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Peyton Kettles/Kelowna Rockets Hockey Club
By Vernon Matters Staff
Blockbuster trade

Rockets acquire Peyton Kettles in massive trade with Swift Current

Oct 30, 2025 | 11:27 AM

The Kelowna Rockets have added Winnipeg defenceman Peyton Kettles from the Swift Current Broncos in a major trade that includes multiple future draft picks.

In return, Swift Current receives defenceman Jackson Gillespie, a first-round pick in 2027, two second-round picks in 2026 and 2029, and two fourth-round picks in 2026 and 2029. Kettles, selected 39th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2025 NHL Draft, has played 118 WHL games and recorded 29 points, along with four assists in 13 playoff contests. He represented Team Canada at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, helping the team win gold.

Kelowna general manager Bruce Hamilton praised Kettles as a steady, shutdown defender who can handle big minutes and bring size and composure to the Rockets back end.

Kettles will miss the weekend game against the Vancouver Giants while serving a suspension, but is expected to debut with the Rockets Nov. 5 in Penticton.

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