Ticats and Riders Pull Off Trade

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have acquired import quarterback Rocky Butler and second and fifth round draft picks in the 2007 CFL Canadian College Draft from the Saskatchewan Roughriders in exchange for non-import offensive lineman Wayne Smith, import wide receiver DJ Flick and the Ticats second round draft pick in the 2007 draft.

“Rocky will bring a lot to our team as we witnessed first hand what he’s capable of when we played against Saskatchewan last season,” said General Manager Marcel Desjardins.  “With the new salary cap in place, this trade also gives us the ability to improve on other areas of our team.”

Butler, a 6-0, 204 pound native of Allentown, Pennsylvania has spent the past five seasons with Saskatchewan.  Last season, he recorded 613 yards on 38 completions with five touchdowns and only one interception.  Butler made his first appearance of 2006 in week nine versus the Ticats after replacing injured starter Marcus Crandell.  In two games versus Hamilton last season, Butler threw for 361 yards, five touchdowns while adding 71 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. 

Flick, a graduate of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, joined the Tiger-Cats as a free agent prior to the 2004 season.  In 53 games for the Black and Gold, he recorded 200 receptions for 3085 yards and 16 touchdowns.

Smith, a 6-2, 295 pound graduate of Appalachian State University played 49 games in three seasons with the Ticats after being selected first overall in the 2004 CFL Canadian College Draft. 

Saskatchewan Roughrider General Manager/VP of Football Operations Eric Tillman stated, "Obviously, we are delighted to add two outstanding players such as DJ and Wayne,” stated Tillman. “Both are established starters and very, very good character guys.  This deal allows us to get a young quality Canadian lineman, a big-play receiver and to secure the ninth overall pick in this spring's Canadian draft."
 
"As pleased as we are, though, it was tough to move Rocky.  He's a really fine young man and we believe he has a very bright future in Hamilton."