In a significant move ahead of the OHL trade deadline, the Windsor Spitfires have acquired veteran forwards Nathan Villeneuve and Alex Pharand from the Sudbury Wolves. In exchange, the Wolves receive forward Jean-Cristoph (J.C.) Lemieux and eight OHL Priority Selection picks. The draft picks include a 3rd round pick in 2026 (PBO), a 2nd round pick in 2027 (OTT), a 2nd round pick in 2028 (WSR), a 3rd round pick in 2028 (WSR), a 3rd round pick in 2028 (OSH), a 5th round pick in 2028 (WSR), a 4th round pick in 2029 (WSR), and a 5th round pick in 2029 (WSR).

Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler emphasized the team's strengthened position following the trade. "We're sitting atop our conference and we think we're a better team today," Bowler stated, highlighting the organization's commitment to building depth and improving the roster for a competitive playoff run. "Villeneuve has an edge and he's a second round NHLer that we think is a prize centre with Protas officially not coming back," Bowler said. "It's a void that we needed to fill and these two guys are impact players".

Villeneuve, the 19-year-old former captain of the Wolves, brings a dynamic offensive presence to Windsor. Selected third overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection by Sudbury, he was drafted by the Seattle Kraken in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. In 196 career OHL games, Villeneuve has recorded 186 points and 277 penalty minutes. So far this season, he has 16 goals and 28 assists in 28 games. "I'm super excited," Villeneuve said. "I appreciate everything Sudbury has done for me and for giving me this chance to go Windsor and win a championship with them."

Pharand, a 20-year-old Sudbury native, adds size and experience to the Spitfires' forward group. The six-foot-three, 198-pound right shot was initially a first-round pick (14th overall) by the Hamilton Bulldogs in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. He was later drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round (99th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. In 293 career OHL games, Pharand has amassed 168 points. This season, he has 10 goals and 16 assists in 37 games. "They can count on me to give 100 per cent every night to help the team win," Pharand said. "Whatever the coach wants me to play, I'll be able to fulfill it night in and night out."

Lemieux, who is a native of Gatineau, QC, was in his second season with the Spitfires, collecting 19 goals, 18 assists, and 37 points during his 79 games in Windsor.

The Spitfires are scheduled to play against the Erie Otters at the WFCU Centre in Windsor on Thursday.