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Letter: Should the Sudbury Wolves trade Quinton Byfield?

Fan predicts and gives reasons for all-star's departure from The Pack
090419_TW_Byfield_Quentin-crop
Quentin Byfield, 2018-2019 season. (Terry West / OHL Images)

The OHL Trade deadline is Jan. 10, 2020.

There is also a freeze on trades between Dec. 20 and Dec. 27.

Fans can reasonably expect the Sudbury Wolves will trade all-star forward Quinton Byfield. 

Here is why:

1. The odds of Byfield being returned to the Wolves next year is 50-50 at best. He is an elite player and would not benefit substantially from another year of junior hockey.
2. In recent years, compensation for elite players in deadline trades has been substantial. As many as three prospective hockey stars, plus as many as 15 draft picks, are common. These deals have included as many as three second-round draft picks.
3. In spite of sitting first in the Central division, the Wolves' record is not exceptional. There are too many holes to fill to turn the team into contenders this season.

TSN's Bob McKenzie predicts that Byfield will be selected second in the 2020 NHL draft behind a player that is a year older. Bob is not alone in his praise for the Wolves' star. Byfield is a generational hockey player.

Because Byfield is universally recognized as an exceptional player with high-end talent, there is reason to believe that management could negotiate a deal that would rival past trade-line deals.

Wolves owners and management will likely not squander this opportunity. It would set the Wolves up for future success.

Jim Curry
Sudbury