Friday, January 7, 2011

GELINAS DEAL MAY BE COMPLETED AT DRAFT

Speculation has already begun about who may go from the Saint John Sea Dogs to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens at the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft to, possibly, complete the Eric Gelinas transaction.

In today’s Chronicle Herald, Willy Palov noted that the deal, which saw 17-year old rookie defenseman Guillaume Cloutier go to the Sagueneens in exchange for Eric Gelinas, may not yet be complete.

"The Sea Dogs pulled off their best move with the Chicoutimi Sagueneens on Wednesday, landing impact defenceman Eric Gelinas for young blue-liner Guillaume Cloutier. It’s also believed the Sagueneens will receive a solid 20-year-old forward at next year’s draft so that makes the price more realistic."
Speculation has already begun about which overage forward may end up in Chicoutimi next season. Both Palov and other QMJHL insiders tweeted on Thursday that the Sags will have the chance to choose between Danick Gauthier and Steven Anthony.

“From what I hear, Chicoutimi can choose between Gauthier/Anthony in June,” tweeted Palov. “Will want to wait on whether Anthony signs with Canucks or not.”

Of course, none of this will be conformed until June. There have been plenty of times that transactions like these have had false rumours attached to them.

Although Cloutier has proven to be a solid rookie defenseman this season, the price does seem a bit low to acquire Gelinas, a New Jersey Devils second-round pick. The Sagueneens have stated though that they were after Cloutier.

"Chicoutimi really wanted him and a lot of teams called about him,'' said Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant to the Telegraph-Journal of Cloutier. "It's tough to give up any of your young kids. We draft kids to play here and that's been our goal, but we want to make sure we push hard and that we're ready to play in the playoffs."

We shall see if these speculations become true at June’s entry draft.

Meanwhile, Gelinas has arrived in the Port City and joined his new team for Sea Dogs night at the Saint John Mill Rats game last evening. The defenseman was spotted wearing a No. 4 jersesy.

The 19-year old could make his Sea Dogs debut tomorrow night when the team visits Halifax at 7:00 pm.

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