The Cape Breton Eagles will be looking to add to their forward group during the upcoming QMJHL trade period.
With the QMJHL Trade Period less than three weeks away, Cape Breton Eagles General Manager Sylvain Couturier is adamant.
“We’re definitely not going to be sellers. We’re going to try to improve. We have a plan in place. We’re going to be discipline about it and follow the process.”
Not only did the Eagles make a splash in the off-season by acquiring Cameron MacDonald from the Gatineau Olympiques and Cole Burbridge from the Saint John Sea Dogs, Louis Robitaille was appointed as the team’s new head coach. With Robitaille behind the bench, the Eagles are playing .500 hockey with a record of 13-13-0-0 despite being shutout seven times.
“It’s a concern,” Couturier says in regards to the lack of offence from his team. “We have enough talent to score more goals than we have done so far this year. We expect a little bit more from our players internally.”
Asked if there’s a specific need for the Eagles going into the trade period, Couturier was quick to respond.
“Adding a guy in the top six if the price is right. We’re willing to pay for that type of player. We think we’re in a good position but we’re not desperate to make a move either.”
Jacob Newcombe, who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in August, is expected to return in the second half. An addition that will surely provide a boost to the Eagles offense.
Couturier understands the Cape Breton Eagles fanbase have been extremely patient.
“Before my arrival here, it was two tough years. Covid year really hurt us. I’ve been filling a plan of three years to be a competitive hockey team. I think we’re getting there. I praise the patience of our fans who come back and encourage us every game.”
Be sure to bookmark THN.com/QMJHL for year-round coverage of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on The Hockey News-QMJHL. Also follow us on Twitter @HockeyNewsQMJHL.
