Victoria Royals Execute Urgent 7-Piece Trade with Wenatchee Wild

BREAKING NEWS: The Victoria Royals have just completed a significant **7-piece trade** with the Wenatchee Wild, aiming to enhance their roster ahead of the upcoming season. In a bold move announced this morning, the Royals have sent **prospect Chace Gregg** along with **five draft picks** to the Wild in exchange for **19-year-old Miles Cooper**, an established point producer.

This trade is pivotal as it marks a shift for both teams. The Royals are banking on quality over quantity, with the deal involving **four previously acquired draft picks**: two **fourth-round picks** in **2026**, another **fourth-round pick** in **2027**, and a **fourth-round pick** in **2028**, along with their own **second-round pick** in **2027**. The Royals are clearly looking to bolster their lineup with proven talent as they prepare for the opening of the **2025-26 WHL season** on **September 19, 2025**.

Miles Cooper, a product of Calgary, Alberta, has made a name for himself in the WHL, racking up **106 points** over **139 games** with the Winnipeg Ice/Wenatchee Wild over the past two seasons. Notably, he finished **second in scoring** on the Wild last season, accumulating **59 points**. His dynamic playstyle, characterized by strategic deception and precise passing, has been highlighted by the **2024 EliteProspects Draft guide**.

Royals General Manager **Jake Heisinger**, who previously served as the Vice-President of Hockey Operations for the Winnipeg Ice, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition. “Miles is an impact player that can play both centre and wing,” Heisinger stated. “He will be an important addition to our team both on and off the ice.”

The trade comes after Cooper reportedly requested a change of scenery post-**2025 NHL draft**. **Bliss Littler**, General Manager of the Wenatchee Wild, confirmed, “After this summer’s NHL draft, Miles came to us and requested a fresh start. We wish him well with the Victoria Royals.” This reflects the growing trend of player movement in the WHL, particularly between these two teams, which have become frequent trading partners since the Wild’s entry into the league in **2023-24**.

The Royals and Wild have previously engaged in significant trades, including the January acquisition of **Kenta Isogai** and a deal that brought **Hayden Moore** to Victoria in exchange for **Deagan McMillan**. Such activities underline the strategic maneuvers both teams are undertaking as they gear up for what promises to be an exciting season.

As the Royals look to integrate Cooper into their roster, fans are eager to see how this trade will impact their performance. With the season opener against the expansion **Penticton Vees** just around the corner, the urgency to build a competitive team is palpable.

Stay tuned for more updates as the **2025-26 WHL season** approaches!