By Troy Gillard

TRADE

Rebels send first overall U.S. Draft pick to Seattle

May 13, 2021 | 5:27 PM

The Red Deer Rebels were involved in a trade on Thursday, sending prospect Graycn Sawchyn to the Seattle Thunderbirds.

In exchange, the Rebels receive a conditional second round pick in the 2022 WHL Draft originally belonging to the Kelowna Rockets.

Sawchyn, who was born in 2005 in Edmonton and currently resides in Victoria, Minnesota, was the Rebels’ first round selection, first overall in the 2020 WHL US Prospects Draft.

Playing U16AAA this season with Shattuck St. Mary’s, Sawchyn collected 60 points in 47 games.

“With the inability to hold a spring camp this year, and the timing necessary for the player to make a decision on his hockey future, this trade made sense for both clubs,” said Rebels President and General Manager Brent Sutter. “Gracyn is a talented player, who we hope decides to play in the WHL.”

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