Whitfield Returns To Chiefs
The Spokane Chiefs got the green light Tuesday to play Trent Whitfield.
The 20-year-old center, who left the Boston Bruins last week without a contract, is here with the blessing of his agent and an OK from the Bruins.
The Bruins control the rights to Whitfield until June 1, when he becomes a free agent.
“From my perspective, and Trent’s perspective, he’s there (in junior hockey) for the year,” Whitfield’s agent Art Breeze said.
Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz said Bruins assistant GM Mike O’Connell “made it sound when we talked Tuesday that we’ll have Trent for the rest of the year.”
That’s a break to a Chiefs team that will play for the Memorial Cup May 9-17 as the host team.
The downside is that the Western Hockey League club can dress only three 20-year-olds. The Chiefs can carry four until Nov. 1.
Their four are Whitfield, captain Joel Boschman, alternate captain Greg Leeb and Perry Johnson, a puck-carrying defenseman who was effective on the power play Saturday night in a 7-6 opening-night win over the Tri-City Americans.
One will eventually have to go.
No lineup decision was made Tuesday, Chiefs coach Mike Babcock said. Whitfield may or may not be in uniform tonight when the Chiefs match up with the Portland Winter Hawks in the Arena.
Boston offered Whitfield a minor-league contract.
“Low-balling has its price,” Breeze said. “Boston made a decision they may well regret. As each day passes, Trent’s marketability increases. Let’s see what happens after June 1.”
Breeze said there’s “little question that Whitfield could contribute significantly to Boston’s fortunes this year and for many years to come.”
Mindful of that, the Chiefs until Tuesday were reluctant to rule out the possibility that the two sides would reach agreement.
If the Chiefs trade one of their overaged players, Whitfield - who became a darling of Canadian hockey fans after Christmas for his role in Team Canada’s triumph at the World Junior Tournament - would likely command the most in return.
The Chiefs have said they will continue to deal to strengthen their bid for the Memorial Cup. One possible target: Saskatoon defenseman Cory Sarich, 19, who was returned to the WHL this week by the NHL Buffalo Sabres.
Notes
Since you asked, defenseman Chris Lane is no longer with the Chiefs, but the Spokane club still has his rights. They’ve let it be known that the 19-year-old Lane is available but so far there have been no takers. … Expect Patrick Marleau to spend the season with the NHL San Jose Sharks, which puts a serious dent in the Seattle Thunderbirds’ once-bright chance of ruling the West. Although terms of Marleau’s deal this week were not announced, he most likely got the max under terms of the salary cap - a three-year deal for $2.775 million (U.S.). That would break down to nearly $1.5 million up front and an annual salary of $450,000. The Thunderbirds, according to terms of junior hockey’s agreement with the NHL, are to receive $10,000 a month in compensation each month of the season that Marleau is not with them.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo