With the regular season not going the Toronto Rock’s way, it has decided to move forward without its longest-serving player.
Goaltender Nick Rose was traded from the Rock to the Calgary Roughnecks on Tuesday, along with defender Tyler Hendrycks and a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft.
The Rock acquired a first-round pick in the draft along with defender Robert Hudson and goaltender Gowah Abrams.
“This was the hardest thing I’ve had to do since beginning my time as the GM of this team,” Rock owner/general manager Jamie Dawick said. “Nick has been the backbone of this team for a long time and I can’t even begin to explain what he has meant to this team both on and off the floor.”
Ironically, it was from the Roughnecks that Toronto acquired Rose in the spring of 2012. In the 13 years since, he became the team’s all-time leader in wins, saves and minutes played.
The reigning National Lacrosse League goaltender of the year, Rose will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season, but in the meantime, will look to help the Roughnecks (6-5) secure a playoff spot and make a post-season run.
Already holding their own first-round selection and that of the Las Vegas Desert Dogs from the trade that sent Rob Hellyer to that franchise, the Rock now has three picks in what is being billed as a very strong draft.
There is also speculation that more moves are in the works for Toronto, which currently is 3-8 on the season.