Windsor Spitfires Trade Christopoulos and Dionicio to Saginaw for Zhugin, Mancini and Picks

The Windsor Spitfires have traded forward Alex Christopoulos and defenceman Rodwin Dionicio (ANA) to the Saginaw Spirit in exchange for forward Valentin Zhugin, defenceman Roberto Mancini, a 2nd round pick in 2024 (PBO), a 2nd round pick in 2025 (SOO), and a 4th round pick in 2026 (OTT).

Zhugin is a native of Magnitogorsk, Russia and was selected in the 2021 CHL Import Draft by the Guelph Storm in round 1 #54 overall.

Zhugin is in his third season in the OHL. In his rookie season with the Storm, Zhugin appeared in 61 games while recording 17 goals and 11 assists for 28 points and a plus +15. In his second season with the Storm, Zhugin followed it up with another solid year playing in 60 games and recording 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points. Guelph decided to drop Zhugin from their roster and he re-entered the 2023 CHL Draft. The Spirit took Zhugin 40th overall. So far this season, Valentin has suited up for 17 games and has scored 9 goals and collected 5 assists for 14 points.

Mancini is a native of Vaughan, Ontario and was drafted in round five (88th overall) by the Saginaw Spirit in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection.

Mancini is in his fourth season in the OHL (one season not played due to covid). Mancini has played all four years in Saginaw. In his rookie year, Mancini appeared in 38 games while recording 1 goal and 5 assists for 6 points on the blueline. In his sophomore season, Mancini played in 64 games for the Spirit and recorded 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points. In his third season, Mancini followed up his production with 13 goals and 12 assists for 25 points on the Spirit blueline. So far this season Roberto had played in 17 games and has recorded 7 assists.

Bill Bowler spoke on the trade.

“Mancini is a complete heart and soul defender that can play in all situations.” GM Bill Bowler said. “He is exactly what we were looking for and fills a need.”

“Zhugin is off to a hot start, we expect him to continue to produce offensively.” GM Bill Bowler said. “He is a player we liked for a number of years and we welcome him to our forward group.”

The Spitfires would like to wish the best of luck in Saginaw to Christopoulos and Dionicio as the Spirit will host the Memorial Cup.

Bill Bowler spoke on Christopoulos and Dionicio.

“These kids gave everything to our organization and we wish them the best on their Memorial Cup run.”