Colorado trades forward Gavin Prout (left) to the Rochester Knighthawks in exchange for the rights to forward Ilija Gajic (right). Prout is the Mammoth's all-time leading scorer, while Gajic was the second player drafted in this year's Entry Draft.
MAMMOTH & KNIGHTHAWKS MAKE BIG TRADE
Prout to Rochester; Ilija Gajic to Colorado plus draft picks
10/31/2009
In a blockbuster trade completed on Saturday, the Colorado Mammoth have traded forwards Gavin Prout, Andrew Potter and two first round selections in the 2010 Entry Draft to the Rochester Knighthawks in exchange for the rights of Ilija Gajic and their first round selection in the 2012 Entry Draft.Ilija Gajic, 24, played three seasons of college lacrosse at the University of Denver and is expected to be an immediate impact player in the National Lacrosse League.
"It is a very good deal for the Knighthawks," said Knighthawks Owner and CEO Curt Styres. "We got a couple of draft picks and shored up the right side with Prout. Andrew Potter won the (junior) scoring championship last year and should do very well."
"Ilija Gajic is a tremendous talent who will put points on the board for us for years to come," said Steve Govett, the Mammoth's president and general manager. "We were excited on draft day when we landed two of the top five prospects available with Alex Gajic and Cliff Smith," explained Govett. "Now with Ilija, we have three of the top five players available this year."
Ilija, Nenad and Alex all reside in Denver and will play a significant role in the Mammoth's community relations and fan development efforts. Ilija's first appearance in a Mammoth uniform comes this Saturday at the team's rookie camp.
"As an organization, the time had come to make some moves that will hopefully solidify our long-term, on-field success. In the current economic climate, and following a disappointing 2009 season, it's imperative that we change some of our operating decisions. Sometimes that means making tough choices. We have effectively retooled our entire offense."
The Mammoth's all time leading scorer and team captain since 2005, Gavin Prout spent the past six seasons with Colorado. The 31-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2010 season and Mammoth management had to make the hard decision of letting their leader go.
"Gavin Prout has been a cornerstone of this organization for the past six years," Govett continued. "He's been a key to our success on the field and was the captain of our 2006 championship team â€" what more can I say? We simply wish him the absolute best."
Andrew Potter appeared in just one game for the Mammoth in 2009 following his arrival in Colorado via a trade for (the then-retired) Gary Gait. The trade also gives the Knighthawks two first-round draft picks in 2010, while the Mammoth receive Rochester's first-round pick in 2012.
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