Minor Hockey Talks - Hockey Forum

The OHL trade deadline has come and gone, leaving a flurry of moves and a ton of questions in its wake. Did the East load up for a bloodbath of a playoff race? Will Oshawa’s gamble on Gibson pay off, or will their lack of draft capital come back to haunt them? Barrie seems to have made the biggest splash grabbing Romani, but is he enough to make them contenders?

Meanwhile, the West’s top dogs stayed relatively quiet. Was this a smart move by London, Windsor, and Kitchener to trust their current rosters, or a missed opportunity to solidify their dominance? Kitchener’s patience is particularly intriguing. Did they miss out on a bigger haul for Rehkopf by trading him early, or did they secure a fair price and avoid potential deadline drama?

And let's not forget the curious cases of Guelph and Ottawa holding onto their prized assets Luchanko and Pinelli. Are they banking on these players for a deep playoff run, or are they setting the stage for blockbuster deals in the offseason?

What do you think were the biggest wins and losses of the deadline? Which teams made the smartest moves, and who might regret their decisions come playoff time? Share your insights and predictions – let the debate begin! And what about those intriguing names to watch next year - who do you think will be making headlines in 2026?