The Estevan Bruins didn't just trade for Caelan Fitzpatrick because they thought he'd fill out a roster spot in training camp. The 17-year-old from Moose Jaw came over in a trade with the Battlefords North Stars with the idea that he would have a spot in camp and get used to the pace, preparing him for a roster spot next year.

As it turned out, he was a little further ahead of where the team thought he might be. 

The Bruins announced Wednesday they had officially signed Fitzpatrick for the coming season, adding him to a crowded but ultra-skilled forward corps. Fitzpatrick becomes the youngest forward recruit of the offseason for the Bruins as they try to replace several graduating players and some American forwards who could not cross the border. 

"He's a good young player and we weren't sure if he'd play for us this year," said Bruins head coach and GM Jason Tatarnic. "The plan for him was to play midget again. But he was here for a couple of days, he enjoyed his time, and we told him there was a spot here if he wants it, and he came back with his good news to let us know that he was going to play here. We're quite excited about it."

Fitzpatrick showed off his offensive chops in Moose Jaw last year with the AAA Warriors, forming part of a dominant 2003-born trio that led the team in scoring. Fitzpatrick posted 45 points in 44 games, prompting the Bruins to target him in the offseason, and he showed well during skates at the Bruins extended training camp. 

"We're excited to have him in our league," Tatarnic said. "He should be in our league. He's a guy that's going to be very good, he's going to contribute. He'll definitely garner some interest from schools once they see him play, especially at his age." 

Fitzpatrick would be among the youngest forwards the Bruins have in the lineup, but that won't hold him back. The team saw last year what a 17-year-old can do with Cody Davis snapping home 16 goals, and the confidence that builds for their 18-year-old season is also a major mark in his favor. 

"As a group, we identified him as a player that we wanted here," said Tatarnic. "He's part of our building process for that Centennial Cup. It's great to have him here a year early so next year he'll even be more impactful." 

Tatarnic added that as a younger player, Fitzpatrick needs to play, and he will. Fitzpatrick was a teammate of fellow Bruins hopeful Lucius Schmidt in Moose Jaw this past season.