NLL Insider

In a huge National Lacrosse League (NLL) trade announced late today, involving three players and three future first-round draft selections, the Colorado Mammoth secured the rights to Ilija Gajic, the ‘Bellies player who NLL Insider had ranked as the top player in this year’s NLL Entry Draft.

Ilija was widely speculated to be traded to Colorado following this year’s NLL Entry Draft to re-unite with his brothers. The Mammoth also grabbed a first-round draft pick in 2012.

In exchange, the Rochester Knighthawks pick-up Gavin Prout, Andrew Potter and two first-round draft picks in 2010. Prout had been Colorado’s captain since 2005 and leaves as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.

From Colorado Mammoth press release

Gajic, the middle of three brothers set to don Mammoth jerseys in 2010, led the New Westminster Salmonbellies of the Western Lacrosse Association to a spot in the Mann Cup in 2008, registering 51 points in 14 regular-season games played.

The 24-year-old Burnaby, British Columbia native played three seasons of college lacrosse at the University of Denver and is expected to be an immediate impact player in the National Lacrosse League.

“Ilija Gajic is a tremendous talent who will put points on the board for us for years to come,” said Steve Govett, the Mammoth’s president and general manager. “We were excited on draft day when we landed two of the top five prospects available with Alex Gajic and Cliff Smith,” explained Govett. “Now with Ilija, we have three of the top five players available this year.”

Ilija, Nenad and Alex all reside in Denver and will play a significant role in the Mammoth’s community relations and fan development efforts. Ilija’s first appearance in a Mammoth uniform comes this Saturday at the team’s rookie camp.

“As an organization, the time had come to make some moves that will hopefully solidify our long-term, on-field success. In the current economic climate, and following a disappointing 2009 season, it’s imperative that we change some of our operating decisions. Sometimes that means making tough choices. We have effectively retooled our entire offense.”

The Mammoth’s all time leading scorer and team captain since 2005, Gavin Prout spent the past six seasons with Colorado. The 31-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2010 season and Mammoth management had to make the hard decision of letting their leader go.

“Gavin Prout has been a cornerstone of this organization for the past six years,” Govett continued. “He’s been a key to our success on the field and was the captain of our 2006 championship team – what more can I say? We simply wish him the absolute best.”

Andrew Potter appeared in just one game for the Mammoth in 2009 following his arrival in Colorado via a trade for (the then-retired) Gary Gait.

The trade also gives the Knighthawks two first-round draft picks in 2010, while the Mammoth receive Rochester’s first-round pick in 2012.

Stay tuned to NLL Insider for more on today’s trade.

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