By Jordan Kuhns,

DUBUQUE, Iowa — The Dubuque Fighting Saints have acquired defenseman J.D. Greenway (Canton, N.Y./Toronto Maple Leafs (2016)) and a 2019 Phase II 6th Round pick from the Chicago Steel in exchange for defenseman Casey Staum (Falcon Heights, Minn./Montréal Canadiens (2016)), forward Jake Hale (Minneapolis, Minn./Minnesota-Duluth), forward Matthew Brown (Wood-Ridge, N.J./UMass-Lowell), defenseman Jaden Shields (Royal Oak, Mich.), and a 2019 draft selection to be determined, according to general manager Kalle Larsson.

“We are thrilled to add J.D. Greenway to our defense corps. His experience from playing at the highest levels of domestic and international competition should allow him to have an immediate impact with us,” Larsson said.

“It’s a relief to be a Saint,” said Greenway. “It’s a lot of excitement, and a lot of motivation to work hard this summer and come to Dubuque the best way I can be.”

Greenway, a 20-year-old originally drafted by the Steel during Phase II of the 2018 USHL Draft, joins the Saints as a standout player on the blue line. He played 46 games for Tony Granato at the University of Wisconsin, and scored three goals and eight assists across two seasons as part of the resurgent Badgers program. He enters action this season standing at 6-foot-4 and 205 pounds, with the size and stature of a pro prospect.

“I think I can bring being an older guy in the league and experience in the NCAA for two years to the table,” Greenway added. “I can bring knowledge, and I can help lead the team and show some of the younger guys the way.”

His exceptional 2015–2016 season as part of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program U18 program ratcheted up his NHL Draft stock, where he was selected in the third round, 72nd overall, by the Toronto Maple Leafs. That strong season saw him score 38 points in the entire NTDP circuit, and seven points in seven games during the 2016 IIHF World Under-18 Championships, where the United States captured the bronze medal.

Greenway comes from one of the most prestigious prep school programs in the entire world, as he played bantam and midget level hockey at the hallowed Shattuck St. Mary’s program, which has turned out elite players such as Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews. He also comes from a hockey family, of which his brother, Jordan, was drafted by, and plays for, the Minnesota Wild.

“To get something of high value, you have to give up something of similar value. That’s usually how business works,” Larsson added. “However, we are not going to break up the core of next year’s team, or jeopardize the future of the organization. We feel that this is a trade that will benefit both teams, in the short term, and the long run.”

“It’s difficult parting ways with Casey, Matt, Jake and Jaden, but we wish them continued success in Chicago.”