Today it was announced that Maple Leafs prospect Nicolas Mattinen was traded by the Flint Firebirds to the Hamilton Bulldogs. Mattinen moves from the last in the OHL Firebirds to the Eastern Conference leading Bulldogs.
Mattinen was acquired in exchange for Riley McCourt (‘18 Draft), a 2023 2nd round pick, a 2023 5th round pick, and a conditional 2024 2nd round pick.
The 2016 7th round pick for the Leafs is having a good year (38GP - 5G - 17A - 22Pts) as a defender on a last place team. The move to Hamilton will see him on a better built blue line, and the chance to make an impact on a top team again, after being traded away from the London Knights.
The Firebirds recouped a bit of what they gave up for Mattinen, sending a 2018 3rd, two 2019 2nds, and a conditional 2019 3rd to London. Bulldogs President and GM Steve Staios had this to say:
“Nicolas is a player we have coveted and has the skill set that fits perfectly with our defense core. He has shown some offensive upside with the Firebirds while also taking on more responsibility in all situations.”
Mattinen should make his Bulldogs debut Friday night on the road in London.
