Just months after a run to the Atkinson Cup final, the Charleston Chiefs have dealt star defenseman Morgan Rielly to the West Virginia River Rats. In return, the Chiefs receive West Virginia’s 1st and 2nd round rookie picks in 2023, along with winger Jansen Harkins.
For the Rats, it’s another move to shore up one of the league’s strongest lineups as the team puts a championship in its sights. Earlier in the offseason, they acquired veteran centre Jonathan Toews, along with injury-plagued Sean Couturier and Ryan Ellis.
The move comes after a surprisingly good 2021-22 campaign for Charleston, as they finished second in the Plante Conference and then marched all the way to the final before falling to Adirondack in 7. It appears that management isn’t so optimistic heading into this season, and earlier had dealt away veteran goalie Jonathan Quick.
The Chiefs drafted Rielly in the first round in 2014, 16th overall, and in eight seasons he racked up 291 points in 552 games. Despite playing second fiddle to Adam Fox last season, the defenseman still managed 47 points in 81 games.
Gump Worsley Memorial Hockey League 