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While hockey season is still over a month away, things are happening behind the scenes, including hockey trades.
The Victoria Royals made a significant roster move today, announcing the acquisition of forward Deagan McMillan from the Tri-City Americans, along with a fourth-round pick in the 2028 WHL Draft and a seventh-round pick in the 2026 WHL Draft.
In exchange, the Royals traded defenceman Austin Zemlak to the Americans.
McMillan, a 2005-born forward from Vernon, brings a blend of skill and physicality to the Royals’ lineup.
Standing at 6’2” and weighing 185 pounds, McMillan has accumulated 90 points and 149 penalty minutes over 170 WHL games with Tri-City. His most recent campaign saw him tally 16 goals and 20 assists for 36 points across 60 games in the 2023-24 season.
Initially drafted 25th overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft by the Americans, McMillan’s potential was recognized by NHL Central Scouting, which ranked him #108 ahead of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.
Although undrafted, McMillan attended the Toronto Maple Leafs development camp last summer, further showcasing his abilities.
The trade marks a significant shift for the Royals, who are looking to bolster their forward depth.
Thank You Austin!
We would like to thank Austin for his contributions to the Royals organization over the past 4 seasons, in the community and on the ice. We wish you all the best in Kennewick! ???? pic.twitter.com/sURzpf9zQt— Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) August 16, 2024
Royals General Manager Jake Heisinger expressed appreciation for Zemlak’s contributions while highlighting the strategic nature of the trade.
“We would like to thank Austin for his contributions to the Royals organization over the past 4 seasons, in the community and on the ice,” said Heisinger.
“We felt we needed to add to our top 6 forward group and to do so we had to move a really good player and person in Austin. Deagan can play both centre and wing and adds skill and grit to our lineup. We look forward to welcoming him to Victoria.”
Zemlak, a 2004-born defenceman, has been a steady presence on the Royals’ blueline since being drafted 9th overall by the team in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft.
Over four seasons with Victoria, Zemlak registered 10 goals and 23 assists in 147 games. His departure marks the end of a solid tenure with the Royals, as he joins a Tri-City squad looking to bolster its defensive corps.
What makes this trade more interesting?
The Royals’ home opener for the upcoming season will take place on September 20th—with back-to-back games against the Tri-City Americans at the Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre.
Victoria and Tri-City met four times during the 2023-24 season, with the Royals earning wins in all four games.
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