Reports: Trades Be Going Down

Just when it looked like the trading period would pass through Saint John without a whisper, Sunday happened.

The Sea Dogs have acquired power forward Bokondji Imama from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in exchange for a 2015 second-round pick and 2016 first-round pick. The deal has been made official by the Drakkar’s website.

Imama, an 18-year old left winger from Montreal, has 10 goals and nine assists in 35 games this season. He is also third in the league in fights with 11.

It’s a steep price for Saint John to pay, but he fits a need and it’s not like Saint John is short on draft picks for the next couple drafts.

Imama might be one of the most improved player in the Q, 96 born-power forward. Could be with @SeaDogsHockey for 2 1/2 years.
— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) January 5, 2015

Might be a steep price (1st & 2nd) but in the Q you won't find many power forwards like Imama, plus he's only 18yo.
— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) January 5, 2015

Excited to join the @SeaDogsHockey can't wait to see the boys 👊
— boko imama (@bokojr) January 5, 2015

Then in an even more surprising deal, the Sea Dogs have traded captain Olivier LeBlanc and prospect Declan Smith to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in exchange for defenseman Jason Bell and Drummondville’s 2015 first-round pick.

I guess the cat's out of the bag: Olivier Leblanc from Saint John to Cape Breton for Jason Bell and a 1st (2015 Drummomdville).
— Willy Palov (@WillyPalov) January 5, 2015

Bell, a 17-year old defenseman from Montreal, has eight goals and 13 assists in 39 games this season. He was originally selected 12^th overall by the Screaming Eagles in the 2013 QMJHL Entry Draft.

Proud to be a part of the @SeaDogsHockey
— Jason Bell (@Jasonbell_47) January 5, 2015

Meanwhile, Drummondville currently sits 14^th overall in the league standings, so that has the potential to be a very high pick.

Going to Cape Breton, well, LeBlanc is LeBlanc. This move certainly leaves a hole in Saint John’s defense core at the moment. He is also the team’s captain. It’s a big and bold move by Sea Dogs general manager Darrell Young.

Smith, who plays with the Cape Breton West Islanders, was a fourth-round pick of the Sea Dogs in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft.

Declan Smith is 98-born Fwd from Cape-Breton, 35pts in 29 gm this season with the Cape-Breton West Islanders. We had him ranked 64th last yr
— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) January 5, 2015

The QMJHL’s trading period ends on Tuesday at 1 p.m. Atlantic time. No clue what else might happen.

Photo via Drakkar website