Spits deal Ann Arbor native to Petes

The Windsor Spitfires announced Sunday that the team has acquired right wing and Windsor native Zack Kassian from the Peterborough Petes.

In 33 games with the Petes this season, Kassian scored eight goals and 27 points to go along with 58 penalty minutes. Kassian, listed at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, was selected by the Buffalo Sabres with the team’s first round pick, 13th overall, at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

In exchange, the Spitfires have sent left wing Austin Watson (Ann Arbor) and Windsor’s second round picks in the 2012 and 2014 OHL Priority Selections to the Petes.

“Today’s deal was a difficult one for us, as we traded an excellent two-way player in Austin Watson," Windsor GM Warren Rychel said. "Watson has been great for our team both on and off the ice, and we wish him the very best of luck in Peterborough and also later this year at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. As an organization, we are also thrilled to add a player of Kassian’s caliber to our lineup. He’s a hard nosed player and local boy who will bring a special element to our team, as he is a highly skilled and tough player."

Watson photo by Aaron Bell/OHL Images