The Denver Spurs shocked the GWMHL this week when they traded the 3rd overall pick in the upcoming rookie draft to the Clarington Coyotes in a win-now move that netted wingers Vladimir Tarasenko and Tanner Pearson plus Clarington’s 2nd round pick, 23rd overall.
An injury-hampered Tarasenko had 20 points in 31 games last year, while Pearson scored 15 goals in 75 games. For Clarington, the benefits are obvious. On paper, the team has the veteran depth to win more games this year, but with the 1st overall pick already, the Coyotes have an opportunity to add two elite talents in September. For Denver, who add Tarasenko to a packed right wing corps that already features Matt Duchene, Tom Wilson, and Cam Atkinson, it seems to signal a desire to shoot for the playoffs while Jordan Binnington and Erik Karlsson have gas in the tank. Unless they make more deals, for the fourth time in six years, the Spurs will go without a first round pick.
Gump Worsley Memorial Hockey League 