Petes Acquire OHL Champion Avery Hayes and Dallas Stars Prospect Gavin White From Hamilton Bulldogs

General Manager Michael Oke announced today that the Petes have acquired OHL champion Avery Hayes as well as Dallas Stars prospect Gavin White from the Hamilton Bulldogs in exchange for Nick Lardis, Sahil Panwar, Flint’s third round OHL Priority Selection pick in 2023, and a conditional sixth round pick in 2026.

Hayes, a 2002-born winger from Westland, Michigan, is currently second in the OHL in goals with 27 in 33 games played. Last season, Hayes scored 41 times and added 38 assists for 79 points in 66 games played. An experienced playoff veteran, the overage forward had 34 points in 16 post-season games in 2022, helping the Hamilton Bulldogs win the J. Ross Robertson Cup. He then recorded five points in five games at the 2022 Memorial Cup to help the Bulldogs to a second place finish. The 5’10”, 175 lbs Hayes was originally selected by the Bulldogs in the sixth round, 118th overall, in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.

“Avery is a highly effective goal scorer who will bring additional skill to our offensive group,” commented Oke. “He is a creative playmaker with experience in all game situations, adding a strong level of versatility and leadership to our team.”

White, a 2002-born defenceman from Brockville, ON, was a fourth round selection, 115th overall, by the Dallas Stars in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. In 66 games last season, White recorded 10 goals and 46 assists for 56 points, and another nine points in 19 postseason games leading to a J. Ross Robertson Cup championship with Hamilton. White played in all five of Hamilton’s 2022 Memorial Cup games, recording two assists in the process. Standing at 6’1”, 193 lbs, White was originally selected by the Bulldogs in the third round of the 2018 OHL U18 Priority Selection.

“Gavin is a right-shot defenseman who is effective in every zone,” added Oke. “His speed and playmaking ability will make him a good fit with our group’s style of play down the stretch.”

Oke continued, noting that “we are pleased to have the opportunity to add two veteran players who have both played in key situations during an OHL championship run. Both Gavin and Avery will bring a strong level of experience and leadership to our club and community.”

A native of Oakville, ON, Lardis was originally selected by the Petes sixth overall in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Lardis has scored 12 goals through 30 games this year with Peterborough. In the 2021-22 season, he scored 18 goals and added 19 assists in 63 games. Lardis was given a “B” rating in the NHL Central Scouting 2022-23 Preliminary Players to Watch List on October 25th.

“I’d like to thank Nick for his commitment to the Petes organization and the Peterborough community over the past two seasons,” commented Oke. “Although challenging to part ways with a player with Nick’s work ethic and ability, we wish him the best of luck this season and at the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.”

Panwar, an overage centre, scored 10 goals and added seven assists in 34 games since being acquired by the Petes in October from the Flint Firebirds. The Mississauga, ON, native spent last season with the Firebirds, where he recorded 44 points in 57 games played. Panwar was originally drafted by the London Knights in the second round of the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. 

“We’d like to thank Sahil for his contributions to the Peterborough Petes organization,” added Oke. “He had a positive impact on the entire team, on and off the ice, and we wish him the best in the future.”

Hayes and White will be in action for the Petes on Saturday, January 7 when they host the Kingston Frontenacs at the PMC. A limited number of tickets are still available and can be purchased by clicking here.