Chiefs Acquire Veteran Center From Edmonton

All of junior hockey expects the Spokane Chiefs to swing a few deals on the way to the Memorial Cup.

The Chiefs made the first of those anticipated moves Wednesday, acquiring veteran center Ron Grimard from the Edmonton Ice.

The Chiefs gave up an undisclosed pick in the ‘99 bantam draft and a possible pick in 2000, contingent on whether Grimard plays as a 20-year-old.

Grimard, 19, is a former defenseman who can play the point on the power play. He had 19 goals and 35 assists with 54 penalty minutes last season. As a rookie in ‘95-96 with the Kelowna Rockets, he scored 30 points (7 goals, 23 assists).

Although small at 5-11 and 185 pounds, Grimard is considered a two-way player with skating, passing and shooting skills.

“I personally have always liked his skill,” Chiefs coach Mike Babcock said. “Now, I’ll have an opportunity to evaluate that on a daily basis and see how he contributes to our team.”

Grimard adds depth, but what line he’ll man and with whom remains to be seen.

“Grimard played a ton against us last year in the one game we had with Edmonton,” Babcock said. “He’s a guy who sees the ice well and makes intelligent plays. He once was a high-risk D-man. He’s now a fairly conscientious center with good hands who can make the good passes.

“The questions are his size and strength, and his ability to battle.”

The Chiefs with Grimard “got deeper and older,” Babcock added, “and I don’t mind being older this year, right down to the fourth line.”

The Chiefs will play for the Memorial Cup May 9-17 as the host team.

Bob Tory, Edmonton’s assistant GM and director of player personnel, said Grimard “Plays hard but is not the type of kid who’ll stick his nose in like a lot of guys you’ve got (in Spokane).

“He certainly adds more skill and speed,” Tory added. “It’s a great opportunity for Ron to go with a team that’s in the Memorial Cup. Now it’s up to him to make sure he plays well enough to stay on that team.”

Tory is among those who expect the Chiefs to deal again.

“Mike and Tim have a history of excellence,” he said. “They won’t stand pat and not be competitive.”

Grimard comes in as the Chiefs go through their typical September transition. Thirty-three players remain in camp but veterans are beginning to trickle out for look-sees from their pro teams.

Left wing Greg Leeb left Tuesday for Dallas. The 5-8, 150-pound 20-year-old is undrafted but getting a look as a free agent from the National Hockey League Dallas Stars, Chiefs GM Tim Speltz said.

Center Trent Whitfield departed Wednesday for Boston. Odds on getting him back aren’t good, although he remains unsigned.

Right wing Ty Jones (Chicago) and left wing Curtis Suter (Phoenix) also left Wednesday. Left wing Joe Cardarelli (Tampa Bay), center Derek Schutz (Calgary), goaltender Aren Miller (Detroit) and right wing Marian Cisar (Los Angeles) are expected to be gone by the end of the week.

Chiefs on ice

The Chiefs leave Saturday morning for their first two exhibitions - Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in Lethbridge.

, DataTimes