Kingston Frontenacs Acquire World Junior Gold Medalist & Memorial Cup Winner Joey Willis From Saginaw In Gigantic OHL Trade

The Kingston Frontenacs are tied with the Sudbury Wolves for fourth place in the Eastern Conference, but they have made it clear what their intentions are for the rest of the season: to bring home the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

Kingston decided they needed another top-six forward to contend for the OHL Championship, so they executed a massive deal with the Saginaw Spirit to acquire Nashville Predators prospect Joey Willis.

Related: Oshawa Acquires Canadian World Junior Championship Defenseman From Sault Ste. Marie

Below are the full details of the trade:

Kingston Frontenacs Receive:
C/LW, Joey Willis
2024-25 season statistics - 26GP, 17G, 17A, 34PTS

Saginaw Spirit Receive:
F, Ethan Weir
2026 2nd round pick (FLNT)
2028 2nd round pick (ER)
2025 3rd round pick (NIA)
2026 3rd round pick (SAR)
2027 3rd round pick
2028 4th round pick (ER)
2027 5th round pick
2028 7th round pick (KIT)

In exchange for the recent world junior gold medalist and Memorial Cup champion, the Spirit received 2007-born forward Ethan Weir and a whopping eight draft picks. Saginaw realized they had a great opportunity here to restock their draft cupboard after going all in last season.

After acquiring Willis, Kingston now has seven NHL-affiliated prospects on their roster. Their top-six forward corps is now operated by NCAA University of Vermont commit — and a former Montreal Canadiens draft pick — Cedrick Guindon, Calgary Flames prospect Jacob Battaglia, Vegas Golden Knights prospect Tuomas Uronen, Buffalo Sabres prospect Ethan Miedema, Nashville Predators prospect Joey Willis, and Matthew Soto.

That's a top-six that has 104 goals and 235 points combined this season.

Willis had four goals and 11 points in 17 playoff games with Saginaw last season, but came alive in the Memorial Cup, scoring two goals and four points en route to victory.

He's a versatile forward who can play in all situations, play down the middle or on the flank, and bring a ton of speed in the transition game.

Related: North Bay And Barrie Swap Players In Blockbuster Trade

As per Kingston's press release, "Willis is a highly skilled forward that brings a scoring touch to our team. In addition to his offensive skill, he has a well-rounded 200-foot game.” said Frontenacs GM Kory Cooper.

Cooper went on to say Joey has proven his value in big-game situations.

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