The Windsor Spitfires are facing a challenging strategic decision as the Ontario Hockey League's trade deadline approaches, thanks to an unexpected and impressive five-game winning streak. The team's success, achieved while missing two of its top forwards, has left general manager Bill Bowler with a complex puzzle to solve regarding potential roster upgrades.
Thriving in Absence of Stars
The Spitfires recently navigated a crucial seven-game stretch without captain Liam Greentree, who was competing at the World Junior Hockey Championship. The team was also without fourth-year veteran forward A.J. Spellacy for six games as he attended the same tournament. Despite these significant absences, Windsor's performance was stellar.
The streak was capped with a 4-1 road victory over the Erie Otters on Saturday, January 3, 2026. This surge has propelled the Spitfires back into first place in the West Division and Western Conference standings by percentage points over the Flint Firebirds. The team now sits just three points out of first overall in the entire OHL.
"Really proud of the kids to go 5-0 without two of our best forwards," said Spitfires head coach Greg Walters. "It just shows the depth that Bill (Bowler) has put in place. We have a lot of faith in our kids. Our '08 and '09 (birth years) are so good. I'm so proud of the young kids."
Depth Players Step Up
Overall, the Spitfires posted a 5-2 record without Greentree and a 5-1 mark without Spellacy. The two losses were both narrow one-goal defeats on the road. Both players are expected to return to the lineup on Thursday when Windsor hosts the Erie Otters at the WFCU Centre.
The team's resilience was exemplified by its rookie talent. In Saturday's win, while the top line was contained, an all-rookie trio shined. First-round pick Johnny McLaughlin had a goal and an assist, rookie forward Caden Harvey scored, and import pick Beks Makysh recorded his first three-point OHL game with three assists.
"I think our team strongly believes every night that, no matter who's in the lineup, we're going to win the game," Harvey said. "Obviously, we'd love to have those guys in the lineup, but I'm sure it's good for them to see that we can handle a couple of games for them while they're out."
The Impending Trade Deadline Conundrum
The strong performance of the existing roster creates a significant dilemma for GM Bill Bowler. With the OHL trade deadline looming, he must decide if and how to augment the team for a playoff run. The core question is determining what assets he is willing to part with to potentially improve an already winning squad.
While draft picks are a common currency in OHL trades, acquiring veteran talent often requires giving up promising young players already contributing at the league level. These established young assets can be more enticing to trading partners than future draft selections.
Coach Walters expressed contentment with his current group but acknowledged the business side of hockey. "We're here now and in first place and I love the 23 guys here," Walters stated. "If something happens, it's part of hockey. If it doesn't, I'm happy to coach this group."
As the Spitfires prepare to reintegrate their World Junior stars, the front office's decisions in the coming days will reveal whether the team views its current hot streak as a reason to stand pat or an opportunity to double down for a championship push.
