The Sarnia Sting are eyeing the future ahead of the Ontario Hockey League's January 10 trade deadline.
On Saturday, the club dealt forward Sandis Vilmanis and twins Jacob and Andrew LeBlanc to the North Bay Battalion.
The Sting get 16-year-old left winger Carter Kostuch and 18-year-old Slovakian defenceman Alex Cajkovic as well as a 2nd round pick (NB) in 2027, 3rd round pick (PBO) in 2024, 4th round pick (SAG) in 2024, 4th round pick (NB) in 2025, 5th round pick (WSR) in 2025 and 5th round pick (BAR) in the 2026.
Kostuch was drafted 21st overall by the Battalion in 2023. The Richmond Hill native joins the Sting with two goals and four assists so far this season.
Sting General Manager Dylan Seca said he likes what Kostuch can bring to the team.
"Carter Kostuch is a player we really liked in his draft year, he’s a first round pick for a reason," said Seca. "He’s skilled, quick and very competitive. His work ethic and character match our core values. We’re thrilled to welcome Carter and the Kostuch family to Sarnia."
Cajkovic was drafted by the Battalion in the 2nd round (115th overall) of the 2023 CHL Import Draft. He has 12 assists and a +9 rating this year.
"Alex is a very reliable puck moving defender who has been an important player in North Bay," said Seca, "We like his age, his good decision making and his international experience."
Vilmanis, who represented his home country of Latvia at the World Juniors, was originally selected 14th overall by the Sting in the 2022 CHL import draft. The Florida Panthers prospect ends his Sting career with 30 goals and 73 points across 92 regular season games.
The LeBlanc twins, both 19, came to Sarnia before the beginning of the 2023-24 season in a trade with the Niagara Ice Dogs.
Seca said he wishes them all nothing but the best in North Bay.
"We thank the contributions of Sandis Vilmanis, who has been a valuable player for our club, we’ve seen his game evolve here at the Sting," he said. "We also have seen Andrew and Jacob resurrect their OHL careers under the guidance of our coaches. Both met the challenge of having a great off season and trusting our process. Their strong start created significant interest around our league, so much so it became apparent the return would be too valuable to turn down. We thank all for their trust and wish them well as they chase an OHL Championship."
The Sarnia Sting are back in action on Sunday afternoon in Guelph and return home Wednesday night to take on the London Knights.
You can hear every game on 103.9FM and 1070AM CHOK.