Just when the ODBHL world was still buzzing over GM Goodfellow trading for Clayton Keller, the South Esk Scotsmen sent shockwaves through the league once again with a blockbuster trade that screams “We’re all in.”
The Scotsmen have shipped out a package of Ville Heinola, Matt Coronato, and Dylan Cozens to Moncton in exchange for rental blueliner Zach Werenski, center Nick Suzuki, a 1st-round pick, two 2nd-rounders, and a 3rd.
The deal is one part gamble, one part insurance policy, and one part chess move for a team that suddenly looks more like a Cup contender than a rebuilding project.
“We believe in our core,” said a source close to the Scotsmen front office. “This is about maximizing the window with guys like Kucherov, Draisaitl, Sergachev, and Ristolainen. They’re warriors — and they deserve another run.”
The Veterans’ Last March?
By moving Cozens — a player many saw as the future face of the franchise — South Esk is effectively planting their flag on the now. Werenski and Suzuki aren’t just plug-ins; they’re prime-age players ready to take playoff minutes against the best in the league.
Paired with an already seasoned roster, this could be the Scotsmen’s best lineup since their Season 3 Cup win. But it’s also a high-wire act: Werenski is a rental, and if things go sideways, South Esk will have spent premium youth for what could amount to a short spring fling.
Draft Picks in the Bank
The silver lining: despite giving up three talented youngsters, South Esk did bring back a war chest of picks. A 1st, two 2nds, and a 3rd are no small consolation, giving Goodfellow ammo to restock or make another splash later.
Fan Reaction: All Gas, No Brakes
Scotsmen fans are split — some are thrilled at the idea of watching Suzuki dish pucks to Draisaitl and Kucherov in the playoffs. Others are mourning the departure of Cozens, a player many saw as the next captain of the franchise.
One fan outside South Esk Arena was overheard saying, “I don’t know if we’re winning the Cup, but damn, we’re going down swinging. And I respect that.”
The Verdict
With this move, Goodfellow has effectively turned South Esk from a bubble team into a legitimate threat. The veterans now have the support they need — and the Scotsmen faithful are daring to dream of another banner hanging from the rafters.
If nothing else, the ODBHL just got a lot spicier.
This is the kind of “chips-on-the-table” move that screams: the Scotsmen are in to win right now.
The Message: Win Today, Build Later
South Esk has spent the last two seasons tinkering with the balance between a veteran-heavy core and a budding youth movement. With this trade, the decision is clear: the rebuild is officially on pause.
By adding Werenski, a smooth-skating workhorse who immediately upgrades their pairings, and Suzuki, a two-way pivot with leadership pedigree, the Scotsmen are doubling down on their identity. They’re riding their battle-tested stars — Leon Draisaitl, Nikita Kucherov, Rasmus Ristolainen, and Sergachev — for a run at glory.
The Cost: Youth for Now
It wasn’t cheap. Heinola’s poise, Coronato’s goal-scoring instincts, and Cozens’ grit and upside make Moncton’s future a whole lot brighter. Combine that with the draft haul, and the Melons suddenly look like a team thinking three steps ahead.
In other words, this was a classic win-now vs. win-later deal.
The Fallout
For South Esk: The Scotsmen vault from a bubble team into the thick of the playoff conversation. With Werenski and Suzuki in the mix, the Scotsmen have one of the more dangerous top-six/top-four combos in the league.
For Moncton: This is a pivot toward the future. While Melons fans may feel the sting of losing Suzuki and Werenski, the incoming package provides flexibility, depth, and youth — exactly what a team retooling needs.
The Fans’ Reaction
In South Esk, the fanbase is buzzing. The memory of last year’s finish lingers, and this aggressive move feels like a statement: never count the Scotsmen out.
Meanwhile, Moncton’s faithful are divided. Some applaud the smart, forward-thinking approach. Others, less patient, can’t help but wonder: Did we just hand South Esk a free pass to playoff relevance?
One thing’s for sure: when these two teams meet on the ice, there will be no shortage of storylines.
Fan & Media Reaction Roundup: Scotsmen Go All-In
South Esk shook the ODBHL world this week with a blockbuster deal, flipping Ville Heinola, Dylan Cozens, and Matt Coronato to Moncton in exchange for Zach Werenski, Nick Suzuki, and a pile of draft capital. With Werenski and Suzuki now joining Kucherov, Draisaitl, Sergachev, and Ristolainen, the Scotsmen have made it clear: the window is now.
Here’s how fans and media reacted:
📺 ODBHL Tonight Panel
"It’s bold. Very bold. Cozens and Heinola could haunt them down the road, but Werenski and Suzuki instantly transform this lineup into one that can make noise now. South Esk is tired of losing and just slammed the door on a rebuild."
📱 Fan Reactions on Hockey Talk
Highlander47: “This team went from worst to first in two trades. Suzuki between Kucherov and Draisaitl?? Inject it straight into my veins.”
Bayman88 (Riders fan): “So the farm team has no goalie AND they just shipped out their youth. Guess we’re full send, eh? Hope Suzuki loves poutine.”
ColdSteel97: “Suzuki and Werenski are great…but Cozens is going to be a beast for Moncton. Bookmark this, we’ll regret it in 3 years.”
NessieWatcher: “Forget regrets — this team was DOA two weeks ago. Now we’re scary. Let the other GMs worry about the future, we’re coming for the Cup.”
🎙 Local Media (South Esk Chronicle)
"The Scotsmen have been the butt of league jokes for months, but GM Goodfellow clearly isn’t here for a slow rebuild. With Werenski bolstering the blue line and Suzuki on the wing of a lethal top-nine, the team has the firepower to not only make the playoffs but terrify higher seeds. For once, fans can dream big."
🐦 Twitter/X Hot Takes
@StatsOverVibes: “Suzuki: age 28, prime years. Werenski: 31, prime years. Smart.”
@ODBHLChaos: “Imagine telling me a month ago that South Esk would be going all-in. Hockey’s wild.”
@FutureFirstsMatter: “Three top young assets out the door. In 2028, we’re gonna look back at this as the day the Scotsmen mortgaged their soul.”
🏒 League-Wide Reaction
Other GMs are already circling this deal as a potential arms race starter. If South Esk is pushing chips in, will contenders like Saint John or Cains River feel pressured to counter?
For now, though, the Scotsmen have sent a message to the ODBHL: they’re done being the league’s basement dwellers — and they’re ready to play for keeps.
8/20/2025 - 1073 words
