I don’t mean trades this year I mean for next. He won’t be back as an OA obviously. Could also argue roobroeck won’t be back as a 19 year old. I think next year they definitely have to trade He at the deadline to load up for the following season- they’ll still be competitive next year and maybe win a round even if they traded He. Then the next year 2026/27 they’d be looking to get that OHL championship.
Why can't they win the OHL championship next year?
Yes there are some holes to fill. But... He, Roobroeck, Wasilyn, Czata, Assadorian and Arrowsmith will probably be the most dynamic top 6 in the league. Brauti is a very good #2 dman. Kevin He is already one of the best players in the league. Roobroeck is on pace for 50 goals at 17 years old. Wassilyn is leading all rookies, basically a point per game as a 16 year old.
As I've stated before. Bring in 2 strong overagers, use the import draft well and you're really rounding out that team nicely (luring a player of two from the states could also be possible).
At the deadline you can make a deal that brings in an elite player and a strong supporting player, with whoever Niagara takes in the first round this summer as the center piece going the other way.
You also have a crop of players like Crete, Galiyanov, Virgilio, Hotles etc who you can either bank on getting better next season, or use some of them to beef up the top end of the lineup even more. Depth roles won't be expensive to fill.
Banking on 2 years from now makes little sense, as you very likely won't have players as dynamic as He and Roobreock to build around.