Report: Labbé wants to play in QMJHL

Nanaimo Clippers

Goaltender Kyan Labbé is reportedly heading to the QMJHL – but it doesn't look like it will be with the Saint John Sea Dogs.

According to Sherbrooke radio station 107.7 Estrie, Labbé and his agent have reportedly requested a trade from the Sea Dogs. The 17-year-old was a fourth-round pick of Saint John in the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft.

LHJMQ: le gardien Sherbrookois Kyan Labbé est de retour à la maison après un passage dans la BCHL. Il aurait demandé une transaction aux @StJohnSeadogs #LHJMQ

— Marc Bryson (@MbrysonCogeco) November 19, 2024

Labbé is committed to the NCAA's Union College for the 2026-27 season. The netminder has been playing with the BCHL's Nanaimo Clippers this season where he's posted a 2-1 record to go along with a 4.33 goals against average and a .889 save percentage.

Labbé is no longer listed on the Clippers website and he appears to be the latest player to jump from the BCHL to the CHL following the NCAA rule change. The BCHL has long been a league where NCAA recruits played before heading south of the border.

Last season, Labbé helped the Magog Cantonniers win the Telus Cup. He was named the tournament's best goaltender after being named the Quebec under-18 league's playoff MVP and top defensive player.

The biggest knock against Labbé is his size. Elite Prospects lists him at 5'9" and 161 lbs.

Requesting a trade from the Sea Dogs, if true, doesn't come as a huge surprise given Saint John's current goaltending situation. Charles-Edward Gravel has likely been Saint John's MVP so far this season and, given that he is an overager, dealing him to a contender at Christmas would be tricky. Then there's Justin Robinson who the team likely wants to hold onto – and get into some games – for future seasons.

The QMJHL's trading period opens next month.