In a stunning move just weeks before pre-season games start on August 30th, the Brampton Steelheads announced on social media that they've acquired Seattle Kraken prospect Carson Rehkopf from the Kitchener Rangers. The trade includes three second-round picks (2025, 2026, 2027), three third-round picks (two in 2025 and one in 2028), three fourth-round picks (2025, 2026, 2027), and a seventh-round pick in 2026.
Rehkopf, a 19-year-old forward, played 60 games for Kitchener last season, scoring 52 goals and tallying 95 points. He also added 11 points in 10 playoff games and represented Team Canada at the 2024 World Juniors.
With Rehkopf in their lineup, the Brampton Steelheads are poised to be a dominant force next season. Experts predict Brampton will be the top team in the Eastern Conference, with notable 2025 draft-eligible prospects Jack Ivankovic and Porter Martone.
While fans may wonder why Kitchener traded such a talented player, the reason lies in their rebuilding phase. Kitchener is not expected to contend next season and is preparing for a fresh start in a few years. Their other top players,
Eduard Sale and
Filip Mesar, are anticipated to join the NHL or their respective affiliates, Seattle and Montreal, next season.