Looking to improve his lineup without giving away too much before Friday’s league trade deadline, Victoria Grizzlies’ general manager Pete Zubersky acquired 20-year-old Victoria native Travis Stephens on Wednesday.
In return, the Trail Smoke Eaters receive future considerations from the first-place Grizzlies, who may still be looking for a defenceman to run the power play.
Stephens was leading his former B.C. Hockey League club in scoring with 13 goals and 17 assists in 40 games.
“[Head coach] Craig Didmon will figure out over the next several games exactly where Travis fits into the equation here in Victoria, but I expect that he will add some offensive punch to an already pretty solid lineup,” said Zubersky, calling Stephens a top-six forward.
Stephens will be in the lineup on Saturday when the Grizzlies play host to the Merritt Centennials at at Bear Mountain Arena.
Zubersky made it clear that he was not looking to tinker with his current lineup, but would love to add pieces to make the current BCHL’s No. 1 team that much stronger.
“The players all sit on pins and needles on Jan. 10 and the days leading up to it,” said Zubersky. “I’ve been on the phone a lot, but we only want to improve the team. I would not make a move for any other reason. We’ll worry about next year, next year.”
The GM said teams tend to play hardball at this time of year and added that sometimes the best trades are the ones not made, referencing former Toronto Blue Jays general manager (Stand) Pat Gillick.
“Everybody really wants to take a big chunk of our team, but I really don’t want to give up any of our players. We have great chemistry and a great chance to win with this group,” said Zubersky.
“Leo Fitzgerald is coming back, probably next Wednesday against Nanaimo, and that makes us that much better. For any trades to make sense, they would have to make us significantly better.”
He believes Stephens does and Zubersky may not be done adding yet.
“I would love to add an offensive defenceman who can run the power play,” said Zubersky. “I don’t want to give up the farm to do it. Nothing is imminent. I’m not giving away assets this year. I don’t want to shake this group up. It has good chemistry.”
The BCHL trade deadline is Friday at 6 p.m. for inter-branch swaps (between leagues) and 8 p.m. within the BCHL.
Meanwhile, the Nanaimo Clippers made a pair of deals on Wednesday, grabbing veteran defenceman Shay Laurent from the Chilliwack Chiefs in exchange for future considerations and acquiring forward Luke Sandler from Surrey, also for futures.
mannicchiarico@timescolonist.com
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