Earlier today, the WHL’s Regina Pats traded away Colorado Avalanche prospect Nick Henry as a part of a blockbuster. Henry was sent to the Lethbridge Hurricanes along with Vegas Golden Knights prospect Jake Leschyshyn in what is one of the biggest junior trades we’ve seen in a while.

Lethbridge receives the two star forwards in exchange for 19-year-old forward Jadon Joseph, 18-year-old forward Ty Kolle, the Hurricanes first round pick in 2019, Swift Current’s first round pick in 2020, Lethbridge’s third round pick in 2019, Swift Current’s eighth round pick in 2019 and the Hurricanes fourth round pick in 2022. Regina also receives two conditional picks based on if Leschyshyn and Henry return for their 20-year-old seasons.

After going all-in and losing in the final of last year’s Memorial Cup, this trade is a huge step in a re-build for Regina. Henry and Leschyshyn were the two best players on a Pats team that saw a number of top guys graduate to the pros this season.

With a record of 11-8-3-2, Lethbridge sits third in the Central Division. Adding two veteran players of this caliber is a huge boost for a team that is currently led by 2019 draft eligible forward Dylan Cozens.

After a large portion of last season was derailed by injury, Nick Henry has been one of the best forwards in the WHL this season and is showing Avalanche fans why they should be excited about the former 4th round pick. He moves to Lethbridge with 15 goals and 40 points through his first 25 game this season and will look to continue his high-end play in the hopes of getting an entry-level contract from the Avs this summer.

Serving as Regina’s captain, Leschyshyn was second on the team behind Henry with 32 points so far this season.