The Swift Current Broncos have addressed their battered lineup by acquiring forward Kole Gable from Edmonton for a conditional 7th round bantam draft pick.

The 18-year-old 7 goals and 5 assists in 61 WHL games.

"We did our homework on this kid and we got some really good reports," said Broncos Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel Manny Viveiros. "(Broncos Director of Hockey Operations Jamie Porter) had seen this young man numerous times over the last few years in Alberta at the midget and junior level. He's a good fit for the way we want to play. He moves well and he can score. He has scored at every level he just hasn't been able to do that in the WHL yet."

Click here for the full interview with Manny Viveiros

The 5'10, 171lbs forward had 44 points in 34 games for Fort Saskatchewan as a 16-year-old in Midget AAA. In the 15-year-old midget league the year before he put up 51 points in 37 games.

"Skilled player that moves well," Viveiros said. "It worked out to be a very opportune time for us to make that move and we didn't give up any roster players or prospects so it made sense for us."

Swift Current is banged up right now with Glenn Gawdin, Conner Chaulk, Riley Stotts and Matthew Stanley all out with injury.

"It comes at a good time for us where we've got a lot of injuries right now," Viveiros said. "It's an opportunity for this young man to have a fresh start and also for us to add some depth to our organization."

The Broncos believe Gable is someone who could take advantage of a larger opportunity in a new environment.

"That's what we're counting on for him to play a bigger role than he had in Edmonton before," Viveiros said. "Then again the rest is up to Kole when he comes to our hockey team. I talked to him this morning and said the biggest thing I want from you when you come to our organization is that you're one of the hardest working players on and off the ice. From all reports he's a great kid and he wants to be a pro. Determining where he will play in our lineup will take some time."

Swift Current won't be getting Gawdin, Stotts or Chaulk back to help their forward group anytime soon.

"For a couple at least a month," Viveiros said. "We're looking at Stotts and Gawdin at least a month before we have them back in our lineup. Conner Chaulk is progressing well but then again it's something with his type of injury we have to be very careful. We're still looking at a considerable time for all those players. We don't use injuries as an excuse. Every one of these young men wants to play an important role. Every one of those players is just as important to our hockey team that's why we're a team. Good teams survive that."

The Broncos have also called Josh Baker up for their weekend games. The 17-year-old was in the lineup for his first two WHL games against Calgary last Friday and Saturday.

They should have Lane Pederson and Artyom Minulin back from their experience at the CIBC Canada/Russia series as well.

Swift Current hosts Brandon on Saturday and visits the Wheat Kings on Sunday afternoon.