offensive contributor."