Regina Pats' Paddock doesn't expect major deal before Tuesday's ...

Having coached two generations of Armstrongs, John Paddock found it especially tough to complete a Western Hockey League trade on the weekend.

But the Regina Pats‘ head coach and general manager nonetheless followed through on a deal which sent 19-year-old forward Easton Armstrong to the Winnipeg Ice for defenceman Owen Harmacy, 17.

Paddock had originally coached Derek Armstrong, Easton’s father, with the Hartford Wolf Pack during the 1999-2000 and 2000-01 American Hockey League seasons.

Easton, 19, enjoyed a strong first half during his third season with the Pats, registering 13 goals and nine assists in 39 games before being dealt to Winnipeg.

“He’s a great kid and he has improved over time, which you’re supposed to do,” Paddock said after Sunday’s 6-2 victory over the visiting Calgary Hitmen.

The Pats were interested in Harmacy because of his youth and a need for a right-handed-shooting defenceman.

There will be notable voids on defence next season, due to the graduations of 20-year-olds Luke Bateman and Tanner Brown and the anticipated ascent of Stanislav Svozil, 19, to the pro ranks.

Armstrong made his debut with the Ice on Sunday, registering an assist in a 6-3 home-ice victory over the Portland Winterhawks. Harmacy, who is from Winnipeg, suited up for the Pats for the first time on Sunday.

“It looks like he has a chance to be a solid player for his time here in Regina, which is a significant amount of time,” Paddock said.

More moves could be made in advance of Tuesday’s WHL trade deadline.

“I don’t know for sure whether it will be busy or not,” Paddock said. “That just depends on a couple of little things. I don’t think there’s anything major on the horizon, but I think we’re in a position where we’d like to add a little depth throughout the team, so we’ll just see.”

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