As Riley Patterson prepares for his second season since being drafted, reports indicate he does not wish for it to be with the OHL`s Barrie Colts.
The forward, a Vancouver Canucks prospect, is notably absent from the Colts` training camp and has formally requested a trade to another OHL team, as reported by Peter Robinson of *Barrie Today* on Monday.
According to Robinson, Patterson, who was the team`s top scorer last season, conveyed his desire for a fresh start to General Manager Marty Williamson. Despite this, Williamson insists there are no hard feelings regarding the request.
“I still really like Riley,” Williamson stated.
The 19-year-old forward had an impressive season, accumulating 25 goals and 59 points in 64 regular-season games for the Colts. He further contributed with 12 points in 16 playoff matchups. Patterson has played with Barrie for the past two seasons.
Robinson`s report suggests that Patterson`s ice time may have been impacted due to the Colts` strategy of acquiring elite offensive talents through trades, a move aimed at accelerating the team`s rebuilding efforts.
Patterson, a native of Etobicoke, Ontario, was selected by the Canucks in the fourth round, 125th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. He has yet to sign his entry-level contract with the NHL club.
