The Barrie Colts rebuild continues.
A week after dealing OHL First All-Rookie Team blueliner Cole Emerton to the Sarnia Sting, the Eastern Conference champion Colts resumed their efforts to get younger with another big pair of moves.
The Colts locked up a key part of their future with the signing of first-round pick Lucas Matheson, before continuing to recoup assets by sending veteran centre Jaiden Newton to the Ottawa 67’s in return for a pair of draft picks on Wednesday.
Matheson, who was Barrie’s 17th overall selection in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection held earlier this month, officially joined the club after signing an OHL Scholarship and Development agreement.
The Barrie native, who is an exceptional skater and patterns his game after young Montreal Canadiens star defenceman Lane Hutson, racked up 18 goals and 22 assists for 40 points in 34 games while manning the blueline with the Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA team last season.
“Lucas is an elite defenceman that we know will translate well into this level and our team,” Colts’ General Manager Marty Williamson said of the offensive defenceman. “We have watched him all year and believe he will make an impact immediately on and off the ice.”
Matheson grew up watching Colts games at Sadlon Arena and says he’s thrilled to join his hometown team.
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“It doesn’t feel real getting the opportunity to be on the ice under the same roof that I’ve been in the stands watching games for as long as I can even remember,” said the 16-year-old.
With a younger roster, the five-foot-nine, 165-pound defender will get every chance to develop into the power-play quarterback and top-pairing blueliner the club believes he can be.
“Lucas was always meant to be a Barrie Colt,” said Barrie head coach Dylan Smoskowitz. “From his character and natural leadership abilities to his on-ice skill and high IQ, we could not be more excited to add Lucas to our team and get to work with him this coming season.”
In another move made with an eye to the future, Barrie shipped Newton to the Nation’s Capital in return for a third-round pick in 2029 (originally Windsor’s) and a fifth-round selection (originally Sault Ste. Marie’s) in 2027.
The Whitby native, who was a second-round draft choice (26th overall) of the Colts in 2023, had seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 67 games last season.
The five-foot-11, 180-pound centre, who played with a physical edge, had a key role in Barrie’s drive to the OHL finals, scoring three times and recording seven points while logging important minutes.
Newton spent three years in Barrie, recording 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points in 174 games. He joins a 67’s club expected to be one of the top teams in the OHL next season.
“Jaiden brings more than 200 OHL games of experience and leadership to the 67s, including multiple appearances in conference championships and an OHL league final,” says Ottawa General Manager Jan Egert. “He has a competitive mindset, plays with physicality, and takes pride in his 200-foot game.
“His ability to win faceoffs adds further versatility to our group. We look forward to welcoming Jaiden to Ottawa.”
In a media release, the Colts thanked Newton for his efforts with the club over three seasons.
“Jaiden was a true professional in every sense of the word, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best in Ottawa and beyond,” said the OHL team.
