Brayden Hislop is heading closer to home.
The Guelph Storm have acquired the overage defenseman in a deal with the North Bay Battalion, the team announced Thursday.
In return, North Bay gets Peterborough's third round pick in 2024, and Barrie's fifth round pick in 2026.
But the Troops add in a press release the picks are on the condition that Hislop plays an OHL regular season game next season after attending an NHL camp.
If Hislop – who has not been drafted into the NHL – sticks in the pro ranks, Guelph would send its 15th round choice in 2024 to North Bay instead.
Hislop split last season between Saginaw and the Battalion, and was a key piece in North Bay's run to the Eastern Conference Final.
Hislop, from nearby St. Clements, has put up 33 points in 111 regular season games through two OHL seasons.
"Brayden is a versatile defenseman who can play big minutes and provide strong leadership from the blueline," general manager George Burnett said in a news release. "He gained valuable experience as an important member of the Battalion’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals last spring that will make him a key part of our hockey club moving forward."
Hislop was originally picked in the ninth round of the 2019 OHL Priority Selection by Owen Sound.
The Waterloo Wolves AAA graduate also played 64 GOJHL games split between St. Mary's and Elmira before moving up to the OHL full-time.
"I am super excited to be joining the Guelph Storm organization," Hislop said in a release. "They have a great group and I am looking forward to contributing to a very successful season.
"As a kid, I used to come watch Storm games and to now be able to play in the same arena and for the same organization is pretty special. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and to be part of the community."
