Brampton Steelheads Make Bold Move with Carson Rehkopf Trade
BRAMPTON, ON – In a stunning trade that has sent ripples through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Brampton Steelheads have acquired Carson Rehkopf, a highly-touted Seattle Kraken prospect, from the Kitchener Rangers. The Steelheads gave up ten draft picks in the trade, including a mix of second, third, fourth, and seventh-round selections spread out over the next few years, marking one of the most significant trades in recent team history.
Rehkopf, a 19-year-old forward from Barrie, ON, has been a standout player since his early days in the OHL. Selected 17th overall in the first round of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection by the Kitchener Rangers, he has consistently proven his worth on the ice. In his debut season, Rehkopf notched 33 points (18 goals and 15 assists) over 65 games, adding 6 points (4 goals, 2 assists) in 12 playoff games. Last season, he reached new heights with a career-best 95 points (52 goals and 43 assists), showcasing his offensive prowess.
Our blue looks good on you 🤩
Welcome to the Steelheads Carson! 🐟 pic.twitter.com/Hc8ppodjQa
— Brampton Steelheads (@OHLSteelheads) August 6, 2024
His overall OHL career stats are equally impressive, with 187 points (100 goals and 87 assists) in 193 regular-season games and 23 points (12 goals and 11 assists) in 31 playoff games. Rehkopf’s performance caught the eye of the NHL, leading to his selection by the Seattle Kraken in the second round (50th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. In late April, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Kraken, cementing his professional future.
On the international stage, Rehkopf has donned the Canadian jersey multiple times. He represented Canada at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he recorded 5 points (1 goal and 4 assists) in 5 games. He also played at the IIHF World Junior Championship in Sweden last winter, adding 4 points (2 goals and 2 assists) in 5 games. Most recently, he impressed at Canada’s World Junior Summer Showcase, tallying 6 points (3 goals and 3 assists) in just 2 games.
The Steelheads’ Head Coach and General Manager, James Richmond, expressed his excitement about the trade. “We are thrilled to add Carson to our lineup. He is one of the premier forwards in all three zones of the ice and a proven 50-goal scorer. He’s one of the top players in the OHL and will undoubtedly help our team reach our goals. We’d like to welcome Carson and his family to the Steelheads.”
This trade signifies the Steelheads’ commitment to building a competitive team and making a strong push in the upcoming seasons. With Rehkopf’s addition, the team is poised to be a formidable contender in the OHL. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this high-stakes trade shapes the future of the Brampton Steelheads.
