World Junior star Dylan Guenther traded in conditional deal

According to a report from Sportsnet insider Jeff Marek, the WHL's Edmonton Oil Kings have traded forward Dylan Guenther to the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for a prospect and a package of conditional draft picks.

The condition, of course, is that Guenther is returned to the WHL by the NHL's Arizona Coyotes.

From Marek:

UPDATE: And it's official, the Oil Kings have confirmed the deal.

From the Oil Kings' official press release annoucement:

Edmonton, AB – The Edmonton Oil Kings have acquired eight assets from the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for 2003-born F Dylan Guenther, the rights to 2007-born F Jordan Ramsay and a 2023 eighth-round draft pick.

In the trade, the Oil Kings have received the following assets:

• Rights to 2007-born F Koji Gibson
• 2024 fourth-round pick
• Conditional 2026 first-round pick
• Conditional 2023 second-round pick (via Regina)
• Conditional 2025 fourth-round pick
• Conditional 2026 fourth-round pick
• Conditional 2026 fifth-round pick
• Conditional 2024 sixth-round pick (via Winnipeg)

“As I previously noted when Dylan made the NHL this season, we would like to thank him for all his contribution while being an Edmonton Oil King,” Oil Kings President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kirt Hill said.  “Dylan will continue to be a big part of our organization’s legacy moving forward as one of the best players to ever don the Oil Kings crest.

“This trade would allow Dylan to go to a contending WHL Club this season if the Arizona Coyotes make the decision to send him back to the WHL before the NHL Trade Deadline. We wish Dylan continued success in the NHL this season.”

Guenther, of course, was thrust into the spotlight last week when he scored the overtime gold medal goal against team Czechia in the World Junior Championships.

Guenther has looked solid at the NHL level, however so I'm not sure the Thunderbirds will ever get a sniff at him. He has an impressive three goals and 11 points in 22 games on a VERY weak Coyotes roster. Stay tuned.