Calgary Hitmen pull off pair of deals ahead of holiday trade freeze

The WHL's holiday trade freeze was Monday, and the Hitmen were wheeling and dealing in the morning to make a couple of moves.

Garry Davidson, general manager of the Calgary Hitmen, was wheeling and dealing on Monday morning as the holiday trade freeze hit the WHL.

First off, Davidson acquired forward Julien Maze from the Regina Pats for a third-round draft pick in 2027 and another third-rounder in 2028.

In 30 games with the Pats this season, the 18-year-old from Edmonton had 14 goals and added 17 assists, and Davidson expects that offence to carry over.

“He’s a guy that’s got a lot of talent and skill, and we felt like we still needed some of that,” said Davidson.

“We scored nine the other night (against Red Deer), but there’s been a few nights that we haven’t. So Julien should come in, and he’s a point-a-game player and I think he can build on that.”

Deal with Raiders

In the second deal, the Hitmen sent a veteran forward to the Prince Albert Raiders for 17-year-old forward Ty Meunier, who hails from St. Albert.

The Raiders also parted with a second-round draft pick in 2026 and a fourth-round pick in 2027.

Davidson says this deal will help now and into the future.

“We sent Brandon Gorzynski to Prince Albert for Ty Meunier, who is an ’08,” said Davidson.

“He’s a first-round pick and a young man with lots of skill and talent and again has been a real producer on offence in the past and will do that at our level.”

Trading Gorzynski wasn’t easy for the Hitmen GM.

He was well-liked and one of the leaders on the team.

Davidson says the fact he’s committed to going to Arizona State next year made the decision a little easier.

“It’s very difficult,” said Davidson.

“We were approached about Brandon here a few weeks ago, and basically we said we didn’t want to go there. But as you move forward and the amount of interest in him is widespread throughout the league, we just feel it makes sense for everybody involved.”

Christmas wish list

The WHL trade freeze lifts Dec. 27, and the actual trade deadline is Jan. 8.

Last year, the Hitmen made a big splash at the deadline, but Davidson doesn’t think he’ll be making many moves this year.

However, he says he does have one request on his Christmas wish list.

“I guess there’s only one other possibility, and I’m going to bring it up: Ben Kindel in Pittsburgh,” said Davidson.

“I don’t think we’ll see him back; I think he’s in Pittsburgh for the year. He’s had an awesome start, and again, it’s where he wants to be and we hope the best for him, but if Santa wants to bring us a gift, that would be the gift.”

The Hitmen are at home against the Swift Current Broncos on Wednesday night.