Johnston will likely challenge for the SJHL scoring title this year and was by far the best player on the Flin Flon roster.
In return, the Bombers get big defenceman Gabe Minville and another player to be named next year.
Minville joins the likes of David Roper, Stefan Virtanen and Tanner Clark to form a very solid blueline in Flin Flon. Still, unless the player to be named is a top six forward, I don't like the deal at all for the Bombers, especially since it's within the division.
A release on the Bombers' website gives the impression that Mike Reagan was painted into a corner, with Johnston likely bolting to the USHL if he didn't get a trade to Humboldt.
For the Broncos, it's another case of "If you host the RBC, they will come." I don't think Johnston will put up the same numbers Clarke Breitkreuz would have, but there's no question he's an elite forward in this league.
Speaking of which, losing Breitkreuz to pro hockey in Germany has to sting for Humboldt. Just imagine the numbers he and Robbie Ciolfi could have racked up as 20-year-olds. Ciolfi is an elite centreman himself, but I don't think any GM gives up Buzzeo and Boyer for him.
It sure is nice talking SJHL trades again. Training camp is only a few days away...
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