Caden Balint – Albany Correspondent, Stream Punk Sports / All Lacrosse All The Time
Trades Galore!
With the National Lacrosse League (NLL) trade deadline closing at 3 PM today, it initially seemed like fans were in for a quiet day. However, that quickly changed as the final deals were submitted, and the news started to roll out. The chaos began with a massive trade between the Calgary Roughnecks and the Vancouver Warriors, setting the stage for a flurry of moves.
Former MVP On The Move
The first blockbuster deal of the day saw 2023 NLL MVP and Goaltender of the Year Christian Del Bianco heading to the Vancouver Warriors. In return, the Calgary Roughnecks received a haul, acquiring:
- A 2025 first-round pick
- A 2025 second-round pick
- A 2026 first-round pick
- Defenseman Brayden Laity, who had an impressive rookie season and was named to the NLL All-Rookie Team.
This move immediately impacts the Warriors, who are pushing to establish themselves as a playoff team. With head coach and GM Curt Malawsky leading the charge, Vancouver is not just looking to secure a postseason berth but positioning itself as a future championship contender.
As for Calgary, moving on from Del Bianco wasn’t as shocking as it might have seemed. The Roughnecks recently acquired veteran goaltender Nick Rose from Toronto, ensuring stability in the crease. This deal allows Calgary to restock its roster with young talent while adding a promising 21-year-old defenseman in Laity, reinforcing an already strong defensive unit.
Big Deal at the Wire
Shortly after the Del Bianco trade, another major transaction surfaced—this time, involving four teams: the Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Ottawa Black Bears, and Vancouver Warriors.
Albany FireWolves
The FireWolves only made one move in this trade, but it was a significant one. Shortly after Ottawa acquired forward Jonathan Peshko, the Black Bears flipped him to Albany. In return, Albany sent forward Travis Longboat, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2026 fourth-round pick to Ottawa.
This move signals that Albany is building for the future. While the FireWolves have shown resilience all season, sitting at 4-9 makes a playoff push difficult. That said, the organization seems to be setting the stage for a strong run next season.
Buffalo Bandits
The Bandits were active, making multiple moves to strengthen their championship-contending roster.
- Buffalo traded forward Sam La Roue and a 2026 second-round pick to Ottawa in exchange for transitional player Ron John and a 2025 third-round pick.
- Buffalo then traded a 2028 second-round pick to Vancouver in exchange for Kiel Matisz and a 2028 fourth-round pick.
With these moves, Buffalo adds two transitional players, bolstering an already elite roster as they chase their third straight NLL championship.
Ottawa Black Bears
The Black Bears parted ways with Kiel Matisz and Ron John, along with a first-round pick in 2026, but they significantly upgraded their forward depth.
In return, Ottawa acquired Travis Longboat, Sam La Roue, and a 2026 first-round pick, as well as multiple later-round selections. While losing a first-rounder in a highly anticipated draft class stings, the additions of Longboat and La Roue give Ottawa offensive firepower for the present and future.
Vancouver Warriors
After landing Del Bianco, the Warriors quickly shifted gears toward acquiring future assets.
- Vancouver sent Jonathan Peshko and a 2026 fourth-round pick to Ottawa, receiving a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick in return.
- They then flipped Kiel Matisz to Buffalo, securing a 2028 second-round pick in the process.
For Vancouver, this was a classic win-now and build-for-the-future approach. While Del Bianco solidifies their goaltending, the Warriors ensured they didn’t mortgage their entire future by stockpiling draft capital.
Full Trade Details
Here’s how the final trade breakdown looks:
Albany FireWolves Receive:
- Jonathan Peshko (F)
Buffalo Bandits Receive:
- Kiel Matisz (T)
- Ron John (T)
- 2025 third-round pick (from OTT)
- 2028 fourth-round pick (from VAN)
Ottawa Black Bears Receive:
- Travis Longboat (F)
- Sam La Roue (F)
- 2026 first-round pick (from ALB)
- 2026 fourth-round pick (from LV via ALB)
- 2026 fourth-round pick (from VAN)
Vancouver Warriors Receive:
- 2026 first-round pick (from OTT)
- 2026 second-round pick (from VAN)
- 2028 second-round pick (from BUF)
Final Thoughts
This trade deadline was anything but quiet, with teams making bold moves to either contend now or build for the future.
- Buffalo strengthens its roster as it aims for a three-peat.
- Vancouver lands a franchise goaltender while stockpiling future draft picks.
- Albany secures a promising young forward in Peshko, potentially setting up for a 2025 resurgence.
- Ottawa reshapes its offense while maintaining draft flexibility.
With the deadline passed, the focus now shifts to the final stretch of the season, as teams prepare for the March to May and, ultimately, the chase for the NLL Cup.