The Estevan Bruins have exchanged a pair of veterans for some promising youth in a trade they hope will shake up a struggling club.
At the Dec. 1 SJHL cutdown deadline on Sunday, the Bruins shipped centre Hudson Morrison and defenceman Tanner Clark to the La Ronge Ice Wolves for brothers Jason and Ryan Duret, both forwards. The Wolves also received the list rights to 16-year-old defenceman Ryan Melnyk.
Jason Duret is an 18-year-old rookie, while his 17-year-old brother is playing in midget AAA with the Prince Albert Mintos.
"It's definitely going to be a shakeup in the room, to send a message to the guys that there's a certain way to do things and when the team's not following suit, there's going to be consequences," said Bruins head coach and general manager Chris Lewgood. "I think we get a little younger, a little more enthusiasm in the room, a little less complacent."
Morrison, 19, had been struggling this season to replicate his success as a rookie, managing five goals and nine points in 23 games, after a strong 32-point showing last season.
Clark, 20, had been acquired from the MJHL's OCN Blizzard a month ago as the futures in the Roger Tagoona trade last year. He had four points in eight games in Estevan.
Lewgood said the rationale for the trade was a combination of looking to move Morrison and a chance to add some youth.
"With Hudson, it was time that he found a new home. He just needs a fresh start I think, and La Ronge is going to offer him an opportunity to go up there and play a significant role and be a big part of their team," Lewgood said, adding that he had gotten inquiries about Clark from the day he was acquired.
Jason Duret was third in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League last year with 19 goals and 67 points for the Mintos. This year, Ryan has 12 goals and 23 points in 23 games.
Lewgood said he believes the elder Duret can step in and centre the Bruins' second line. He has six points in 20 games so far between La Ronge and the Camrose Kodiaks.
"He's going to chip in offensively. Hudson was an offensive guy in a slump, and we don't feel we're going to have a drop off in that position. We feel he can jump onto the second line and he's going to play some special teams," Lewgood said, adding he feels Duret is capable of producing at a 30-point pace over the rest of the season.
"He's not a real big player, but he doesn't shy away. He's very creative with the puck, a good skater, really dangerous around the net. Ryan's a lot alike, a little taller, a little slimmer in physical stature. They're both offensive-minded, but they go in all three zones. They have good character. They're quality people we feel will help us on the ice and, long-term, will add to the value in the dressing room," said Lewgood, noting Jason was the Mintos' captain last year.
The plan is for Ryan to stay with the Mintos for the rest of the year, though Lewgood said that could change if his family feels differently.
Lewgood said he's excited about the team's future up front with the Durets in the fold, along with 18-year-olds Keegan Allison and Chris Thorimbert and 17-year-olds Lynnden Pastachak and prospect Chase McKersie.
"I just think it bodes well for our long-term offensive game," he said. "I think our team's excited about the change and excited about moving forward."
