Warman’s Josh Pillar is coming home to play for the team he grew up cheering for.
The Saskatoon Blades announced on Monday, January 17, the acquisition of 2002-born forward Josh Pillar from the Kamloops Blazers in exchange for a conditional 2024 second-round pick, and a conditional 2022 third-round pick in the WHL Prospects Draft.
Pillar, a product of Warman, is a prospect of the Minnesota Wild, having been selected in the fourth-round, 127th overall, in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
“Firstly, we would like to thank Kamloops for working together to make this happen for the Pillar family,” stated Blades general manager and president Colin Priestner. “Josh is currently recovering from a private medical situation, and both teams, in conjunction with Josh’s family, felt the best place for Josh’s recovery would be in his hometown.
Preistner said Pillar is one of the best players in the WHL.
“While it’s certainly very exciting for us to add him, our primary focus at this time is getting Josh healthy and back on the ice at some point this season,” said Priestner. “We kindly ask that everyone give Josh and his family privacy at this time and when we have a clearer timetable on his return to the ice, we will certainly make it known. We are hopeful it will be in the near future.”
Pillar is excited about coming back to Saskatchewan.
“This is a dream come true for me to play for the team I grew up cheering for,” said Pillar. “I’m so thankful for the Blazers and the Blades for making this possible for me, and I’m excited to throw on my hometown colours and return to the ice soon.
“Our family thanks everyone for respecting our wishes for privacy at this time and I look forward to meeting my new teammates and staff in the near future.”
The 2002-born right-winger was selected by Kamloops in the first-round, 14th overall, in 2017, and has piled up 126 points (43G-83A) in 184 career games. This season, the 6-foot-0, 179-pound forward is averaging more than a point-per-game with 31 points (11G-20A) in 29 outings.
“When he’s back, we expect Josh to be among the top scorers in the WHL over this year and next,” continued Priestner. “He brings size, speed and an incredible talent level to our young group. We know Josh is very excited to play for his hometown team and help us in our push for a home ice playoff position.”
The Saskatoon Blades would like to warmly welcome the Pillar Family into the organization, and look forward to helping him live out his dream of playing in the NHL.