DEADLINE CHAOS HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN

It unofficially began today. Mark it on the calender because today, October 13, 2009, the Saint John Sea Dogs began the trade period chaos that will come with it this season. Saint John will almost certainly be a buyer at the deadline.

Two articles in today's Telegraph-Journal were both on prized Fredericton native Jake Allen and his role in this years trade deadline. The goaltender that led Canada's under-18 team to a gold medal is expected to be prime trade bait this season. The Montreal Junior already have a NHL drafted goalie in J-F Berube.

"I know that could be a possibility come Christmas,'' Allen said earlier this month to the Telegraph-Journal. "If that happens, then it happens."

"It's part of the business, it's part of the league. I'm not focusing on that and I don't have any expectations.''

He also answered questions about possibly being traded to Saint John.

"If that (being traded to Saint John) ended up being the case, it would be great for myself and my family,'' he said. "Saint John has a great team and if that happens, great."

"If I ended up getting a chance to play there, I definitely would thrive on that. But if it doesn't (happen), it's not the end of the world. Who knows? I could be staying here.''

If Saint John were to acquire Allen and continue to play the way they have in the past week, they would become an instant contender for the President's Cup. But even more interesting is what Saint John may have to give up in return.

The return would likely be similar to the Alex Grant and Chris DiDomenico trade last January. Whether Saint John is willing to trade Simon Despres, Steven Anthony, Michael Kirkpatrick, or a young stud in Jonathan Huberdeau is a big question with the 2012 Memorial Cup bid just around the corner.

Allen was drafted by St. Louis in the second round, 34 overall in 2008. This season he is 4-2 with a 1.85 GAA and a 0.934 save percentage.

Also on Saint John's wish list is another top defenseman to go along with Despres and Yann Sauve. If Allen were to be acquired and Marc-Antoine Gelinas released, that would free up an overage slot.