BIG BOOST FOR THE BLUE LINE

This afternoon, the Saint John Sea Dogs sent the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League a buzz by landing one of the biggest fish in the trade period pond.

The Sea Dogs acquired Chicoutimi Sagueneens veteran defenseman Eric Gelinas in exchange for rookie defender Guillaume Cloutier today. Rumours are already circulating that Saint John will send more to the Sags at the QMJHL Entry Draft in June.

Gelinas, a New Jersey Devils second round pick in 2009, is considered one of the top defenseman in the QMJHL, and if rumours mean anything, was generating plenty of interest over the past few days.

“Starting to get VERY curious to see where Eric Gelinas ends up,” tweeted Willy Palov of the Chronicle Herald yesterday. “Richard Martel must be cooking up something pretty interesting in Chicoutimi.”

Gelinas, 19, has plenty of QMJHL experience. He spent his first two-and-a-half seasons in Lewiston prior to be traded to Chicoutimi half way through. Prior to this year, Gelinas had played in 182 career Quebec league games, recording 19 goals and 70 assists along the way as well as a -44 rating and 173 penalty minutes.

His plus/minus total is deceiving, however, as the Ottawa native has never played for a contending team like Saint John. With Lewiston and Chicoutimi, Gelinas has never made it past the first round of the playoffs.

This year, the veteran has nine goals and 15 assists in 35 games. He is tied with Moncton’s Brandon Gormley for 20th in league scoring among defenseman.

“We are thrilled to have him,” said Sea Dogs director of hockey operations Mike Kelly in a release. “He is an elite defenseman that will provide a steadying influence on our blue line”

Saint John’s defense has been pretty good this season, but it was obvious at times they were lacking in some areas. Judging by his talent analysis on Hockey’s Future, Gelinas is just what the doctor ordered.

Gelinas displayed leadership qualities this past season in Lewiston, anchoring a mostly inexperienced blueline corps. He has some offensive ability, and has shown himself to be a responsible defensive player, as well. If a scout believes that there is some upside to his game, then Gelinas might be a wise selection for a team looking for a defenseman with size and overall ability.

The Sea Dogs have done a nice job at adding some depth to their defense core over the holiday trading period. Along with Gelinas, the team acquired Jason Seed from the Gatineau Olympiques who should be a suitable replacement for Cloutier.

Saint John now boasts a solid defense unit headlined by Gelinas, Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Simon Despres, the always steady Pierre Durepos and Kevin Gagne, and offensive blue-liner Nathan Beaulieu.

Gelinas played last night for the Sagueneens against the Montreal Juniors. The Sea Dogs’ next game is Saturday night in Halifax.

The trading period closes tomorrow at 1:00 pm AST.