Vancouver trades Mitch Jones to Philadelphia for Steph Charbonneau plus pair of picks
Mitch Jones (Photo: Jordan Leigh)
The Vancouver Warriors have traded forward Mitch Jones to the Philadelphia Wings for defenseman Steph Charbonneau, the Wings’ own first-round pick in the 2023 NLL Entry, and a second-round selection in the 2024 draft that Philadelphia obtained from the San Diego Seals in last year’s trade-deadline deal for Brett Hickey.
The Warriors also confirmed on social media that they’ve released long-time Vancouver defender, Justin Salt.
Both Vancouver and Philadelphia have had difficult starts to their season. The Warriors are just 1-6 and sit last in the West Conference, while the Wings’ 2-4 record presently has them outside of a playoff spot.
The Wings, who have struggled to score for the second straight season, receive a high-profile offensive producer in Jones, who leaves Vancouver leading the Warriors in assists (24) and points (35) through seven games. After putting up significant point totals to start 2022 (26 points in four games), a freak injury ended Jones’ promising season early, the star sidelined with a broken foot.
In Charbonneau Vancouver acquires one of Philadelphia’s more relied on defensive players, a regular on their roster after signing with the team in 2018. Charbonneau was originally drafted by the Calgary Roughnecks in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, but was later released by the team. While his offensive numbers have slowed after his first two strong seasons in the league, the athletic Charbonneau will likely get the green light to press with the Warriors. Vancouver defensemen and transition players have collected just five goals so far this season.
Plus, the Warriors continue to not only maintain draft selections, but also add high-placed picks after years of dealing them for veteran talent.
Logan Schuss and Mitch Jones (Photo: Gerry Thomas, Getty Images)
Steve Ewen of The Vancouver Province reported earlier today that Vancouver forward Logan Schuss will likely be sidelined for the remainder of the season after sustaining a knee injury in last weekend’s game against the Panther City Lacrosse Club.
Schuss himself told Ewen he was “most likely done”, also adding, “It wasn’t a bad hit or anything. Just a bad outcome from a lacrosse play.”
Based on their record and recent misfortunes, most expect the Warriors to continue tinkering with their roster in coming weeks.
Earlier this year Vancouver GM Dan Richardson stepped down from his role with the team for personal reasons. Warriors Head Coach Troy Cordingley, who took over the team’s bench this past summer, has since been given the group’s interim GM title.