Staios had a busy lead-up trading and stockpiling

Steve Staios has been busy.

In the lead up to Saturday’s Ontario Hockey League season opener, the Hamilton Bulldogs’ GM made trades on three straight days, sending defenceman Cole Candella to Sudbury, acquiring rearguard T.J. Fergus from Erie and, finally on Friday afternoon, shipping goalie Cole Ceci to Guelph.

He also made off with a good haul of draft picks in the process.

In the first deal, Staios gained four picks for Candella — a second rounder in 2018, a third rounder in 2018, a third rounder in 2019 and a conditional third rounder in 2022.

He then sacrificed a third rounder in 2018 and conditional fifth and sixth rounders in 2020 for Fergus before obtaining a conditional ninth rounder in 2018 for Ceci. Lose track yet? Probably, but it matters. Here’s why: By moving Candella and picking up Fergus, Staios essentially broke even in terms of on-ice value — that’s his view, anyway. Importantly, though, he gained a pair of early round draft picks, which he could either use to build for the future or as trade chips later on this season, if he decides the Bulldogs are ready to make a run.

The ninth rounder for Ceci, which could turn into a midround pick depending on what happens in Guelph, can go in the bank for later use.

Stockpiling wasn’t his sole motivation, though, especially in the latest deal.

By giving up Ceci, Staios also gave him the chance to contend for the starting spot with the Storm — an opportunity he wasn’t going to get in Hamilton.

The decision wasn’t easy, said Staios.

“You sometimes come across players you are really rooting for and Cole Ceci is one of those kids.” Head coach John Gruden agreed. “That was a tough one,” he said, but he wants to be a No. 1 goalie “and we want to give him that opportunity.” He also said he wishes him “nothing but the best.”

“Hopefully, he’ll have a really good season, just not against us,” Gruden said jokingly.