The Penticton Vees have acquired the playing rights to NHL draft prospect Jacob Kvasnicka from the Wenatchee Wild, the WHL teams announced on June 19.
Also heading to Penticton in the deal is a 2025 third-round pick in the CHL Import Draft.
Going back to Wenatchee is forward Aiden Grossklaus and two draft picks (2025 first-rounder in the CHL Import Draft and 2029 second-rounder in the WHL Prospects Draft).
Kvasnicka — who turns 18 years old in August — comes to Penticton after helping Team USA win bronze at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship in Texas, where he scored three goals in seven games.
The Minnesota-born product also led his home country to a silver medal at the 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge.
Kvasnicka is ranked 152nd among North American skaters by Central Scouting ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, set for Los Angeles on June 27 and 28.
“We are excited to add a player with Jacob’s experience at the U.S. National Team Development Program,” said Fred Harbinson, the Vees' president, general manager, and head coach. “Jacob brings offensive talent and an exceptional work ethic — qualities that will help shape the identity we’re building in our first season in the WHL.”
Kvasnicka ranked sixth team in scoring with his U18 national team last season, amassing 39 points in 66 games.
The 5’11”, 173-pound forward is currently committed to the University of Minnesota.
With this week's trade, Penticton owns the 62nd, 123rd, and 138th overall picks in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, which is set for July 2.
The Vees' inaugural WHL season begins Sept. 19, when the club visits the Victoria Royals.
