The influx of talented young forwards to the Estevan Bruins has been going on all offseason with a laundry list of high-scoring recruits and trade acquisitions. Late this morning, that list grew by one. 

The Bruins have swung a trade with the Melville Millionaires to acquire the rights to forward Mason Smith in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2021 bantam draft, and future considerations. Smith, a 2002-born forward from Rochester, played the last two seasons in the Pacific Junior Hockey League (British Columbian Junior B) with the Abbotsford Pilots.

"It's an unreal feeling knowing I'll be going to such a great organization," Smith said. "From what I've heard, Estevan has the most passionate fans in the league, and I can't wait to get started." 

The Bruins paid more than usual for a recruit to get Smith, but the up-and-coming forward brings a blend of size and skill that could well be worth it. Though he was just 17 last year, and was playing against players sometimes three years older than him, Smith led his team in scoring with 42 points in 40 games. He stands 6-foot-1 and is listed at 180 pounds. 

"We are very happy with acquiring Smith, as he has a ton of potential," said Bruins head coach and GM Jason Tatarnic. "Having already played Junior B for two years, we feel Mason will make a smooth transition to the SJHL. We are looking forward to having Mason as we build for the Centennial Cup."

Smith was the only player on his team to break even the 30-point barrier, and his 18 goals led the team as well. He becomes the seventh 2002-born forward to join the Bruins this offseason, following Lucius Schmidt of Saskatchewan, Mason Beck and Samuel Gallant of Nova Scotia, Brandon Ambrozik of Manitoba, Tanner Humber-Dredge of Newfoundland, and Antoine Saint-Onge of Quebec.