With the Western Hockey League's trade deadline looming this Thursday, Regina Pats General Manager Dale Derkatch faces a delicate balancing act. He must weigh the potential to improve his team's future against the risk of disrupting its current push for a postseason berth.
Navigating the Deadline: To Buy or Not to Sell?
Derkatch, who was promoted to GM last June after Alan Millar departed for Hockey Canada, has been active this season, executing 12 separate trades. Some aimed to bolster the present lineup, while others were strategic moves with the franchise's longer-term rebuild in mind. As the deadline approaches at 7 p.m. Saskatchewan time on Thursday, Derkatch's philosophy is clear: he is open for business but won't make a move just for the sake of it.
"I don't think we're just looking at getting some picks for players, or something like that," Derkatch stated this week. "We'd like to add a player if we could, or two, but again, not going to go crazy and sell the farm." His primary concern is preserving the chemistry of a group fighting to extend its season. "I don't want to move players out. I really want to try and let this group make the playoffs and get that experience."
The Julien Maze Trade: A Deal Born from Necessity
The most significant transaction of the Pats' season thus far was December's trade sending 18-year-old forward Julien Maze to the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for two third-round WHL draft picks. At the time of the deal, Maze was the Pats' leading scorer with 31 points in 30 games, following a season where he also topped the team's scoring chart. He has since recorded 10 points in his first six games with the Hitmen.
Derkatch provided context for the surprising move, citing the player's desire to leave. "I don't want to get too much into it, but the player was not happy here," he explained. "The name of the game is to win games, not just a player put up numbers. I want players who want to be here and want to play for the Regina Pats." He acknowledged the deal might draw criticism but emphasized his commitment to the organization's culture and direction.
Playoff Picture Adds Pressure to Deadline Decisions
The stakes for Derkatch's decisions are underscored by the tight Eastern Conference playoff race. Entering this week's games, the Regina Pats hold the eighth and final playoff spot with a record of 11 wins, 20 losses, and 5 overtime losses. They are under pressure from several clubs close behind, including the Red Deer Rebels (one point back), Lethbridge Hurricanes (two points back), and Swift Current Broncos (seven points back). Regina also trails the seventh-place Moose Jaw Warriors by five points.
This precarious position informs the GM's cautious approach. "We've been working the lines and trying to improve the team in any way possible," said Derkatch. "I'll try to improve our team, but I also do like the group, and I don't want to take away from the group." As the clock ticks down to Thursday evening, the Pats' strategy will become clear: whether they add pieces for a playoff run, acquire assets for the future, or decide that standing pat with their current roster is the most prudent path forward.
