Josh Pillar is now a member of his hometown Saskatoon Blades after the Blazers dealt him on Monday (Image Credit: The WHL)

By Chad Klassen

PILLAR TRADED

Blazers ship Pillar home to Saskatoon for medical reasons

Jan 17, 2022 | 1:12 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Blazers have been the busiest team of the WHL’s Trade Deadline day.

After a trade with Regina to pick up 19-year-old Drew Englot, the team has sent 19-year-old Josh Pillar back home to Saskatchewan.

The Minnesota Wild prospect been acquired by the Saskatoon Blades for a conditional 2022 third-round selection and conditional 2024 second round pick.

Pillar is from Warman, Saskatchewan is at home recovering from a private medical situation. The Blazers, who in any other situation would’ve kept the forward, worked with the Blades and Pillar’s family to make the deal happen.

“This is a dream come true for me to play for the team I grew up cheering for,” said Pillar. “I’m so thankful for the Blazers and the Blades for making this possible for me, and I’m excited to throw on my hometown colours and return to the ice soon. Our family thanks everyone for respecting our wishes for privacy at this time and I look forward to meeting my new teammates and staff in the near future.”

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Pillar was oselected by Kamloops with the 14th overall selection of the 2017 WHL Draft. In 184 games with the Blazers, he’s scored 43 goals and added 83 assists.

He was selected by Minnesota in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft.