Thunderbirds Acquire Randy Staats in Trade with Panther City LC
August 29, 2022 – National Lacrosse League (NLL) – Halifax Thunderbirds News Release
HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – The Halifax Thunderbirds today announced they have acquired right-handed forward Randy Staats via trade with Panther City Lacrosse Club. In return, the Thunderbirds have traded rookie forward Jackson Reid, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NLL Entry Draft, and the Thunderbirds’ second-round selection in the 2025 Entry Draft.
“Randy is a gamer,” Thunderbirds Assistant General Manager Scott Campbell said. “He is at his best in the big games and the big moments. He is big and athletic. Good outside shot, can play inside, draw the double, and find the open man. We are really excited. He is the type of player that makes everyone on the offence better.”
Staats, 29, is one of the premiere playmakers in the NLL. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, he was selected by the Georgia Swarm in the first round (No. 6 overall) of the 2015 NLL Entry Draft and immediately made an impact. The Syracuse University alum set a then-record for most points scored by a rookie in a single season (95) and led the Swarm in points. His efforts earned him the 2016 NLL Rookie of the Year award and NLL All-Rookie Team honours.
Out of Six Nations, Staats spent five seasons with the Swarm, winning an NLL championship with the team in 2017. In 76 regular season games played, Staats posted 406 points (156G, 250A), 316 loose balls, and 17 caused turnovers. He played in seven postseason contests and posted 38 points (16G, 22A), 22 of which came during the 2017 postseason.
“Randy is one of the most textbook offensive players in the world,” Thunderbirds assistant coach Stew Monture said. “He does everything correctly when he has the ball and when he’s away from the ball. He sees the floor incredibly well and makes everyone around him better when he takes the floor. He takes pride in making the players around him better and is a constant offensive threat whenever he touches the ball.”
The Swarm traded Staats to Panther City LC ahead of the 2021-22 NLL season. He spent the season on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Staats played in Major Series Lacrosse this summer for the Six Nations Chiefs, posting 18 points (5G, 13A) in nine regular season games. In the MSL postseason, Staats saw action in six games, finishing with 20 points (6G, 14A).
“Playing with Randy is a lot of fun,” said Thunderbirds captain Cody Jamieson, who played with Staats this summer in MSL. “His vision is superior. He makes plays when it doesn’t seem like one’s available. And no one questions his heart and passion.”
The deal is currently pending league approval.
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The Thunderbirds return to Scotiabank Centre for their third season in Halifax this winter. Season tickets to watch championship-caliber professional lacrosse in Nova Scotia are on sale at HalifaxThunderbirds.com or by calling or texting 902-334-2333.
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