Lawrence returns to Maritimes Division

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

A former Saint John Sea Dog was involved in a major trade on Monday.

20-year-old forward Josh Lawrence was dealt from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada to the Halifax Mooseheads in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft and a first-round selection in 2024.

Mooseheads make significant trade to land star forward Josh Lawrence from the Armada.

"He brings elite level offense and valuable experience" - Cam Russell

Details: https://t.co/KragjsVtMq | #GoMooseGo pic.twitter.com/d6WgrfSY57

— Halifax Mooseheads (@HFXMooseheads) November 28, 2022

Lawrence was in his first season with the Armada after spending the first four years of his junior career in Saint John. A trade was suspected when the Fredericton native was listed as a healthy scratch by the Armada on Sunday.

Lawrence recorded 101 points with the Sea Dogs last season, helping the team capture the Memorial Cup on home ice.

“We are very pleased to add someone of Josh’s caliber to our already talented lineup," said Mooseheads general manager Cam Russell in a news release. "He brings elite level offense and valuable experience that will help our club tremendously this season."

Lawrence got off to a slow start this season and was held off the scoresheet in his first six games. He has really turned things around since then, posting 15 goals and 32 points in a total of 25 games. He sits 14th in league scoring.

The Armada have had a disappointing year after a big off-season that saw them acquire Lawrence and Charlottetown's Patrick Guay. Guay ended up turning pro; the Armada sit last in the West Division with a 10-15-0-1 record; and now they've dealt Lawrence back to the Maritimes.

Stopping at UNB for practice today where hometown boy Josh Lawrence was waiting for us.

Add “great photography skills” to play by play guy Garreth MacDonald’s resume! #GoMooseGo pic.twitter.com/Qr9S8yerrr

— Halifax Mooseheads (@HFXMooseheads) November 29, 2022

Lawrence joins an already offensively strong Mooseheads team that sits first in the Maritimes Division. A long playoff run is certainly a possibility in Halifax.

The Sea Dogs were set to face Lawrence for the first time on Sunday in Boisbriand. That first meeting will now happen on Jan. 6 when Halifax visits Saint John. The Dogs and Moose meet five more times in the regular season.