Hello sports fans. We are back here in Iceland, speaking with GM Saouaf about a few recent deals he made. In both deals, GM Saouaf dealt away what would seem to be key defensemen on the Icecats. First, Iceland traded away young up and coming defenseman, Bowen Byram, to Amos, along with Zach Bolduc and Raphael Lavoie for prospects EJ Emery, Brennan Othmann and Halifax's 1st in 2025. When asked about the trade, GM Saouaf stated that he had a surplus of dmen and saw an opportunity to further stock his prospect pool and get a very good pick next year. With young defensemen such as Mason Lohrei and Olen Zellweger seemingly on the cusp of being NHL regulars, Byram could be moved.
Then, in a more shocking trade, GM Saouaf once again hooked up with Amos to deal away all around stalwart, Devon Toews, acquiring Nicolas Hague, prospect Filip Bystedt, and Capeside's 1st in 2026. This one is a head scratcher as it seemed like Toews was a starting dman for the Icecats. GM Saouaf stated that another young dman was ready to step in and take a spot, and that dman is Jake Sanderson. Jake has earned the right to a full-time spot based on his play and ratings. By getting Hague, Iceland keeps the depth needed to contend in the CCHL, while continuing to build up their prospect and draft pick pools. Iceland especially liked Bystedt's size and athletic ability. He had a wonderful start to his AHL career, notching 7 points in 8 games. Bystedt projects to be a middle six player, but with his size, could slot on the wing to create havoc for Mack Celebrini or Will Smith.
It's clear that GM Saouaf is up to shaking up his roster when needed. Stay tuned to see what else is brewing in Iceland!
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