Does Gatineau want the No. 3 pick too?

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The Gatineau Olympiques currently have the first, second and fourth overall picks in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft. But could they possibly be looking to... move up?

That was speculated by the Gatineau newspaper Le Droit today. The Saint John Sea Dogs, of course, currently own the third overall pick - a pick that would have been Gatineau's had the Dogs not slid up to No. 3 through the draft lottery.

After Tristan Luneau at No. 1, predictions for how the first round will shake down vary. Gatineau obviously would have three players they badly want in order to spend the assets to move up a spot.

The Olympiques also have the 13th and 23rd overall picks in this year's Draft, one of which would likely have to be packaged to Saint John along with the No. 4 pick in order to acquire the No. 3 spot.

Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie told Rogers TV last week that he expects his team to be picking at No. 3. Of course, at this time of year, things can change quickly.

"I don't suspect that we'll move that pick," Georgie said. "I expect us to pick at three. But if something makes a lot of sense for us - not just for this year but more multiple seasons - we'll certainly look at it. But as of now I would expect to pick at three."

The Sea Dogs also have the 15th overall pick in the first round.

Meanwhile, in other news that may or may not impact the Sea Dogs, it has been reported that Halifax Mooseheads goaltender Alexis Gravel will not be signed by the Chicago Blackhawks, the team that drafted him the sixth-round of the 2018 NHL Draft. This means that it is even more likely that Gravel will spend his overage season in the QMJHL.

Gravel would be a good fit for the Sea Dogs, who could use an experienced netminder to split time with Noah Pateneaude, who had plenty of ups and downs in his rookie season.

"There are a lot of goalies out there that are 19 and 20 that I think could be good mentors for Noah or share the duties," Georgie said last week. "We're going to look at getting a goalie in here to share those duties with Noah and may the best goalie win."

Gravel has plenty of experience, helping the Mooseheads reach the Memorial Cup final in 2019.

There's obviously been some mixed feelings between the Sea Dogs and Mooseheads in recent years - the controversial Ostap Safin trade and the postponed Classified game earlier this year - but hopefully that does not get in the way of any potential moves that could benefit both sides.

In other news...

• The 2020 Memorial Cup would have started today in Kelowna with the host Rockets taking on the OHL champion. Sad times.
• The Rockets finished the season barely above .500 with a 29-28-3-3 record. They were never considered the favourites in the WHL, but their season was hurt significantly by a steady stream of injuries.
• Tomorrow is the three-year anniversary of Saint John getting lit up 12-5 by the Erie Otters at the 2017 Memorial Cup. Never forget.
• Surprisingly - but also not surprisingly? - USA Hockey is moving forward with its World Junior Summer Showcase, scheduled for late July in Plymouth. Hockey Canada will not be taking part in the event.