The Kelowna Rockets were busy Sunday afternoon completing a pair of trades, with one transaction bringing another NHL prospect to the Okanagan.
The afternoon started with the team sending Kanjyu Gojsic and a 2029 sixth-round pick to the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2029 fourth-round pick.
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Photo Credit: SubmittedKanjyu Gojsic
“He’s a skilled young player who’s continued to develop his game each season,” said Rockets GM Bruce Hamilton.
“We thank him for his time in Kelowna the past year and a half and wish him all the best as he takes the next step in his career with Edmonton.”
Gojsic has appeared in 69 games with the Rockets over two seasons, tallying seven goals and 13 assists.
The 2008-born forward is the brother of current Kelowna forward and NHL prospect Hiroki Gojsic.
Following the Gojsic trade, the Rockets make a large splash in the WHL trade pool by acquiring forwards Shane Smith and Vojtech Cihar from the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Photo Credit: Kelowna Rockets/X
The Rockets will send forward Kayden Longley, prospect Grayson Bauer and five draft picks to Lethbridge, including a conditional 2026 first-round pick.
“This was a significant move for our organization,” said Hamilton.
“Smith brings leadership, experience and a hard-nosed game that will help drive our group. Cihar is a talented forward with elite skill who has already proven himself at the professional and international level.”
Smith has 23 points in 20 games with Lethbridge this year and was acquired by the Hurricanes from the Medicine Hat Tigers last season.
The 20-year-old has 138 points in 223 career WHL games and 213 penalty minutes.
Cihar, who is from Chomutov, Czechia, was selected 59th overall by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2024 NHL draft and is currently playing professionally in Czechia, notching two goals and three assists in 20 games with HC Energie Karlovy Vary of the Czech Extraliga.
The 18-year-old helped his home country nab a silver medal at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and a bronze medal at the 2025 World Juniors.
Longley has 12 points in 15 games with Kelowna this year and Bauer was selected 82nd overall by the Rockets in the 2025 WHL draft.
“Kayden has grown tremendously since joining our organization and has been a player we’ve really valued both on and off the ice,” added Hamilton.
“Moves like this are never easy, and we thank him for his commitment to the Rockets over the past three seasons. We wish both him and Grayson the best in Lethbridge.”
With this trade, the Rockets have one overage spot left on their roster.
