Higgins odd overager out

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SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs officially announced on Thursday the acquisition of overage goaltender Mikhail Denisov.

The Sea Dogs traded for the netminder on Wednesday, sending a "conditional" 10th-round draft pick in the 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

With Denisov being a 20-year-old, the Sea Dogs needed to part ways with one of their three existing overage players. The odd man out, as expected, is defenseman Tyler Higgins.

“We are sad to see Tyler go,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a news release. “He is a good person and has been in this league a long time. The overage rule can be cruel. We will work closely with Tyler over the coming days to help him find the next best fit. We want nothing but the best for him. Our young defensemen will continue to be counted on to step up in all situations.”

The Sea Dogs acquired the veteran d-man in the off-season from the Gatineau Olympiques in exchange for a 12th-round pick in the 2021 Draft. Higgins recorded two assists in 18 games with Saint John.

This past week's moves indicate there are more to come. The acquisition of Denisov obviously means there is another move to happen in net over the next month or so. Alex D'Orio will presumably be traded to a contender and it's hard to say what the future may hold for Tommy DaSilva, who has struggled mightily since joining the club.

16-year-old forward Dawson Stairs is with the team for the next few games, but league rules indicate that it's unlikely he'll play in many more matches this season due to his age. Forward Kevin Mason, meanwhile, has rejoined the Pictou County Weeks Crushers of the Maritimes Junior Hockey League and recorded two goals in his return on Thursday.

This season's QMJHL trading period takes place Dec. 16 to Jan. 6.

The Sea Dogs, losers of 14 straight games, host Joe Veleno and the Drummondville Voltigeurs on Friday night at 7 p.m.