The Sudbury Wolves traded their 2016 second overall pick Owen Lalonde to the Guelph Storm for Nolan Makkonen and a handful of draft picks.
Along with Makkonen, the Wolves aquired four second round draft picks, and two third round selections.
Last season in 64 games with the Sudbury Wolves Lalonde tallied two goals and 10 assists for 12 points and was a minus-30. He also had 12 penalty minutes.
The Wolves add Windsor’s second round pick in 2018, Peterborough’s second round pick in 2019, Windsor’s third round pick in 2018 and Sault Ste. Marie’s third in 2021. In addition, the Wolves conditionally add Windsor’s 2019 second round pick and Guelph’s 2021 second round pick.
“We thank Owen for his contribution to the Sudbury Wolves and we wish him and his family all the best as he continues his hockey career with the Guelph Storm” said Rob Papineau, Wolves VP Hockey Operations and General Manager.
“The trade helps us address two key areas that are important to our hockey club. We get a strong, hard to play against very intelligent defenceman in Nolan Makkonen. He is a guy our scouts as well as new Associate Coach Jordan Smith really like. In addition, we also add many very high draft picks which give us significantly greater flexibility as we move forward.
“With the addition of Zack Malik and Kyle Rhodes this off-season, and now Makkonen, we have added both youth and skill as well as experience and leadership on the blue line, to complement the returning core. We like our options as we move into the season.”
Makkonen hails from Sault Ste. Marie and is entering his second year in the OHL. He stands 6-1 and weighs 195 lbs, shoots right and is characterized as a stay-at-home defenseman who is very reliable and solid in his zone.
The Wolves have been busy this summer with improvements being made in the Team dressing room as well as the player’s lounge. In addition staff additions, from coaching to scouting have been made to improve the team and player development.
Fans will have a chance to see Nolan Makkonen at training camp on Aug. 31. The team is preparing to welcome 50 players and three teams to training camp for the on-ice and off-ice training before the annual Blue and White game at 9 a.m. Saturday Sept. 2 at the Sudbury Arena.
Fans are encouraged to visit www.sudburywolvestickets.com to confirm their seats for the season or to call the office with any inquiries.
For more information, contact the Wolves at [email protected]
