Swift Current Broncos make WHL draft day deal with expansion franchise Penticton

Here is a look at what Saskatchewan-based teams did in the opening round of the 2025 WHL entry draft Wednesday night.

The Swift Current Broncos made a WHL draft day deal with the expansion Penticton Vees, acquiring a 4th round pick in 2025, a 2nd round pick in 2026, a 1st round pick in 2027, and a conditional pick in 2028 in exchange for Regina born forward Brady Birnie and the rights to Brooks DeMars.

The 2028 conditional pick will turn into a first round pick in 2028 if DeMars reports to Penticton.

Birnie (20) was drafted by the Broncos in the 1st round of the 2024-25 draft and went on to play 267 games for Swift Current amassing 169 points. Birnie was the first Bronco to commit to an NCAA Division one program in Bemidji State University.

The trade coincided with Penticton’s selection in the WHL Expansion Draft where the Vees took defenceman Nolan Stevenson from Swift Current.

“He’s had a great year, taken a big step in his development and we wish him well going forward,” Broncos general manager Chad Leslie said of Stevenson.

With their first round selection in the 2025 WHL Draft, the Broncos chose right-winter Cohenn Rotar of the Grand Prairie Storm U15 AAA program. The 15-year old had 34 goals and 67 points in 34 games this season.

The WHL Prospects Draft continues Thursday with rounds two through 15.