Never say never when it comes to players returning to the Western Hockey League from the NHL.
Especially if you’re the Moose Jaw Warriors.
One season after, the unexpected return of Ryder Korczak helped boost the team’s prospects for success. The Warriors were once again bolstered by an overage player returning from the NHL Wednesday afternoon.
Forward Martin Rysavy was assigned to the local squad by the Columbus Blue Jackets, with the move coming at the end of Jackets training camp.
With the team only allowed to have three overagers on their roster, the Warriors made the tough decision of trading fourth-year veteran and former WHL first-round pick Eric Alarie to the Seattle Thunderbirds for a third-round pick in the 2027 WHL Prospects Draft and a fifth-round pick in 2024.
“It has been a busy last few days after we learned of Martin’s return to Moose Jaw, but we feel these moves make our forward group stronger moving forward,” Warriors general manager Jason Ripplinger said.
Rysavy, a native of Prevov, Czechia, will be entering his third season with the Warriors after putting up 11 goals and 33 points in 47 games last season in addition to winning a silver medal with his country at the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship. Rysavy also had a solid showing in the 2023 post-season, putting up five goals and 10 points in 10 games.
Rysavy broke into the league in the 2021-22 campaign, a couple months after being selected in the seventh round, 197th overall by the Blue Jackets. He went on to put up eight goals and 26 points in 45 games in his rookie season.
“We’re excited to add Martin back to our lineup,” Ripplinger said. “He brings a reliable game at both ends of the ice and more size to our forward group.”
Alarie was originally selected by the Warriors with the 22nd overall selection in the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft. The Winnipeg product played 220 games with the Warriors, posting 62 goals and 148 points.
In five games so far this season, Alarie had one goal and three points.
“We want to thank Eric for all he’s done for the organization and community over the past five seasons,” Ripplinger said. “Eric’s dedication and hard work has been a key part of the team’s success.”
Rysavy joins Lucas Brenton and Atley Calvert as the team’s overage players. With the addition of Rysavy, Moose Jaw now has three import players on its roster and a decision to trim down to two will be made at a later date.
