BOURRET TRADED TO CHICOUTIMI

VICTORIAVILLE, Que. – As was rumored, the Saint John Sea Dogs have traded Gabriel Bourret to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens for a second round pick in next year’s Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft.

Rumors began surfacing just after the Sea Dogs won the Memorial Cup on Sunday that the second-year defenseman was headed to the Sagueneens for a second round pick.

Saint John acquired New Jersey Devils prospect Eric Gelinas from Chicoutimi during the holiday trading period in exchange for rookie Guillaume Cloutier. It was rumored that either Steven Anthony or Danick Gauthier would go back the other way at the draft but it doesn’t appear that will be the case.

It’s unknown at this point if this Bourret trade is part of the Gelinas transaction.

Bourret was selected by Saint John in the sixth round of the 2009 QMJHL Entry Draft. He played in 37 games in his rookie season, compiling three goals and seven assists.

This past season saw Bourret get a lot more ice time. He played in 63 regular season games where he had eight markers and 25 helpers. He played in all 19 of the Sea Dogs’ playoff games, helping them win the President’s Cup and eventually the Memorial Cup. He recorded three assists in the post-season.

Bourret’s play also caught the eye of National Hockey League scouts and was ranked 92nd in Central Scouting’s final rankings amongst North American skaters.

The Sags finished 13th overall in the league this past season with a 27-29-5-7 record. They have a decent amount of young talent going into this season.

With Bourret gone, it’s likely the Dogs will lose three defensemen with Simon Despres and Eric Gelinas both expected to turn pro. Jason Seed, Kevin Gagne, Pierre Durepos, Nathan Beaulieu, Tyrone Sock, and Spencer MacDonald all saw some action on the backend last season.