The Spokane Chiefs have acquired 18-year-old David Linsley and a sixth round selection in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft in a three-way trade with the Seattle Thunderbirds and Prince Albert Raiders. The Chiefs sent 19-year-old forward Kyle Howarth and a sixth round pick in 2006 to Prince Albert. Seattle will be receiving Prince Albert’s fifth round selection in 2006.

Linsley, a 6’3” forward, is in his second season in the WHL after playing 63 games last year with the T-Birds. The Outlook, Saskatchewan native scored two goals and six points in his rookie campaign and has one assist in 10 games this year. Linsley was originally a fourth round choice in 2002.

Howarth, who was acquired in a trade last year with Medicine Hat, is in his second full season in the WHL and scored 16 goals last year. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native has three assists in 16 games this season.

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I figured this would have happened sooner or later, overall I believe its a good trade for the Chiefs. Howarth is definately a talent but he was underachieving this year, and hopefully he can pick that up.

Not only do we get a younger player, but we also get rid of a 19 year-old that possibly would have been traded away next year to reduce to the 3 20 year-olds next year (with Howarth gone they have 5). Not suprising they are already looking to next year.

Hopefully Linsley will be able to contribute, the team is having a tough time getting a steady gameplay.