Revisiting the 2016 Windsor Spitfires Trade for Jeremiah Addison

```html

Ten years ago, the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) executed a trade that, though seemingly minor at the time, became an integral part of the franchise's history. In the 2016-17 season, with the Spitfires hosting the Mastercard Memorial Cup for the first time in Windsor at the WFCU Centre, the team, under then-general manager Warren Rychel, was committed to acquiring top talent. A key move was bolstering their overage (20-year-old) player spots, as teams are allowed three per game. In August 2016, they acquired veteran forward Jeremiah Addison. This acquisition not only proved successful but also cemented his accomplishments in the organization's legacy.

Addison Joins the Spitfires

The trade between the Spitfires and the Ottawa 67's was finalized on August 16, 2016. The details were as follows:

• To Spitfires: Jeremiah Addison and the 67's' 2018 15th-round pick.
• To 67's: The Spitfires' 2018 15th-round pick, the Niagara IceDogs' conditional 2019 second-round pick, and the Spitfires' conditional 2022 second-round pick.

The draft picks were contingent on Addison playing for the Spitfires. As he did, both picks were transferred to the 67's.

Spitfires' Gain

Rychel was known for favoring a physical, aggressive style of player. While enforcers were becoming less common, a player who could contribute offensively while also being physically imposing was highly valued. Addison fit this mold perfectly.

The 20-year-old native of Brampton, standing at 6-foot and weighing 187 pounds, possessed the physical capability essential for Memorial Cup play. He was coming off a career-best season with the 67's, where he recorded 56 points in 66 games. Acquiring the overage veteran for a couple of second-round picks was considered a modest price for Addison's potential, and he certainly delivered.

As a prospect for the Montreal Canadiens, Addison amassed 43 points in 51 games for the Spitfires, playing with the style that resonated with the team and its fanbase. He was also a respected presence in the locker room, being named a co-captain alongside defenseman Jalen Chatfield. It was an ideal scenario for the team.

Despite hosting the Memorial Cup, the Spitfires' goal of winning the OHL Championship was not met. They finished fifth in a highly competitive Western Conference – the only season since at least 1997-98 where 90 points in 68 games only secured the fifth seed. Regrettably, the Spitfires were eliminated in Game 7 of the first round by the London Knights. However, Addison's five goals in that series set the stage for a memorable final tournament.

In the Memorial Cup, Addison demonstrated his immense value. He scored five goals in four games, including a memorable hat trick in the final round-robin game against the OHL Champion Erie Otters, which secured the Spitfires' spot in the Championship game. In the final, the Spitfires engaged in a back-and-forth battle with the Otters until forward Aaron Luchuk scored in the third period, giving the Spitfires a 4-3 lead and ultimately the Memorial Cup championship.

At the time of the trade, the hope was that Addison would bring a comprehensive skill set to the team. By the end of the season, his performance had etched his name into the Spitfires' history books with a story that would be recounted for years to come.

Additionally, the 15th-round pick from the trade was used to select forward Hunter McKown, who played for the U.S. National Team Development Program, then moved on to the NCAA, and is now part of the Canadiens' system.

67's' Return

The 67's also benefited from the trade over time, with two of the three acquired picks proving valuable.

The IceDogs' 2019 second-round pick was traded to the Otters in January 2019 as part of a package for forward Kyle Maksimovich. The 67's were aiming for the OHL Championship that season and acquired the veteran offensive player to aid their cause. Maksimovich contributed 25 points in 28 regular-season games and an additional 22 points in 16 playoff games for them.

Unfortunately, they lost in the OHL Championship to the Guelph Storm in six games. It's worth noting that the 67's also acquired Spitfires' star goaltender Michael DiPietro (then a Vancouver Canucks prospect) for that run.

The Spitfires' 2022 second-round pick was sent to the Soo Greyhounds in April 2022 in exchange for the 67's' 2024 third-round pick and the Greyhounds' 2025 second-round pick.

The third-round pick was later traded to the Hamilton (now Brantford) Bulldogs in January 2023 as part of a significant package for forward Logan Morrison, who was the OHL Playoffs Most Valuable Player in 2022 (ironically, against the Spitfires). He finished that season with an impressive 39 points in 22 games for the 67's and added 16 points in 11 playoff games as they were eliminated in the second round by the Oshawa Generals.

The second-round pick went to the Saginaw Spirit in January 2023 in another substantial deal for star defenseman Pavel Mintyukov. He lived up to expectations, recording 34 points in 32 games, along with nine points in 11 playoff games.

The 2018 15th-round pick was used to select goaltender Davis Tolnai. He played two seasons for the Burlington Eagles' U18 AAA club in the South Central Triple A Hockey League and has since concluded his hockey career.

Verdict: Memorial Cup Hat Trick Secures the Win for Rychel

While this trade appeared straightforward, both teams experienced long-term benefits, though one arguably more so than the other.

The 67's acquired two picks that ultimately translated into three notable players: Maksimovich, Morrison, and Mintyukov. Their 2019 run to the OHL Championship was successful, and their 2023 campaign was also a solid effort at the time. The organization received full value for the picks and, in most scenarios, could claim victory in this trade.

However, Addison's performance during the Memorial Cup was elite. Without his hat trick in the final round-robin game, it's uncertain if the Spitfires would have reached the Championship game, let alone won it. That pivotal moment energized the team and the city, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most significant games in memory.

While the 67's made excellent use of their returns, it's difficult to overshadow a Memorial Cup hat trick that propelled a team to a championship. This achievement gives the Spitfires the decisive edge in this trade.

```