Rockets’ star Andrew Cristall traded to Spokane ahead of deadline

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on January 9, 2025.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The top WHL forward on the trade market found a new home Wednesday afternoon.

The Kelowna Rockets sent 19-year-old star forward Andrew Cristall to the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for 17-year-old forward Hayden Paupanekis and a five-pack of draft picks. Kelowna acquires first-round picks in 2025 and 2027, a second-round pick in 2026, a third-round pick in 22025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026.

Cristall, a 40th overall pick by the Washington Capitals in 2023, has potted 26 goals and 60 points in just 28 games this season. In his WHL career, he has 135 goals, 205 assists for 340 points in 219 regular-season games. He leaves Kelowna sitting second in all-time franchise scoring and was just one assist away from tying Brett McLean’s all-time assists marker, set back in 1999.

Going the other way, Paupanekis has 11 goals 23 points in 39 games this season.

Blades deal Riche to Prince George

Earlier in the day Wednesday, the Saskatoon Blades picked up four pieces in a trade with the Prince George Cougars.

Saskatoon sent 19-year-old forward Ben Riche to the B.C. division in exchange for Calgary Flames forward prospect Hunter Laing, the rights to 15-year-old defenceman Luke Dumas, a first-round pick in 2026, and a fifth-round selection in 2028.

Riche has 23 goals and 54 points in 37 games for Saskatoon and rides a nine-game point streak. He was originally drafted by the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2020 before being traded to the Victoria Royals last season. He has 46 goals and 107 points in 170 career WHL games.

The 18-year-old Laing is in his second full WHL season, tallying 10 goals and 22 points in 36 games. In his WHL career he has 21 goals and 47 points in 110 games.

The WHL trade deadline is today at 6 p.m. MST.

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