Sam Steel (ANA). Jake Leschyshyn (VGS). Josh Mahura (ANA). Nick Henry. (COL)

Just a few names who are holding down the fort as help arrives.  

Regina Pats currently sit 16th overall in the WHL standings. With a 21-19-3 record, the Pats haven't shown even close to the dominance they showed last season. However, they are 5-1-0 in their last six and that was without their top C Sam Steel for most of it. Since Nov 13th, they've acquired nine new players, completely changing the landscape of their roster. On a later date, we can break down the impact of the trades and how much of the future they are sacrificing, but for now let's take a look at who was added.  

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1. Cale Fluery – 19-year-old Dman. Selected 87th OA 2017 (MTL) 

•  18 points in first 22 games with Regina. He's a legitimate offensive catalyst; a threat with his wrister and slapshot. This was a tremendous first get for the Pats as he adds a powerful weapon on the PP.   

2. Scott Mahovlich – 18-year-old C. 

• He adds depth to the lineup. The cost was simply a 7th rd selection and he brings all the intangibles you hope from a depth player including grit. Currently has 2 points in 15 games. 

3. Jared Legien  – 19 year old LW.  

•  He was close to a PPG player with Victoria and has added 6 points in 6 games since the trade. The former first round WHL selection was instantly inserted into the top 6 and is finding success. He's originally from Pilot Butte, so this hometown kid brings the hometown heart.  

4. Jesse Gabrielle – 20-year-old LW. Selected 105th OV 2015 (BOS) 

• There's a lot of history here. He was originally included in the trade which sent Morgan Klimchuk to the Wheat Kings. Gabrielle came with a lot of young expectation and only managed 19 points in 33 games for the Pats in 2014-15. The next two seasons he upped his goal scoring ability and collected 75 goals over a span of 133 games; 139 points overall. He was playing with Providence in the AHL but with only 4 points on the year, Regina is most likely one of few possibilities that would bring him back the WHL and credit to the Boston Bruins for letting the trade happen. Local fans will recognize his power forward game.  

5. Jonas Harkins – 17-year-old D,  

•  Younger brother of Winnipeg Jets prospect Jansen Harkins, Jonas is a big-bodied defenseman who was seeing limited minutes for Prince George. He's listed at 6'3, 225lbs and now has an opportunity to breathe while not under the shadow of his brother or father. His dad is the GM of Prince George. With all the adds that Regina made in the past few months, Jonas will be one that is sticking around for a while.  

6. Austin Pratt – 18-year-old C/LW 

• Expectations can be a funny thing. You can be playing well, but if you're not hitting expectations then frustrations can occur. Regina acquired the 6'3 227lb forward who can add depth scoring. It's a new start for him and a joyful situation to walk into. He had 16 points in 39 games for Red Deer.  

7. Libor Hajek – 19-year-old D. Selected 37th OV 2016 (TBL) 

•  Hajek returned to the WHL after an incredible showing during the WJC for the Czech team. He had 8 points in 7 games and seemed to rise to the occasion. The smooth skating defenseman has always had offensive gifts but remained more of a secondary option in years past. He is able to bring a wide range skillset to Regina where they already have Cale Fluery and Josh Mahura to create offense. Tampa Bay scouts should be interested to see how he fits his role among other high end WHL talent.  

8. Ryan Kubic – 20-year-old G.  

• After all these big trades have been happening it left Pats fans wondering if the organization was looking to change or support their goaltending. Tyler Brown has been carrying the workload for Regina, but is now swapped for Kubic. This 5'11 netminder has never grabbed eye popping numbers. Hopefully, he can bring a stable presence. He will probably be the most scrutinized piece of this team.  

9. Cameron Hebig – 20-year-old C – Signed EDM 

•  The recently FA signee of the Edmonton Oilers immediately gets a chance to play big time hockey. Saskatoon and Regina were essentially neck and neck in the standings but are on vastly different trajectories. Hebig has been the best forward on Saskatoon and can score in almost every situation. He is a threat at 5 on 5, short-handed, and deadly on the PP.  

What could it look like? 

Gabrielle – Steel – Henry 

Legien – Hebig – Bradley 

Holmes/Pratt – Leschyshyn – Oksanen 

Who knows. They have tons of options at C. 

A new goaltender. A familiar player returning from AHL hockey. A whole bunch of Saskatoon Blades.  

Hopefully now you're beginning to get excited for playoff hockey.  

*list of trades below

– Cheers

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Joel Henderson

– Associate Editor – Find me on Twitter @dathockeydoe

******UPDATE*********

They also added

– 19-year-old Aaron Hymen (D) from Seattle for Owen Williams and a 2nd rd pick in 2019.

and

– 19-year-old Brady Pouteau (D) from Lethbridge in exchange for a 7th rd pick in 2019.