Yahoo Sports Capitals Prospect Report: Cristall Traded In WHL Blockbuster, Frank & Bear Named AHL All-Stars
The Washington Capitals got quite a bit of news on the prospect front on Wednesday, as Andrew Cristall was traded in a WHL blockbuster while two Hershey Bears were named to the 2025 AHL All-Star Game.
In an expected pre-deadline move, the Kelowna Rockets traded Cristall, who was taken in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft, to the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for Hayden Paupanekis, a 2025 first and third-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick.
Cristall is the second-highest scorer in the WHL with 26 goals and 34 assists for 60 points through just 28 games played, and his 2.14 points-per-game rank first in the league. The 19-year-old is expected to make the pro jump after this season, as he almost made the NHL out of training camp this past year and has shown that he is ready for the next step.
Spokane currently ranks second in the WHL and will put Cristall in a good position to enjoy a solid Memorial Cup run, as the Rockets held the fifth-worst record in the league.
In other prospect news, Hershey forward Ethen Frank and defenseman Ethan Bear both earned bids to the 2025 AHL All-Star Game on Wednesday, as both were named to the Atlantic Division roster.
Frank ranks second in the AHL in goals with 20 on the season, and he has amassed a total of 28 points through 35 games. It marks his third consecutive All-Star Game appearance, and he will also look to break his Fastest Skater record.
This is Bear's first AHL All-Star selection. The 26-year-old has six goals and 13 assists for 19 points in 31 games and is tied for 10th in scoring among all AHL blueliners.
Bear is having a bounceback season and getting his game back on track after dealing with anxiety and depression last year. After time in the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program, Bear said he was feeling a lot better, and it's reflected in his time on and off the ice.
