Winterhawks acquire draft pick from Edmonton for Aidan Litke

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club today announced the acquisition of a third-round pick (#59 overall) in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft from the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for 20-year-old forward Aidan Litke.

The Winterhawks used the acquired pick to select forward Owen Chapman in Thursday’s WHL Prospects Draft.

Our third selection in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft is forward Owen Chapman!

Welcome to the Winterhawks, Owen!#WHLDraft pic.twitter.com/lycKf5VxwC

— Portland Winterhawks (@pdxwinterhawks) May 11, 2023

The trade gives the Winterhawks three picks in the first three rounds and brings the team closer to the three-player limit on 20-year-olds for the 2023-24 season. Following the trade, the Winterhawks now carry four soon-to-be overage players (Gabe Klassen, Ryan McCleary, Jack O’Brien, and James Stefan).

“Aidan has been a valuable part of our team over the past three years and we appreciate everything he brought to the organization,” said Winterhawks Senior Vice President, Head Coach and General Manager Mike Johnston. “It’s always difficult to have to move veteran players to become compliant with the roster rules, but Aidan will have a great opportunity to be a leader in Edmonton and we wish him the best.”

Litke played 123 career games with the Winterhawks, scoring 31 goals and adding 36 assists for 67 career points. Despite only playing in 50 games this season, Litke set a new career high with 36 points. The Winnipeg, Man. native produced two assists in seven WHL Playoff games this year. Litke was originally selected by the Winterhawks in the sixth round of the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft.

Thank you, Aidan, for your contributions to the Winterhawks and the Portland community.

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