Struggling Sudbury Wolves trade Nick Baptiste
Wolves send top blueliner to Otters for two new players and draft picks
The Sudbury Wolves, who are struggling with the worst record in the OHL, have have traded co-captain Nick Baptiste to the Erie Otters in exchange for 17-year-old defenceman Cole Mayo and 19-year-old forward Travis Wood.
The deal also lands the Wolves two second round draft picks and two third round draft picks in future OHL Priority Selection drafts.
Baptise will join top junior player Connor McDavid in Erie and the Otters are expected to make a run for the Memorial Cup this year.
“Nick has been a true leader for our hockey club and we are going to miss his skill, leadership and experience in our line-up the rest of the way,” said Wolves’ GM Blaine Smith in a release.
“Based on the way that the season has gone so far, it was imperative that we acquire players like Cole and Travis and high draft selections that will allow us to address our team needs for the present and the future."
Baptiste is also under contract as a prospect with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL.
The newly acquired Travis Wood is described as a solid two-way forward. He has 6 points in 10 games with the Erie Otters so far this season.
Defenceman Cole Mayo was a 3rd round draft choice of the Erie Otters in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection. He is expected to bring size, speed and offensive skill to the Wolves' blueline.
The newly acquired players are expected to be in the Wolves’ line-up on Friday night when the team hosts the Guelph Storm at the Sudbury Arena. The wolves have a record of four wins and 19 losses so far this season.
