Jordan Gustafson is set to join the Lethbridge Hurricanes following a trade announcement. (Photo: Lethbridge Hurricanes)

By David Opinko

Hurricanes trade Pakkala & three draft picks for Gustafson

Dec 27, 2024 | 10:56 AM

The Lethbridge Hurricanes have announced a new roster move.

They have acquired 2004-born forward Jordan Gustafson from the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for 2004-born forward Hayden Pakkala, a fifth-round draft pick in 2025, a third-round draft pick in 2026 and a third-round draft pick in the 2028 WHL Prospects Draft.

Gustafson, 20, was selected in the first round (eighth overall) of the WHL Draft by the Thunderbirds.

Originally from Ardrossan, AB, he has appeared in 154 WHL games, totalling 127 points (55g-72a) along with 56 penalty minutes and a plus-36 rating.

Gustafson has also appeared in 34 career post-season games, amassing 20 points (6g-14a) along with eight penalty minutes while helping Seattle to capture the 2023 Ed Chynoweth Cup.

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The 6’0, 185-pound centreman was drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights in the third-round (79th overall) in the 2022 National Hockey League Entry Draft and was signed to a three-year entry-level contract by the Golden Knights in November of 2023.

Gustafson served as captain for the Thunderbirds and skated in 32 regular season games in 2023- 2024, collecting 28 points (12g-16a) along with 16 penalty minutes. He had a career-high 52 points (23g-29a) in 2021- 2022.

The overage forward has appeared in two WHL Championship Series in 2022 and 2023 but has not skated in a game this season due to injury.

Hurricanes General Manager Peter Anholt says he is thrilled to add Gustafson to their group.

“His experience having played in two WHL finals, winning in 2023, and his ability to produce at our level is something that we coveted and are really happy to be able to add him to our forward group,” says Anholt.

The Lethbridge Hurricanes open the second half of the WHL season on Friday, December 27 as they host the Calgary Hitmen at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.

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