Yahoo Sports Barrie Colts Acquire Stars Prospect Brad Gardiner From Ottawa 67’s
OHL’s training camp week starts with a trade between the Barrie Colts and Ottawa 67’s.
Monday morning Barrie announced they had acquired forward Brad Gardiner from the Ottawa 67’s.
We have traded for @DallasStars prospect, Brad Gardiner!
🗞️ https://t.co/q69AT6xl9Z#GiddyUp | @OHLHockey pic.twitter.com/NUYuUNTqTc— Barrie Colts (@OHLBarrieColts) August 26, 2024
In exchange for the Dallas Stars prospect, Ottawa received a 2026 second-round pick (SAG), a 2028 second-round pick (BAR), a 2027 third-round pick (KIT), and a 2025 fourth-round pick (KIT).
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Last week Barrie significantly improved their D-corps by acquiring another Dallas Stars prospect, Tristan Bertucci, from the Flint Firebirds in a three-team trade.
Barrie finished third in the Eastern Conference in the 2022-23 season with 93 points but had a 30-point decrease this past year as they finished eighth with a record of 28-36-4-0.
Colts GM and Head Coach Marty Williamson is focused on improving from the 60 points the team mustered up in the 2023-24 season with his recent moves.
"He’s proven himself to be a reliable two-way centreman in our league. We’re excited about adding Brad’s skillset, leadership, and experience to our group," said Williamson regarding his new forward.
The 6-foot-1, 189-pound center from Aurora, Ontario enters his fourth season in the OHL. He's registered 95 points in 188 career games and posted career-highs in assists (33) and points (49) last year.
Gardiner is known for his 200-foot skill and well-rounded game. However, posting zero points in eight playoff games with the 67's in the 2024 OHL Playoffs must've left a sour taste in his mouth.
This season has a lot of implications for Gardiner's future. He doesn't have a contract with the Stars and needs to prove to the organization that he deserves an entry-level contract. If he doesn't succeed, he'll re-enter the NHL Draft in 2025, or become a free agent if he goes undrafted.
Ottawa has been a contender in the East for numerous years, but this deal could send a signal that the team is prepared to start focusing on the future, building up draft picks, and developing their younger players.
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