In a strategic move ahead of the WHL trade deadline, the Saskatoon Blades have traded their longtime star forward, Brandon Lisowsky, to the Victoria Royals. In exchange, the Blades acquired Tanner Scott and two second-round draft picks, one for 2025 and another for 2028. Brandon Lisowsky, a prolific scorer since being drafted in 2019, has been a cornerstone player for the Blades. Despite the Blades occupying the first place in the East Division, the trade was deemed necessary by team president and general manager Colin Priestner to address the team’s depleted draft pick reserves. Priestner emphasized the need for sustainable team management, stating that the Blades lacked early-round draft picks for the upcoming years. This situation prompted the trade, despite the team’s current strong performance.
Lisowsky leaves behind a legacy with the Blades, where he tallied 143 goals over 256 regular season games, ranking him fifth in the franchise’s goal-scoring history. Standing at just five-foot-eight, Lisowsky consistently overcame challenges on the ice, earning high praise from Priestner for his contributions.
While Lisowsky’s departure marks the end of an era, Priestner hinted at possible additional moves, notably with star defenseman Tanner Molendyk, who is currently representing Canada in the World Junior team. The team is open to offers for Molendyk, who is considered a valuable asset.
Transitioning the team’s roster to ensure long-term success without frequent rebuilding cycles remains a priority for the Blades’ management. After years of struggle that saw the team missing postseason play, Priestner is committed to maintaining competitiveness and preventing a return to the difficult years when fan engagement dwindled. The Saskatoon Blades are set to begin the post-Lisowsky era in a game against the Brandon Wheat Kings, with Tanner Scott expected to debut for the team. The WHL trade deadline concludes on January 9.
