The Bombers have executed a blockbuster trade for a major junior defenceman, sending three players, a pick and cash to La Ronge for Adam McNutt.
The both teams and the SJHL announced the deal Oct. 5, confirming the terms. The trade will see McNutt head to Flin Flon in exchange for forwards Jaden Beauchamp and Bailey Ewonus, defender Ethan Andrews, a third-round pick in the 2024 SJHL bantam draft and a player development fee.
McNutt played parts of four WHL seasons with Prince Albert, Regina and Swift Current, playing 138 games with the three teams. Last year with the Broncos, McNutt had 19 points in 60 games.
Before making the cut in major junior, McNutt played for the Ice Wolves in 2020, making the team out of camp and playing three games with La Ronge before COVID-19 scuppered the rest of the SJHL season. As a teen, McNutt played with the Saskatoon Contacts AAA U18 program, where he played with former Bombers Max Hildebrand, Jaeden Mercier and Jack Michell.
“We are very excited to add Adam. He brings experience and presence to our team. He instantly makes us tougher to play against and is a big addition to our top four," said Bomber head coach and general manager Mike Reagan in a team-issued statement.
Going back the other way down the Hanson Lake Road are three players who were picked up by the Bombers over the offseason. Ewonus, who played last year in the AJHL with Blackfalds and Grande Prairie, was acquired in a trade over the summer for cash and played four games as a Bomber, picking up a goal and an assist, both against La Ronge last weekend.
Andrews played three games in maroon and white, picking up two assists in the Bombers' season-opening win against Nipawin. Beauchamp did not dress for any regular season games.
The deal will take the Bombers' roster down to 25 players - two goalies, eight defenders and 15 forwards. McNutt is expected to be in the lineup for the Bombers' home series against Notre Dame this weekend, wearing number 44, the number previously worn by Ewonus.
