In a bold move to solidify their championship aspirations, the Ontario Hockey League's top-ranked Ottawa 67's have significantly upgraded their defensive corps on the eve of the league's trade deadline. New general manager Jan Egert orchestrated a major deal to acquire imposing defenceman David Bedkowski from the Owen Sound Attack.
The Price for a Playoff Pillar
Securing the services of the coveted blueliner came at a substantial cost. The 67's surrendered five future draft selections to complete the trade. The package heading to Owen Sound includes a seventh-round pick in 2026, second and third-round choices in 2027, a third-rounder in 2028, and a fourth-round selection in 2029.
This aggressive move underscores the team's win-now mentality as they sit atop the OHL standings. Bedkowski, a Toronto native, brings a formidable physical presence to the Ottawa backend. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 pounds, he is precisely the type of stay-at-home, physical defender the club targeted.
Profile of a Protector
David Bedkowski is no ordinary prospect. His rights are held by the Buffalo Sabres, who selected him 71st overall in the third round of the 2025 NHL draft. Over the past two seasons with the Owen Sound Attack, the 19-year-old rearguard has posted 5 goals and 19 assists for 24 points across 73 games, while amassing 131 penalty minutes—a testament to his rugged style.
"David is a unique player in our league," GM Jan Egert stated in a team release. "His range, mobility, strength and physicality make him an uncomfortable opponent to play against."
Building a Bigger, Tougher Lineup
The acquisition of Bedkowski is part of a clear pattern for Egert's 67's as they gear up for the postseason. In recent days, the team has focused on adding size, grit, and toughness to its roster.
This trend began with the earlier additions of forwards Sam McCue, Teddy Spitznagel, and 20-year-old Nic Sima—all of whom stand at least 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. To acquire Sima from the Saginaw Spirit just a day prior, Ottawa sent out third and fourth-round picks in 2027 and a second-rounder in 2028.
That move necessitated another roster decision. To comply with the league's overage player limit, the 67's had to release 20-year-old forward Jack Dever, a player with 199 games for Ottawa. Dever was promptly signed by the Kingston Frontenacs.
Recouping Draft Capital
Understanding the long-term cost of these win-now trades, Egert worked to replenish some of the team's draft stockpile in a separate transaction on Thursday. The 67's dealt 17-year-old forward Nathan Amidovski to the Brampton Steelheads.
In return, Ottawa received six future picks: a second-rounder in 2026; second, third, and sixth-round choices in 2027; a third in 2028; and a fourth in 2029. Amidovski, the 11th overall pick in the 2024 OHL draft, recorded 8 goals and 14 assists in 86 games with the 67's.
The Road Ahead
The newly fortified Ottawa 67's immediately hit the road following the flurry of transactions, beginning a northern Ontario swing of three games in four days with a contest against the North Bay Battalion on Thursday, January 7th.
Fans will get their first look at the revamped lineup at home on January 16th, when the 67's host the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. This game marks the revival of the "Battle of the Ottawa River" rivalry series, which had been paused since 2020.
With the OHL trade deadline now passed, the message from the 67's front office is clear: the pieces are in place for a serious run at an OHL championship. The addition of David Bedkowski provides a massive, NHL-drafted pillar on defence as the team enters the crucial second half of the season.
