The Portland Winterhawks have traded defenseman Cole Slobodian to the Brandon Wheat Kings. In exchange, the Winterhawks will recieve a 2030 Third-Round and 2028 Fifth-Round WHL Prospects Draft picks.
Slobodian played two full seasons with Portland. In 128 games, Slobodian tallied 22 points. Last season was Slobodian’s best statistical year. The 19-year-old had 17 points in 67 games, as well as an assist in the playoffs against Everett. Slobodian’s best game came on November 28, 2025. The Winterhawks defeated the Regina Pats by a score of 7-2. Slobodian had three assists, setting up a goal from Alex Weiermair and two goals from Nathan Free.
Slobodian had two goals in his time with the Winterhawks. His first career Western Hockey League goal came on February 15, 2025, against the Seattle Thunderbirds. In the accesso ShoWare Center, Slobodian picked up a loose puck after a blocked shot and skated free down the high slot. Winding up a wrist shot, Slobodian fired the puck under the blocker of future Buffalo Sabres prospect Scott Ratzlaff. Slobodian’s second goal came on November 22nd, 2025, at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC. His slap shot from the point ripped over the glove of current Kelowna Rockets goaltender, Harrison Boettiger.
With Slobodian returning to his hometown of Brandon, Manitoba, the young defensive core for Portland will have to step up in his absence. Stevie Grumley currently leads Portland defensemen in points with two assists through two games. Avery Laliberte also has the only goal scored by a defenseman so far this season for Portland. Rookies such as Liam Reed and Easton Dozark could also see more ice time.
