The Saskatoon Blades continued to try and make their team bigger and more experienced for the 2022-23 W-H-L season, as discussed above by Les Lazaruk with Blades’ President and General Manager Colin Priestner.
The Bridge City Bunch acquired 6’4″, 203-pound defenceman Blake Gustafson from Red Deer Wednesday. The Rebels get a fifth round selection in the 2025 Prospects Draft and the fourth choice in 2023 that the Blue and Gold got in last season’s three-way deal at the trade deadline with Medicine Hat and Prince George. Gustafson joins fellow defenceman and captain Aidan De La Gorgendiere and forward Josh Pillar as the Blades’ 20-year-olds. Pllar returned from Minnesota’s N-H-L training camp on Monday while Dallas returned 19-year-old left winger Conner Roulette yesterday. Saskatoon got their roster back down to 26 players, including nine defencemen, when they released 18-year-old blue-liner Ryan Nolan. The Blades’ next action is Saturday when they host Swift Current at 7 o’clock. Following are the news releases from the Blades…..
Blades Acquire Towering Rebels Overage Defender
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the acquisition of overaged defender, Blake Gustafson, from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for two draft picks. The Blades trade away the 2023 4th round pick they acquired in a three-way trade last season with Medicine Hat and Prince George, and a 2025 5th round pick in the Prospects Draft.
The 6’4, 203 pound left shot defender, is originally from Ardrossan, AB, and led all the Central Division defensemen at +35 last season. Gustafson also scored 15 points (3G-12A) in 66 games while adding 3 points (2G-1A) in 10 playoff games for the Rebels in 2021-22.
Saskatoon Blades Release Defenceman Wednesday
Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades have released defenceman Ryan Nolan from the active roster. Nolan was acquired at the trade deadline last season and featured in 25 games with the Blades scoring 4 points (1G-3A) over that span.
The Blades organization would like to thank Ryan for his service to the team and wish him the best in the future.
