Sea Dogs Add Veteran Presence on the Blue Line with Acquisition of Julien Lanthier

The Saint John Sea Dogs made a significant move to strengthen their defence Monday, acquiring 20-year-old blueliner Julien Lanthier from the Shawinigan Cataractes in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick (originally belonging to Charlottetown) and a conditional 2028 second-round selection.

The move brings one of the QMJHL’s more experienced defencemen to Saint John as the organization looks to take another step forward heading into the upcoming season.

Sea Dogs President and General Manager Trevor Georgie believes Lanthier’s experience and leadership qualities will make an immediate impact.

“Julien is one of the most experienced defencemen in the league,” Georgie said. “We are adding a reliable, high-character, two-way defenceman with more than 30 playoff games of experience who wants to win.”

Originally from Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Lanthier was selected 10th overall by the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the first round of the 2022 QMJHL Draft. Since entering the league, he has established himself as a dependable presence on the back end, capable of contributing in all situations.

Last season, the six-foot, 185-pound defenceman recorded 15 points, including three goals and 12 assists, in 43 regular-season games with Shawinigan. He also chipped in offensively during the playoffs, collecting three points in eight postseason contests.

Perhaps more importantly for Saint John, Lanthier arrives with extensive playoff experience. Over his QMJHL career, he has appeared in 35 playoff games, recording two goals and seven assists while gaining valuable experience in high-pressure situations.

For Lanthier, the trade represents an opportunity to join a team with its sights set on competing.

“I am very excited for this new chapter,” he said. “I can’t wait to join a team that is ready to win. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and the fans.”

The acquisition signals that the Sea Dogs are looking for stability and experience on their blue line, adding a player who has already logged significant minutes in both regular-season and playoff competition.

Another Move for Saint John

The Sea Dogs also completed a second transaction with Shawinigan, sending forward William Yared to the Cataractes in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in the 2029 QMJHL Draft.

Georgie said the move came after discussions with the player and was viewed as the right opportunity for everyone involved.

“After discussions with William, the timing made sense for a fresh start for him,” Georgie said. “We wish him the best of luck with his new team and in taking the next step in his hockey career.”

The Bottom Line

The headline move is clearly the addition of Lanthier. Saint John adds a former first-round draft pick, a veteran presence, and a player with considerable playoff experience at a time when leadership and reliability on the blue line can make a major difference.

While the Sea Dogs part with valuable draft capital, they acquire a proven QMJHL defenceman who appears ready to play an important role as the club pushes toward a winning season. For a team looking to move forward, adding a player who has been through playoff battles and understands what’s required to compete every night could prove to be a worthwhile investment.