Blades acquire Michael Ferland from Wheat Kings

[HordiBrusk29]

The Saskatoon Blades are very proud to announce the acquisition of left-winger Michael Ferland from the Brandon Wheat Kings.

In exchange for the 20 year old Calgary Flames prospect, the Blades have dealt a 1st round pick in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

Ferland was recently re-assigned to the WHL from the Abbotsford Heat of the AHL and is currently in his 4th WHL season. The product of Brandon, Manitoba has appeared in 4 games this season, posting a goal and an assist. Last season he had a career year for the Wheat Kings, putting up 47 goals and 96 points in 68 games. He also put up 84 PIMs and a +17 rating last season for Brandon.

Ferland is a former teammate of Blades captain Brenden Walker and was drafted in the 5th round, 133rd overall, in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Flames.

"Michael is a player who really generated some interest after being sent back to the WHL recently," said Blades Head Coach and General Manager Lorne Molleken. "He's a big, power forward who we are really familiar with. He comes from a great program in Brandon and we think he can be a big difference maker for our club down the stretch and looking ahead to the playoffs. He's really a well-rounded kid who can do a ton of things on and off the ice."

The Saskatoon Blades would like to welcome Michael and his family to the organization.

[HordiBrusk29]

Hearing the Blades may have made a second deal for a young defenseman from the US division. However that is strictly a rumor as of now.

Obviously the Blades are going to have to move one of their 20 year old's with Ferland in the mix.

[chilly666]

I saw that last night...not surprised it happened

[HordiBrusk29]

I'm going to put rumor in front of it since it hasn't been officially announced. In fact the Blades are denying it as of right now. But that's expected unless/until it's officially confirmed.

[HordiBrusk29]

Looks like something happened with the Blades and Adam Kambeitz. So I'm guessing the Blades have added a 20 year old. Probably Ferland.

[HordiBrusk29]

Not a rumor now. Ferland is a Saskatoon Blade. Blades give up a first round pick in 2013.

[chilly666]

the blades are gonna be ****ed next year...i think they have like 14 possible overagers for next season. now i know siemens will be in the pros along with ferland and others, but still that team is gonna blow

[BullyFan]

This doesn't come as any surprise, as Brandon is nowhere near a playoff spot and they've already been making trades.

[HordiBrusk29]

Originally Posted by chilly666

the blades are gonna be ****ed next year...i think they have like 14 possible overagers for next season. now i know siemens will be in the pros along with ferland and others, but still that team is gonna blow

Furthermore they have no first round picks in 2013, 2014, or 2015. Almost as bad as the Portland situation.

That said, they had to do something. Whether or not this is enough, time will tell. I don't think it is, but I'm not sure what else they could do. They would only be digging themselves an even bigger hole.

In typical Molleken fashion they certainly have a pretty tough team going forward. Especially if Astles is able to return.

[avamania2003]

yup looking for chiefs the first rounder they got in 2015