Sea Dogs Look To The Future Ahead Of QMJHL Trade Deadline
Saint John Sea Dogs general manager Anthony Stella is expecting to be very active during the QMJHL Trade Period.
© Saint John Sea Dogs - Sea Dogs Look To The Future Ahead Of QMJHL Trade DeadlineHeading into his first Holiday Trading Period as a General Manager, Anthony Stella is a busy man. Promoted to the top job in April, the Sea Dogs GM has been with the organization since the 2014-2015 season, starting as a scout and progressively taking on additional responsibilities and senior roles. He was promoted to Director of Player Development in 2016-2017 before being named Assistant General Manager and Head Scout in 2017-2018.
“I’m averaging about 3-4 hours a day on the phone just for the trade period. That’s normal when you’re a ‘seller’.”
Saint John is led by captain Peter Reynolds, who has recorded 14 points in his last six games. The fourth year forward will surely garner attention from contenders looking to upgrade their overage situation.
“I think it has to make sense for us for our future,” Stella said when asked what it will take to part ways with the 2022 Memorial Cup Champion. “We want to be competitive. We want to make the playoffs. If keeping a top five scorer helps us do that, that’s what we’re going to do.”
“A bit more unique,” says Stella regarding this year’s trade period compared to what he has seen in the past. “We have eight contenders this season. Half of those are also contenders next year. There’s no big, big name on the market besides if a (Tristan) Luneau comes down. If one team makes a move, then three others have to make a move. I’m curious to see how this whole process goes.”
“I hope to acquire some draft picks, get younger and remain competitive,” Stella said when asked what he would like to accomplish by the January 6th trade deadline. “Our goal is to keep playing entertaining hockey, continue to be in every single game. We’re committed to win another championship.”
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