A Strategic Move for the Americans
The Tri-City Americans announced a trade that sent a third-round pick in the 2028 WHL Prospects Draft and a conditional third-round pick in the 2029 edition to the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for the rights to 16-year-old forward Owen Kraft.
Kraft, a native of Moorhead, Minnesota, arrives with a reputation as a highly skilled offensive player who combines a sharp hockey IQ with a relentless work ethic.
During the 2024-2025 season he recorded 45 goals, 43 assists and 88 points for the Moorhead Bantam U15, earning recognition as one of the club’s top offensive contributors.
At 5-foot-9 and 175 pounds, Kraft will join the Americans’ roster for an August training camp, where he is expected to compete for a spot on the lineup.
General manager Bob Tory said the trade reflects the team’s commitment to blending youthful talent with veteran experience, noting that Kraft’s offensive upside aligns with the club’s long-term vision.
The acquisition also underscores the growing pipeline between the WHL and U.S. high-school programs, as Kraft’s development path highlights the benefits of cross-border scouting.