I think a recent (from last season) unexpected event was when the St. Louis made a deal with the Anchorage Armada, sending over defenseman and former 1st-overall SMJHL pick Jean-Locke Zidane to the Anchorage Armada, in exchange for a 1st-round pick and soon to graduate defenseman Michael Withecheck. At the time, Zidane's agent had formerly managed the St. Louis Scarecrows, so a split away from that signified not only a surprise, but a culture shift in St. Louis, certainly establishing the team's new-era look.

While this came as a significant shock, on paper alone the deal makes sense for the parties involved. Anchorage was in a competitive window, and widened it by exchanging Withecheck for Zidane, who play similar defensively responsible games, but with Zidane being one season younger, it expanded Anchorage's competitive timeline. For St. Louis, they were at a transitionary point in their build, and this trade was a factor in cementing the direction to go down a more structured rebuild than a risky retool. Withecheck gave a great LR presence, veteran experience and solid defensive play for the rest of the season, and the Scarecrows gained a second 1st round pick. The pick they received from Anchorage would turn into LW stud prospect Maverick Seabrook, entering the SHL entry draft this season with high stock and a solid resume, as well as being a player who compliments St. Louis' competitive window with their impressive S58 and S59 core.