The Saguenéens de Chicoutimi have made significant moves in the Maritime Junior Hockey League (LHJMQ). In a bold strategy, the team secured two major trade deals to strengthen their roster.
Saguenéens Make Key Acquisitions
First, the team announced the acquisition of 19-year-old defenseman Alexis Bernier from the Drakkar de Baie-Comeau. This transaction involved sending prospect Léo-Gabriel Gosselin and five draft picks back to the Drakkar, including a first-round pick for 2027.
Bernier was initially selected in the third round of the NHL draft by the Seattle Kraken in 2024. However, he has not yet played this season due to an injury sustained at the end of the previous campaign.
Strengthening the Offense
Additionally, the Saguenéens bolstered their offense by acquiring forward Mavrick Lanchance from the Phoenix de Sherbrooke. The 19-year-old has had a strong start to the season, recording 10 goals and 27 points across 29 games.
- Last season, Lanchance scored 34 goals in just 52 games.
- He stands at 5 feet 11 inches and weighs 174 pounds.
Future Moves on the Horizon
It appears the Saguenéens are not finished yet. There are indications that they are also pursuing defenseman Tomas Lavoie from the Cape Breton Eagles. Lavoie, at 6 feet 4 inches and 218 pounds, would complete a formidable right flank alongside Bernier and Alex Huang, a prospect for the Nashville Predators.
In his 24 games during the 2025-2026 season with Cape Breton, Lavoie tallied 21 points. He was a third-round selection by the Mammoth de l’Utah in 2024 and was the first overall pick in the LHJMQ draft in 2022.
With these strategic acquisitions, the Saguenéens de Chicoutimi have clearly sent a strong message to their competitors in the LHJMQ. Their commitment to enhancing their lineup demonstrates their ambition for success this season.
