Storm swap defensemen with Sudbury Wolves, trading Nolan Makkonen

The Guelph Storm announced a trade Wednesday, sending a Sault born defenceman, Nolan Makkonen and a number of picks in upcoming OHL Priority Selections to Sudbury for Wolves defenceman Owen Lalonde.

George Burnett, Storm GM and head coach, said the trade was an opportunity to add an elite young talent.

“He (Lalonde) will have an impact in our lineup immediately and also be a huge part of our future.” Said Burnett.

The Storm signed Makkonen last January. He was originally drafted by the Storm in the ninth round of the 2015 OHL Priority Selection. He played 28 regular season games last season.

Makkonen was called up to Guelph from the Soo Eagles, with whom he played 34 games. He played 10 games in the 2015/16 season as an affiliate call up with the Thunderbirds.

In addition to receiving Makkonen, the Wolves also pick up Windsor’s second and third round picks in the 2018 Priority Selection, Peterborough’s second round pick in 2019 and Sault Ste. Marie’s third round pick in 2021.

Two conditional picks — Windsor’s second round pick in 2019 and Guelph’s second round pick in 2021 — may end up being part of the trade.