The Victoria Royals have continued to reshape their roster ahead of the 2025-26 WHL season, announcing the acquisition of goaltender Ethan Eskit and a seventh-round pick in the 2029 draft from the Brandon Wheat Kings.
In exchange, the Royals are sending goaltender Jayden Kraus to Brandon.
Eskit, a 2006-born netminder from Calgary, has played 50 games for the Wheat Kings over the past two seasons. He posted a 3.18 goals-against average (GAA) and a .890 save percentage, with a record of 21-17-2-3.
This past season, Eskit ranked eighth among WHL goalies with a 2.85 GAA and .906 save percentage—his strongest showing to date.
“Ethan is a guy we’ve had our eye on for a while and feel he has the potential to be a top goalie in the league this season,” said Royals General Manager Jake Heisinger. “He is an athletic goalie with great compete and work ethic. We welcome him and his family to Victoria.”
Heading to Brandon is Kraus, who’s been a staple in the Royals’ crease the past two years. Over 72 games, he compiled a 3.21 GAA and .894 save percentage, with a record of 33-21-4-6. He finished just behind Eskit in league rankings last season, placing ninth with a 2.86 GAA and .908 save percentage.
“We thank Jayden for his contributions to our team and community. We wish him well,” said Heisinger.
The move marks yet another shift in what’s been a busy off-season for the Royals as they look to build a competitive core for the upcoming campaign.
