Sea Dogs acquire Miller from Phoenix

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs made one of the first deals of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League trading period on Sunday, acquiring 17-year-old forward Coen Miller from the Sherbrooke Phoenix.

In exchange for Miller, the Sea Dogs sent 17-year-old forward Chad Bellemare and a 10th-round pick in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft to the Phoenix.

Miller is in his first QMJHL season, posting two goals and three assists in 18 games with Sherbrooke. He was a third-round pick of the Phoenix in 2022.

The Bedford, NS native split last season between the under-18 Cole Harbour Wolfpack and the MHL's South Shore Lumberjacks. Miller posted a solid 14 goals and 12 assists in 23 games with the Lumberjacks.

Bellemare, meanwhile, skated in 24 games with the Sea Dogs during the first half, recording five assists. He also appeared in two games with the club last season.

A fourth-round pick of Saint John in 2022, Bellemare has exceptional speed and skating but hasn't quite found his finish at the QMJHL level. He was a healthy scratch the past few games — presumably in anticipation of this deal.

The Sea Dogs visit Sherbrooke on Feb. 25.

The QMJHL's holiday trade period ends on Jan. 6.