An Oshawa Generals trade has brought 18-year-old defenceman Jackson Marthaler to the club from the London Knights as the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season begins.
Oshawa sent Barrie’s fourth-round selection in the 2030 OHL Priority Selection to London for the six-foot-two blueliner, according to The Hockey News.
Marthaler adds defensive depth
Marthaler signed with London this summer after two seasons with the United States National Team Development Program. He recorded four assists in 54 games with the under-18 team last season.
The Hockey News described him as a defence-first player who should have a clearer opportunity in Oshawa. The Generals are working to emerge from a rebuild and have room for a young defender to compete for minutes.
London entered the season with a deep roster and made several preseason trades. Its acquisition of Jonathan Kapageridis from North Bay tightened competition for roster spots and preceded the Oshawa deal.
Low-cost move preserves flexibility
The price is one fourth-round pick four years from now. Oshawa adds an experienced development-program player without moving a current roster member or early-round selection.
Marthaler’s time in the U.S. program exposed him to elite players and a schedule with international and United States Hockey League competition. His scoring totals suggest his immediate role will centre on defending and puck movement.
The transaction was announced as opening weekend began. Oshawa will determine how quickly Marthaler enters the lineup and where he fits among its defence pairings.
Because the trade involves a future pick rather than a conditional package, the terms are straightforward: Oshawa adds the player and London receives a 2030 asset.
