Tuesday, March 29, 2011

WHL Notes:Chilliwack to Victoria, Some Nervous Coaches & Jaden Schwartz rumours

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At Rexall Place tonight for game 3 between Red Deer and Edmonton there were more then 23 NHL scouts/G.M's representing 12 different NHL teams as well as various scouting agency's and WHL personell. Needless to say it was a good place to pick up some information, and here are some things that were passed our way tonight.

Is the WHL moving back to the Island?

Jim Mullin reported recently that the Chilliwack Bruins were fielding offers from a group in Victoria, and could be on the move. TPS received an email tonight stating that a deal was done. We reached out to different people in the league to try and find out more, and received several 'no comments' but noone flat out said it wasn't happening. Another source passed on that if Chilliwack does move to the Island, then Prince George might have an interest in shuffling off to Chilliwack. A well placed source told us the league very much wants to have two more clubs in the Western Conference to make it an even dozen just like the east. Nanaimo has also been long rumoured as a possible destination.


There might be some nervous coaches in the WHL right now. TPS received a text message tonight that said Regina was 'about to clean house with scouts and coaches, but they won't be hiring until late summer'

We reached out to Pats President Brent Parker who told us, 'I think we are on the right track with our young guys, but it will be Chad's call with hockey operations staff."

We were also told that Seattle is close to making a coaching change and that several other teams, currently in the post season are strongly considering doing the same.

As for St. Louis prospect Jaden Schwartz, Andy Strickland reported Monday that he could end up with the Tri City Americans next year.

Americans G.M. Bob Tory told us that if Schwartz leaves Colorado College he thinks the AHL would be a likely destination, but that Tri City could be plan B for the Blues.

Someone close to Schwartz relayed that the 2010 first rounder is close to signing with St. Louis after just one year with the Tigers, but isn't sure how keen he is on heading west.

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