ALLEN TRADE TALKS HEAT UP

The Sea Dogs got bad news yesterday - and it has nothing to do with their team. Nicola Riopel, one of the greatest goaltenders in QMJHL history, will return to the Moncton Wildcats after the holiday break.

Riopel was named the Most Valuable Player in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season after leading the Wildcats to a league record of 149 goals against in 68 regular season games. Riopel played 59 games, had an outstanding 2.05 goals against average and a save percentage of.930. He also established the Wildcats goaltending record of 43 wins for a single season.

Moncton is far behind in the Atlantic division, but you have to believe the race for top spot in the division will get tougher as the year goes on.

With yesterday's signing, the question of Jake Allen coming to the Sea Dogs only gets bigger. Allen told the Daily Gleaner yesterday "Saint John would be a great spot," when asked about a possible trade.

"It's been going around for a while now, but my main focus is this," Allen said of all the trade rumors. "After the tournament, if Pascal (Vincent, Montreal head coach) decides to ship me out, get some players back and rebuild for a younger team, then I'll be all for it.

"If not, if he decides it's best for me to stay in Montreal, then I'll be happy to come back there," Allen said. "But obviously being shipped to a contending team would be ideal."

The St. Louis Blues draft pick has a 2.66 goals against average, .912 save percentage and a 16-16-0-2 record with the Junior this season.

Halifax Mooseheads play-by-play announcer asked Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant if the possibility of a trade has increased because of Riopel's return. Gallant answered no.

As reported last week, sources are saying that the deal to acquire Allen's services was finished in October when import David Stich was sent to the Junior as part of the rumered deal. The trade deadline opens tomorrow afternoon at 1:00 pm AST.

Speaking of the deadline, Chris DiDomenico could be dealt from the Drummondville Voltigeurs. He is still recovering from his leg injury with the Maple Leafs in Toronto. DiDomenico's return has been pushed back to late February or early March.

"This is one avenue being explored. It will still leave until January 7 to share our decision to the Maple Leafs, " said Dominic Ricard to L'Express.