Sea Dogs sign free agent Reynolds; Nationals acquire Woods

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs made a roster on Thursday, signing free agent forward Darien Reynolds.

If Reynolds' name sounds familiar, he attended Sea Dogs training camp this year. The team said he "voluntarily left camp" and was among the Aug. 28 cuts.

“We’re really happy to announce the addition of Darien today as we continue to build for the future,” said Sea Dogs general manager Anthony Stella in a release. “He adds size and physicality to our lineup. We’re excited to get started and see where his development takes him.”

Reynolds has been playing at Stanstead College in Quebec. Elite Prospects has him recording two goals and five assists in eight games this year.

The 17-year-old had 17 goals and 18 assists in 32 games with the under-18 Sydney Rush last season. He also appeared in one MHL game with the Amherst Ramblers.

As Stella noted, Reynolds is a fairly big body. He's listed at 6'3" and 190 lbs.

It's an interesting time of year as a number of teams will bring in players to see what works and what doesn't before the QMJHL's trade deadline in early January. Saint John could also be without two forwards soon because of the World Junior Hockey Championship: Eriks Mateiko and Pavel Simek.

While Reynolds has been added to Saint John's active roster, Francis Woods no longer appears on it. Woods only appeared in five games with Saint John, recording two assists. The CCHL's Rockland Nationals announced earlier this week that they had acquired the rights to the forward.

The Nationals are extremely pleased to announce that they have acquired the rights to 2005 Forward Francis Woods from the @SJSeaDogs of the QMJHL.

The 6’3” 215 pound Gatineau native has spent the majority of the past 3 seasons with the Val D’Or Foreurs and Saint John Sea Dogs. pic.twitter.com/ZMDKTt7Bw4

— Rockland Nationals (@RocklandNatsJrA) December 6, 2023