The London Knights have solidified their position as the top team in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with a significant trade. On Dec. 17, the Knights announced the acquisition of 19-year-old defenceman Cam Allen from the Guelph Storm in exchange for 17-year-old defenceman Noah Jenken, along with a collection of draft picks: two second-round picks, two third-round picks, two fourth-round picks, and a fifth-round selection.
Allen, currently in his fourth OHL season, brings a wealth of experience and talent to London. Drafted third overall in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Allen has developed into a standout two-way defenceman. His draft class also produced notable Knights stars such as Denver Barkey, Easton Cowan, and Oliver Bonk.
Mark Hunter, the Knights’ vice-president and general manager, expressed excitement about the move. “Cam is a high-end defenceman in our league,” Hunter stated. “He’s played in the OHL for a long time and can bring more veteran presence to our back end. He’s a mobile, two-way player, and we are excited to have Cam be a London Knight.”
Allen’s impressive resume includes being selected by the Washington Capitals in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He also captained Team Canada at the 2023 Under-18 World Hockey Championship and played a key role in their gold medal win at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup. Notably, he shared the ice at these events with his new Knights teammates Barkey and Bonk.
The addition of Allen strengthens an already formidable Knights roster that currently leads the OHL standings. His leadership, mobility, and offensive-defensive balance are expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s blue line as they aim for a championship run.
For Guelph, the trade represents a commitment to their future, with the draft picks and the addition of young defenceman Noah Jenken potentially forming the core of their rebuilding process.
As the season progresses, Allen’s presence on the Knights’ roster is likely to play a pivotal role in their pursuit of OHL supremacy. His veteran experience and skill set make this trade one of the most impactful moves of the season.