Safin officially traded to Mooseheads

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs are getting a solid return for Ostap Safin.

The Sea Dogs officially traded Safin and a 2021 fourth-round pick to the Halifax Mooseheads in exchange for a 2020 first round pick.

Under normal circumstances, this return for Safin wouldn't be overly surprising. But given that Safin is an import and there are only a few teams that have room or are willing to make room, a first round pick in return is pretty good. Plus, the Mooseheads could be in rebuild mode in 2020, so that first could be quite high.

Safin, 19, had 26 goals and 31 assists in 61 games with the Sea Dogs last season. He has not appeared in any games this season due to Edmonton Oilers camp. The Oilers returned Safin to junior last week.

Safin joins Marcel Barinka as the Mooseheads' imports. Filip Zadina could still be returned to junior by the Detroit Red Wings, but Safin's spot is presumably secured.

It made sense for the Sea Dogs to move Safin thanks to a strong import draft this year, selecting forwards Maxim Cajkovic and Filip Prikryl. The Sea Dogs announced today that Prikryl has been signed by the club.

The Sea Dogs and Mooseheads, who met on opening night at Harbour Station, meet again on Oct. 12 in Saint John.