Report: Dogs to trade Safin to Mooseheads

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SAINT JOHN - Ostap Safin is headed to the Halifax Mooseheads, reports TVA Sports.

Mikael Lalancette reports that the Sea Dogs forward, who was sent back to junior by the Edmonton Oilers last week, will be traded to the Memorial Cup hosts in a deal that has not yet been confirmed.

Un autre gros coup des hôtes du tournoi de la Coupe Memorial 2019: j’ai appris que les Mooseheads mettront mis la main sur Ostap Safin des Sea Dogs. Transaction à être confirmée. #tvasports

— Mikaël Lalancette (@MLalancetteTVA) September 22, 2018

Safin, 19, had 26 goals and 31 assists in 61 games with the Sea Dogs last season. He would have been a big help to the Sea Dogs this season - but trading him makes much more sense. The Dogs drafted two quality imports this year who fit their rebuild much better (and if the Dogs had kept Safin, they would have had to let one go). The return Safin will get - even if it isn't a whole lot - is better than nothing.

What the Sea Dogs get in return is the big question. The team doesn't have a lot of options as there are few teams with vacant - or willing to make vacant - import spots.

The Mooseheads have made the most sense as a trading partner for some time. Halifax has one official import on their active roster - forward Marcel Barinka. If Filip Zadina is returned by the Detroit Red Wings, he and Safin would make a solid duo (the two have played together with the Czech Republic national junior team in the past).

The Sea Dogs host the Moncton Wildcats tomorrow at 2 p.m. Their next meeting with the Mooseheads is on Oct. 12 at Harbour Station.