File photo (Image Credit: Prince George Cougars)

By Aaron Schulze

WHL Trade Deadline

Blazers deal defenceman Ruedig to Everett; release Markel ahead of WHL trade deadline

Jan 7, 2026 | 11:40 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kayd Ruedig’s tenure in Kamloops was short and sweet. 

The Kamloops Blazers have traded Ruedig to the Everett Silvertips in exchange for a first and fourth round pick in the 2028 Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft.

The 18-year-old right-handed defenceman scored eight goals and added 13 assists in 27 games with the Blazers after he was acquired from the Portland Winterhawks in October. Ruedig also scored this season’s teddy bear goal back on Dec. 5.

Wednesday evening, the Blazers also announced they released 18-year-old right shot defenceman Evan Markel, who was signed in September.

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Markel, from Richmond, played with Yale Hockey Academy in Abbotsford last season, and had one assist in 17 games with the Blazers this season

ROSTER NEWS: D Evan Markel has been released off the active roster.

Thank you Evan for your time as a Blazer. Wishing you the best of luck moving forward. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/yOEmMtdJIE

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) January 8, 2026

The moves come the same day the Pittsburgh Penguins reassigned 19-year-old right shot defenceman Harrison Brunicke to the Blazers for the rest of the season. The Blazers also have two other righties in 19-year-old Carson Olsen and 20-year-old Rhett Ravndahl.

Speaking to CFJC Today on Monday (Jan. 5), Blazers head coach and general manager Shaun Clouston said his team wouldn’t necessarily be big buyers ahead of the WHL trade deadline. However, he said they wouldn’t be sellers as well.

The WHL trade deadline is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on Thursday (Jan. 8).