Rangers acquire Šalé, Savard from Barrie ahead of trade deadline

The Kitchener Rangers have acquired forward Eduard Šalé and defenseman Olivier Savard from the Barrie Colts in exchange for forward Kyle Morey, defenseman Blair Scott and eight draft picks.

The Colts will receive Saginaw’s 2nd round pick in 2026, Kitchener’s 3rd round pick in 2027, Windsor’s 3rd round pick in 2027, Brantford’s 4th round pick in 2027, Kitchener’s 4th round pick in 2026, Ottawa’s 4th round pick in 2025, Niagara’s 5th round pick in 2027 and Saginaw’s 5th round pick in 2026.

The Rangers made the trade official Tuesday evening.

“We are excited to add Eduard and Olivier to our group,” said Rangers General Manager Mike McKenzie in a release. “They will help our team this season and have the potential to help next season as well. Our goal heading into the deadline was to keep our young talent but also improve our team to give our staff and players a chance to win as many games as possible down the stretch and heading into playoffs.”

Šalé has seven goals and 13 assists in 25 games played this season with Barrie. He was selected 20th overall by the Seattle Kraken in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He played for Czechia at the 2024 World Junior Hockey Championships in Sweden where he won a bronze medal with the U20 national team. He scored three goals and registered four assists. Savard brings a physical edge to the Rangers blueline for the remainder of the season.

Both players going back to Barrie in return are Kitchener-born players. McKenzie noted how tough it is to let go of those two pieces with their hometown connections.

“It is extremely difficult to trade any player but when they are local players like Kyle and Blair, it makes it extra difficult,” McKenzie said. “Hopefully, the moves provide both guys with more opportunities to grow their game. We thank Kyle and Blair for their contributions to our club and wish them all the best in Barrie.”

The Ontario Hockey League trade deadline is Wednesday, Jan. 10.