Being traded is never easy.
It often catches the athlete by surprise.
Feelings of self-doubt and inner reflection are often followed by the excitement of a fresh start.
Is a grin on a player’s face typical when informed of the news?
For Trae Johnson, acquired by the Kelowna Rockets from the Brandon Wheat Kings during Tuesday’s trade deadline, the 17-year-old was dealt for someone he knows very well.
Johnson is friends with 18-year-old Nolan Flamand, the player exchanged in the one-for-one deal that included a third and fifth-round prospect pick.
“Me and ‘Flams’ [Flamand] are good buddies”, Johnson’s eyes lighting up. “When we saw we got traded for each other, it was funny in a way.”
Flamand was born in Saskatoon and Johnson in nearby Martensville, which is located 18 kilometers north of Saskatchewan’s largest city.
When you live that close to one another, your hockey journeys are bound to cross paths.
“I hope he does well”, Johnson continued, “Brandon was a good place to me and I am sure it will be for him”.
The Rockets are hoping Johnson will have success with his new team. A highly coveted second-round prospects pick by the Wheat Kings in 2020, the personable, upbeat player knows what he is, and what he isn’t.
“I am a hard-working player. I can bring physicality and I think I have some skill too. I think I am a good leader and a hard worker and bring a good attitude to the team.”
RocketFAN is sold already, with Johnson making his debut with his new team this weekend in Victoria.
“I would like to be a top-six forward”, Johnson explains when asked about the impact he can make, joining a large group of 2005-born players on the roster which includes Andrew Cristall and Caden Price. “I need to earn that. I can’t expect that coming in here. I need to work hard and prove to the coaching staff that I can be that top-six forward.”
Playing his 100th career game with the Wheat Kings last Wednesday against the Winnipeg Ice, Johnson has just five goals and 13 career points.
“I need to find my game,” Johnson said honestly. “Maybe this new opportunity will do that for me. I think it will come if I just keep doing the right things. I know it won’t always be sunshine and rainbows, but you have to get your nose in there and keep pushing.”
Johnson was in the lineup earlier this season when the Wheat Kings paid a visit to Prospera Place, earning a 3-0 win. Playing in larger arenas in the Western Conference was an eye-opener.
“We had a lot of hard-fought games out here,” Johnson recalls. “It was very physical out here. I think the biggest difference was the atmosphere in the buildings, so I think it will be a good change.”
Johnson is in his NHL draft year, so the time is now to show scouts that he is a more impactful player than his stats may show.
“It has always been my dream. It has always been my goal to play in the NHL. It is not always a quick road. Some guys take a bit longer. I hope I can keep working and keep getting better, play some pro and hopefully get to the NHL someday.”
Born on the same day as new teammate Ethan Neutens (May 3, 2005), Johnson is hoping his cup-half-full approach will pick up the spirits of a team that has only four wins in their last 18 games (4-12-2-0).
“I think I am a pretty positive guy. I am not shy. I am not going to get into guys faces obviously, but I am going to try to bring some energy and good culture to this group and help the team improve here.”
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