The Calgary Hitmen have made a significant move ahead of the Western Hockey League trade deadline, acquiring forward and Ottawa Senators prospect Blake Vanek from the Wenatchee Wild.
Trade Details and Player Background
In exchange for the 18-year-old forward, the Hitmen sent the rights to 2008-born forward Carter Ernst and a sixth-round selection in the 2029 WHL Prospects Draft to the Wild. Vanek, who stands 6-foot-3 and hails from Stillwater, Minnesota, had signed with Wenatchee this past June.
His profile rose significantly when the Ottawa Senators selected him in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. This season with the Wild, Vanek appeared in 37 games, recording eight goals and 10 assists for 18 points.
A Legacy of Hockey Talent
Blake Vanek carries a notable hockey pedigree as the son of former Austrian NHL forward Thomas Vanek, who enjoyed a prolific 14-season career in the league. The younger Vanek recently participated in the Ottawa Senators' rookie camp this past September.
Hitmen General Manager Garry Davidson expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "Blake is a talented offensive player that matches our style of play. He possesses size, skill and speed and we are excited to add him to our forward group."
Impact on the Hitmen's Playoff Push
The trade comes just before the WHL trade deadline on Thursday, as the Hitmen look to solidify their roster for a playoff run. Calgary currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 19 wins, 10 losses, 5 overtime losses, and 1 shootout loss (19-10-5-1).
The team is set to play a pair of home games at the Scotiabank Saddledome this weekend, welcoming the Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday at 6 p.m., followed by a matchup against the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Sunday at 4 p.m. The addition of Vanek is expected to provide an immediate boost to the Hitmen's offensive capabilities as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.
