There has been some movement among the Moose Jaw Warriors’ overage players on Wednesday.
20-year-old forward Martin Rysavy has returned to the club from the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, leading to the Warriors dealing fellow 20-year-old forward Eric Alarie to the Seattle Thunderbirds for a pair of draft picks.
“It has been a busy last few days after we learned of Martin’s return to Moose Jaw, but we feel these moves make our forward group stronger moving forward,” Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger said.
Rysavy, a 2021 seventh round pick by Columbus, attended training camp with the Blue Jackets. He appeared in one preseason game where he finished with one assist in 6:28 of ice time.
Last season with the Warriors, Rysavy finished with a career-high 11 goals and 33 points in 47 games. He has 19 goals and 59 points in 92 career games in the Western Hockey League.
He also represented Czechia at the World Junior Hockey Championship, posting a goal and three points while capturing a silver medal.
“We’re excited to add Martin back to our lineup,” Ripplinger said. “He brings a reliable game at both ends of the ice and more size to our forward group.”
The Warriors will receive a third round pick in the 2027 WHL Prospects Draft and a fifth round pick in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft in exchange for Alarie.
“We want to thank Eric for all he’s done for the organization and community over the past five seasons,” Ripplinger said. “Eric’s dedication and hard work has been a key part of the team’s success.”
Alarie was originally selected by the Warriors with the 22nd overall selection in the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft. The Winnipeg, MB product played 220 games with the Warriors, posting 62 goals and 148 points.
In five games so far this season, Alarie had one goal and three points.
Rysavy joins Lucas Brenton and Atley Calvert as the team’s overage players. With the addition of Rysavy, Moose Jaw now has three import players on its roster and a decision to trim down to two will be made at a later date.
The Warriors are back in action on Friday in Lethbridge.