The Greater Sudbury Cubs have sent a clear message to the rest of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL): they’re all in to defend their title this season. The Cubs made a significant trade, acquiring 2023-2024’s leading scorer, Lucas Signoretti, from the Espanola Paper Kings. In exchange, the Cubs parted with Wolves’ prospect Marshall McCharles and player development fees.
Signoretti, a former second-round pick by the Erie Otters, has been a force in the league, recording an impressive 47 goals and 70 assists in just 50 games with the Paper Kings. Standing at 5’6”, the 20-year-old forward also had a brief stint with the Sudbury Wolves last season, where he tallied a goal and five assists in 15 games.
For the Cubs, this trade addresses a critical need for top-tier scoring as they gear up for another championship run. Signoretti's offensive prowess will be a valuable addition to a team determined to maintain its position at the top of the NOJHL.
On the other side, the Espanola Paper Kings and GM Jason Rapcewicz have gained financial flexibility to rebuild their roster. The Paper Kings quickly moved McCharles to the King Rebellion (OJHL) for additional player development fees, a move that appears to align with McCharles’ desire for a change. In recent days, Espanola has also seen the departures of Owen Ferguson (Markham Royals) and Sean Short (Pelham Panthers), signaling a roster overhaul as they look to retool for the future.
This trade is a win-win for both teams, with the Cubs fortifying their attack for another title push and the Paper Kings positioning themselves for a strategic rebuild. All eyes will be on Signoretti as he takes to the ice in Sudbury, where expectations will be high for the dynamic forward to help lead the Cubs in their quest to repeat as NOJHL champions.