The Saskatoon Blades will see several familiar faces depart as they prepare for the 2025-26 Western Hockey League (WHL) season. As is typical in junior hockey, players move on due to age restrictions, professional opportunities, or other career paths. Here's a look at some of the players who won't be returning to the Blades next season:
Graduating Players:
Several players have aged out of the WHL system and are moving on to the next stages of their hockey careers. These players, born in 2004 or earlier, have reached the maximum age allowed in the league.
- Ben Saunderson (D): Saunderson, who served as the captain of the Blades, has completed his WHL eligibility. The Carberry, Manitoba native played 259 career games, amassing 87 points. He is committed to Quinnipiac University in the NCAA for the 2025-26 season. The team will miss his leadership and consistent presence on the blue line.
- Tanner Scott (F): Scott, originally drafted by the Victoria Royals, joined the Blades during the 2024-25 season. In 278 career games, he recorded 162 points. Scott is committed to Bowling Green State University for the upcoming season.
- Grayden Siepmann (D): Siepmann, acquired from the Calgary Hitmen, provided a steady offensive presence from the blue line. In his final season, he posted a career-high 48 points in 68 games. Siepmann is also heading to the NCAA, joining the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
Other Departures:
Besides the graduating players, other players have departed the team for various reasons.
- Frantisek Dej (F): The imposing Slovakian forward joined the Blades after the 2024 World Junior Championship. However, after an underwhelming 15 games, where he recorded just two assists, Dej is leaving for HC Banska Bystrica.
- Brandon Lisowsky (F): Lisowsky was traded from the Blades to the Victoria Royals.
- Tanner Molendyk (D): Molendyk was traded from the Blades to the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Impact on the Team:
The departure of these players, particularly Saunderson, Scott, and Siepmann, will undoubtedly have an impact on the Blades. Saunderson's leadership and Siepmann's offensive contributions from the blue line will be missed. However, the team has been proactive in acquiring new talent and building for the future. The Blades acquired Tristen Doyle from the Lethbridge Hurricanes to bolster their defense. The team also has a core of young players, including Zach Olsen, Cooper Williams, and Jordan Martin, who are expected to play key roles in the upcoming season.
Focus on the Future:
The Blades' management has emphasized a commitment to building a strong team through the WHL Prospects Draft and player development. General Manager Colin Priestner has stated that the team's focus is on long-term success, even if it means making difficult trades in the short term. The team is also hoping that their players will want to stay in Saskatoon because they think they’re going to get the best coaching, training and ice-time opportunities that they can possibly get.
