The former Saint John Sea Dogs defender is currently playing in the East Coast Hockey League with the Victoria Salmon Kings, the Vancouver Canucks’ ‘AA’ affiliate. The 20-year old was expected to play with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League, but unfortunately for Sauve, he was hit by a car during Canucks rookie camp and was out of game action for over two months.
"I've been out for two months now and I've got to say I've (come) a long way to get in shape,” said Sauve to the Vancouver Sun earlier this week. “I can just worry about my game. The coach will decide whose playing."
But with a demotion the ECHL and still recovering from the effects of a concussion, rumblings that the first overall selection in the 2006 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft could be returning to the Sea Dogs have begun.
In Tuesday’s L’Acadie Nouvelle, Stephane Paquette reported that the Sea Dogs are denying the rumors of Sauve returning.
Later that night, Canadian Hockey League Insider Sam Cosentino went on The Pipeline Show to talk about Sauve’s possible return (full interview can be found HERE by selecting “CHL Insider: Part 2”).
“It’s slim,” said Cosentino about the possible return of Sauve. “When we were there for the Subway Super Series I spoke to Gerard Gallant and Mike Kelly and they thought he was on their radar; there’s no question about it that there’s a chance. They put that chance somewhere around 50%.”
“I spoke to Mike Gillis the other day – the GM of the Canucks – and I asked him that question. There was a need for bodies in the East Coast league. It was a good place for him to go to get started. It was under the watchful eye of Vancouver.”
“Once they get a little healthier, he is going to report to Manitoba first. They want to try and get him into some games before Christmas time, and maybe, just after the Christmas break, where he’s playing 15-20 minutes a game and then from there make a determination.”
Cosentino went on to say that Gillis “did not close the door” on Sauve returning to Saint John.
“I wouldn’t rule it out yet. I would call it, a probability of it happening, probably at 50% right now. “
Sauve is still considered a wildcard to return. But with the acquisition of Steven Delisle’s rights earlier this season, it’s clear the Sea Dogs are looking for a strong defenseman to help boost their team’s chances down the stretch and into the post-season.
Adding Sauve would be a huge boost for an already steady defense core. Add the veteran to a lineup featuring the experienced Simon Despres, Nathan Beaulieu, Kevin Gagne, Pierre Durepos, and Gabriel Bourret and its shutdown city.
But, if Sauve does not return, there will surely be other options if the Sea Dogs are looking to add a body on defense. Who knows, even a relatively minor transaction like the Christian Morin deal last season could do the trick.
The QMJHL trade deadline opens on December 19.
Photo Credit: David Connell Web Album
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