Spokane Chiefs Make Big Splash, Acquire Andrew Cristall From The Kelowna Rockets

Washington Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall is the latest star on the move in the WHL. The Kelowna Rockets traded their leading goal scorer to the Spokane Chiefs for a massive package that includes Hayden Paupanekis, a first and third-round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, a first-rounder in 2027, and second and sixth-round picks in 2026. This is the second major move the Rockets have made this week, as they also traded Seattle Kraken prospect Caden Price to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

Acquiring Critall instantly shoots the Chiefs up to contender status. The 19-year-old has 60 points in 28 games this season and is one of the favourites to win this year's Four Broncos Memorial Trophy. Cristall will now join an already-loaded offence and will get to rack up the points beside Berkly Catton, Shea Van Olm and Rasmus Ekström.

As for Kelowna, they continue their rebuild ahead of the 2026 Memorial Cup. Hayden Paupanekis is a promising 17-year-old who has 24 points in 39 games, while the additional draft capital could help the team acquire some key players either in the offseason or at next year's trade deadline. The Rockets now have multiple first-round picks in each of the next three drafts and 16 picks in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.

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