Former OpTic Gaming mid laner Tristan "PowerofEvil" Schrage intends to join Counter Logic Gaming as its new starting mid laner, sources close to the team and player told ESPN.
PowerofEvil will replace Huhi, who Counter Logic Gaming transferred to 100 Thieves on Tuesday as both teams look to reset around several core pieces of their lineups. The move is the first mid lane change since November 2015, when they transitioned to Huhi and moved former mid laner Eugene "Pobelter" Park to Immortals.
The change comes after Counter Logic Gaming placed seventh and eighth in the North American League of Legends Championship Series in the 2018 spring and summer splits. Those placements are among the lowest in organizational history.
PowerofEvil will occupy an import slot for Counter Logic Gaming, one which had freed up after Huhi obtained his green card in July, granting him immediate residency in North America. The other import slot is taken by current jungler Kim "Reignover" Yeu-jin.
PowerofEvil joins the team after his one-year stint with OpTic Gaming, who finished ninth and seventh in their debut season, respectively. OpTic will now look to build a young roster on a low budget after their parent company, Infinite Esports & Entertainment, made significant layoffs in October, sources said.
Others interested for PowerofEvil included FlyQuest, Fnatic, Splyce and SK Gaming, all of who are in search of new mid laners, according to sources. Originally from Europe, PowerofEvil expressed an interest in remaining in North America.
CLG declined to comment on this report.