As the Ontario Hockey League officially turns the page to a new season, the Windsor Spitfires are expected to move cautiously while assembling their roster for the 2026-27 campaign. The OHL trading window opened at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, allowing teams to deal players or draft picks, but Spitfires general manager Bill Bowler is not rushing into any moves.
Focus on Internal Depth
With the Spitfires needing to replace as many as 11 regulars from last year's roster, the club might seem like a prime candidate to make a trade. However, Bowler emphasized a patient approach. "There are available players, but again we're not in a position where we have an abundance of assets to even try, so we have to be really careful and wait to see what this group looks like," Bowler said.
Bowler has often spoken about the depth within the organization, and that remains the club's focus. "We're actively looking and talking to other teams to see what might be available, but we try to keep it within," he added.
Key Off-Season Dates for Spitfires Fans
Summer will pass quickly, and the regular season will arrive before long. Here are several important dates for Spitfires fans to mark on their calendars.
U18 Draft First Up
The OHL U18 Draft, normally held after the 15-round minor midget draft, has moved to an earlier slot. It will be held on Monday. The draft is open to Ontario players who competed in midget major this season and were not selected in last year's under-16 draft.
"There's always a player," Bowler said of the U18 draft. "We've had 15th rounders like Noah Morneau. They're out there, but you can't rely or build a team around it." Windsor holds the 16th pick and can make up to three selections, provided one is a goaltender.
"Every chance you get to improve your team, via trade, U18, import, you're constantly trying to get quality players that are OHL caliber and that hopefully helps you to stay relevant when the unexpected happens like injuries, promotions to the NHL, or losing someone to the NCAA," Bowler explained.
U16 Draft Headed to Kingston
The OHL Draft will be an in-person event for the first time since 2000, with Kingston hosting the two-day event. Windsor will pick 16th in the first round on June 12 at 7 p.m. The club has 15 selections but currently lacks picks in the second or third round for Day 2, which begins at 9 a.m. on June 13.
The OHL pre-draft trade window closes on June 11 at 3 p.m., but will reopen on June 15 at 9 a.m. and remain open until 3 p.m. on June 26.
Spitfires Orientation Camp
Following the draft, the Spitfires will host a two-day orientation camp for new prospects on June 20 and 21.
