Bulldogs gain size and skill in Mattinen

The road between Hamilton and Flint is becoming exceptionally well-travelled.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Bulldogs acquired massive defender Nicolas Mattinen from the Firebirds in exchange for blueliner Riley McCourt and a trio of draft picks, including second- and fifthround selections in 2023 and a conditional second round selection in ’24. The six-five, 218-pound Toronto Maple Leafs prospect is now the fourth former Firebirds player on the Bulldogs roster. Will Bitten, Ryan Moore and Nick Caamano all came here via Flint, as did head coach John Gruden.

“It’s just how it’s worked out,” said GM Steve Staios. “As you get closer to the deadline you kind of inquire about these players and see if there’s a fit with these teams. Flint is in a situation where they’re going for younger players and we’re obviously going for older players, so that was one of the fits that has worked with us.”

Mattinen, a 19-year-old Ottawa native, started his OHL career with the London Knights.

He was dealt to the Firebirds at the start of this season. And has since scored five goals and had 17 assists in 38 games, while also playing a shut down role.

Staios likes the rearguard’s progression and his ability to play in all situations: “He’s a big body and we know that just adds to the depth and the core of our defence.”

Mattinen is expected to make his Bulldogs debut Friday in London along with former Knights teammate Robert Thomas. The team swapped for the latter, who is widely considered one of the OHL’s top centres, on Monday morning.

The trade deadline is Wednesday at noon.