The Saskatoon Blades feel they have acquired one of the best defensemen in the WHL.

The trade that brings 20-year-old Scott Walford to the Blades from Victoria has overage forward Gary Haden going to the Royals.

General Manager Colin Priestner says they wanted to upgrade their back-line but didn’t expect a player the calibre of Walford to be available.

Priestner says Walford’s resume speaks for itself as a former first round draft choice in the WHL and a high third round pick of the Montreal Canadiens who played for team WHL last season against the touring Russians.

Walford had nine goals and 38 assists in 62 games last season which Priestner feels proves the rearguard is a big mobile and skilled player who can contribute in all situations and log a lot of minutes.

The Blades also get the Royals 7th round draft choice next spring while Victoria also receives Saskatoon’s fourth round pick in the 2022 WHL draft as well as unsigned listed player Riley Gannon.