The Hamilton Tiger-Cats today announced the acquisition of national player Seydou Junior Haidara from the B.C. Lions in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming draft and the rights to a player on Hamilton’s negotiation list.

Haidara, a two-year CFL veteran who played for Laval’s 2012 Vanier Cup championship team, has played for the Lions his entire pro career. He’s registered seven catches for a total of 77 yards. Not a standout total, but Haidara also picked up 24 special teams tackles, indicating that he wasn’t primarily playing in the B.C. offensive scheme.

This is the first piece of the puzzle for the Cats to fit into the hole left by the departed Sam Giguere and the injured Spencer Watts.

Haidara will be playing downfield for Hamilton, and the 6’1″, 215-pound player is physical enough to take on the wide position or the slot. The new rules for receiver contact will play to the advantage of strong receivers who will be harried mercilessly on and near the line, too. The Tiger-Cats are probably betting on Haidara to gain an advantage here too.

But don’t expect this to be the last Canuck the Tiger-Cats will pick up before the start of the season. They’re still looking for quality domestic talent in the air, if there is any to be had.

The following is the team Press Release.

Ticats Acquire Canadian Receiver Seydou Junior Haidara

HAMILTON – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have acquired national receiver Seydou Junior Haidara from the BC Lions in exchange for the Ticats’ fifth round pick (43rd overall) in the upcoming 2015 CFL Draft and the rights to a player on Hamilton’s negotiation list.

Haidara, a 6-1, 215-pound native of Quebec City, Quebec, was selected in the second round (12th overall) of the 2013 CFL Draft. In two seasons with the Lions, Haidara recorded seven catches for 77 yards and 24 special teams tackles. A product of Laval University, Haidara was a member of the 2012 Vanier Cup championship team, catching 23 balls for 294 yards and three touchdowns in his final season with the Rouge et Or.