Links - telegraphjournalcom QMJHL managers eye Blue chip - North River Minor Hockey Association

telegraphjournalcom QMJHL managers eye Blue chip blueliners SCOTT BRIGGS Breaking News New Brunswick CanadaCanadaEastcom TelegraphJournal Times & Transcript The Daily Gleaner Ltoile Log In Register Search Subscribe Write the Editor Contact Bathurst Campbellton Fredericton Grand Falls Miramichi Moncton Rothesay Saint John Sussex Woodstock here CareerBeaconcom Classifieds HOME FEATURES ACTUALITS OPINION THE CITY THE NORTH BUSINESS SPORTS ESCAPADE MAGAZINE SALON WHEELS QMJHL managers eye Blue chip bluelinersPublished Wednesday December 16th 2009 Hockey Teams fielding enquiries as trading period approachesB12SCOTT BRIGGSTELEGRAPHJOURNALStumble UpondeliciousDiggFacebookPrintEmailSpeak UpSAINT JOHN ValdOr Foreurs head coach MarcAndre Dumont still isnt sure if his team will recover from its difficult first halfEnlarge Photo The Canadian PressDefenceman Marco Scandella left is among the players GMs covet heading into the QMJHL trading period which begins Saturday Whats certain however is that 19yearold defenceman Marco Scandella will not return next year creating intriguing questions leading up to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League trade period that begins Saturday and ends Jan 7 at 1 pm (AT)Its a good question Dumont said when asked about Scandellas potential availability Its been a hell of a ride for us Our initial plan (for a playoff run) is still on the table but were keeping all options open We could modify our plansThe Foreurs (121930) are last in the Telus Western Division and 15th in the 18team loop with 27 points But thats enough for a playoff position if the postseason party started today which is why Dumont isnt conceding anything just yetDumont whos dealing with trade talks while hockey operations director Mario Carriere recovers from illness said ValdOr has endured its share of injury issues But Dumont also realizes Scandella is in Minnesotas plans next seasonScandella got a taste of the pro ranks last year with the Wilds American Hockey League affiliate in Houston The Montreal native was still competing for a spot at the national junior teams selection camp through Tuesday nightIm sure hell be playing pro hockey for us (next season) Minnesota assistant general manager Tom Thompson said Tuesday With defencemen it usually takes a little longer (to reach the NHL) but hes certainly part of our futureThe Wild drafted Scandella in the second round (55th overall) in 2008 after a 14point season as a rookie He added 37 last year and is averaging a point per game this seasonWith a 6foot3 220pound frame Scandella also offers size On top of that Thompson said the blueliner has great footwork reach and overall strengthHes developed into a real stud physically the assistant GM said He loves playing and hes aggressive Id say the defining...