The Kamloops Blazers have added to their defense by acquiring D Kayd Ruedig from the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for a 2nd round pick (2026). The Blazers also get a conditional 5th round pick (2027).
The 18 year-old right-shot D has some offensive upside with his skating ability. Last season he put up 22 points (4-18) in 64 games in his rookie season. This year in nine games he’s scored twice and added an assist.
The native of Saskatchewan will come in to help a young blueline that also added 19 year-old Carson Olsen from Lethbridge over the weekend.
The pick the Blazers are surrendering was acquired from Portland in the December 2023 trade for the rights to D Tyson Jugnauth. The trade saw the Blazers land two second round picks, a 3rd and a 5th round selection. The original pick belonged to the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Blazers still own three 2nd round picks in the 2026 Draft.
The Blazers now have eight defenseman on their roster – not including 19 year-old Harrison Brunicke who remains with the Pittsburgh Penguins and has played in five NHL games.
Ruedig is expected to make his Blazer debut Friday night at home against the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers.
