QMJHL trading season has begun

SAINT JOHN - One day into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's trading period, Joe Veleno is still a Saint John Sea Dog.

The QMJHL's annual trading period began earlier today with a few deals being announced. Veleno heading to the Drummondville Voltigeurs was not one of them.

According to Voltigeurs reporter Jonathan Habashi, the deal should be announced tomorrow.

Des détails administratifs empêcheraient la #LHJMQ d’officialiser l’échange de Joe Veleno, et ce, même si le marché des transactions est ouvert depuis ce matin. Le tout devrait se régler demain. @Voltigeurs_DRU @SJSeaDogs

— Jonathan Habashi (@JonathanHabashi) December 18, 2017

Reports indicate that Veleno will be traded to Drummondville in exchange for five draft picks: three first rounders and two second rounders.

Veleno has not played with Saint John since news broke of the trade.

Thank you @jveleno91 pic.twitter.com/k6PJ8seCxk

— Anthony Stella (@AnthonyStella_) December 16, 2017

Meanwhile, the Sea Dogs made a small trade that got a significant return last week, sending prospect Max-Antoine Melancon to the Shawinigan Cataractes in exchange for a second round pick in the 2019 QMJHL Entry Draft.

Melancon was a fourth-round pick of Saint John in the 2017 QMJHL Entry Draft. He made his QMJHL debut on Saturday, recording a goal and an assist for the Cataractes.