Blades Reduce Next Season’s 20-Year-old Possibilities by Dealing Lies to Victoria

The number has dwindled from seven to six to five in the last few days, as in the number of potential 20-year-old players for the Saskatoon Blades.

The Bridge City Bunch dealt right-shot winger Justin Lies to Victoria Friday for a third round selection in the 2026 W-H-L Prospects Draft. That follows the Wednesday deal that saw the Blue and Gold send Conner Roulette to Spokane for a pair of Draft picks. Lies had nine goals amongst 23 points in 56 regular-season games, along with 82 penalty minutes. The 6’2″, 205-pound Flin Flon product added three goals and a helper in 15 playoff games. The Blades still have defencemen Charlie Wright and Spencer Shugrue, plus forwards Trevor Wong, Jayden Wiens and Jake Chiasson as potential 20-year-olds for next season with only three being able to be retained. Following is the news release from the Blades…..

June 2: Blades move overage forward Lies to Royals for third-round pick

Saskatoon, SK – The Saskatoon Blades traded 2003-born forward Justin Lies to the Victoria Royals for a WHL Prospects Draft third-round pick in 2026.

Lies was acquired by the Blue and Gold ahead of the 2022-23 season from the Vancouver Giants, bringing his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame with him. The Flin Flon, MB product collected 23 points (9G, 14A) and 82 penalty minutes through 56 games this season, all career highs. A 176 game veteran in the WHL, Lies sports a total 21 goals and 53 points across four full campaigns.

“Justin brought a unique blend of size , energy and passion to our group,” said general manager Colin Priestner, “We think Victoria will be a great place for him to conclude his junior career.”

The right-handed winger produced three goals and four points through 15 games during the playoffs for Saskatoon, adding depth scoring to lift the franchise to their first Eastern Conference Championship appearance in nearly three decades. Lies takes 21 total playoff appearances with him to the island, suiting up in 12 contests with the Giants during the 2022 postseason.

We thank Justin for everything he contributed both on and off the ice during his tenure in the Bridge City. All the best in Victoria!