Reviewing a huge trade…
9/16/26) CHP trades Sebastian Aho & Jake DeBrusk to GEO for
Morgan Rielly, Braeden Bowman, Berkly Catton, Matthew Wood,
Axel Sandin-Pellikka, CHP 5th-27, AMO 10th-27, CHC 10th-27 &
VGN 10th-27…
Millers add a top line Center and top 6 Winger for a vet, 4 rookies
and some late round picks. A look first at those who were moved
out…
Berkly Catton was Georgetown’s first round pick in the 2024 draft,
4th overall. Millers viewed him as a sure-fire top 6 player and he’s
still plenty young enough to accomplish that. The club had not
soured on the player; it’s more a reflection of his NHL club being
less than reassuring in their ability to recognize and utilize talent.
Catton could spend this season in the AHL to get the ice time he
sorely needs as opposed to playing on the 3rd line and 2nd PP
unit with the likes of Frederic Gaudreau, being lucky to get 15
minutes a night.
Sandin-Pellikka is also hampered by an NHL organization that
resembles a dumpster fire lately. The 15th overall selection in the
2023 CCHL entry draft, the offensive Dman debuted last year in
the NHL, hamstrung by a veteran partner who did not compliment
his game at all and eventually sent to the minors once a veteran
was acquired. ASP is another that’s facing a reduced role in the
NHL (3rd pairing and 2nd PP unit) or getting valuable minutes on
a top pair and quarterbacking the PP in the AHL. He can still be a
2nd unit, PP asset but isn’t in a good spot currently.
Wood’s NHL club actually seems to have a bit of a clue, and he
shocked many by immediately cementing a middle 6 role with the
Predators and goes into this NHL season locked in to a 2nd line
spot. Despite not being a great skater and previous concerns
about his off puck play and motor he adapted well when moved to
Center and his shot should see him reach 30 goals or more in the
next couple of seasons.
Bowman was just picked up in the waiver draft. He’s gone from
undrafted UFA to middle-six contributor for a team with Stanley
Cup aspirations. Has far less star potential then Catton, ASP or
Wood but should be a steady player for years.
None of the 4 rookies were expected to see much of any ice-time
with the Millers this season.
Rielly was acquired early in the offseason from Chippewa for
Colton Sissons. His spot in the D lineup will be taken by Ryan
Shea.
Now for the additions…
Sebastian Aho, 29, is a first-line Center who plays an all-around,
200 foot game. There’s literally nothing he does not do well on the
ice. Though not a huge scorer he’s safely around a point per
game and with his early line mates appearing to be Logan Cooley
and Dylan Guenther he should not have any issues putting up
points. He’s RFA after the season.
Jake DeBrusk, also 29, plays both wings and loves to shoot the
puck. He is an excellent skater and though not a Selke threat is
respectable defensively. He is currently slated to play RW on the
Cozens line and see time on the 2nd PP unit. He is signed for 1
more season after this.
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