The Halifax Mooseheads have made a significant trade ahead of the closing of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) trade window. In a strategic move, the team has sent star goalie Mathis Rousseau and veteran winger Logan Crosby to the Moncton Wildcats. In return, the Mooseheads have acquired goalie Jacob Steinman, along with two second-round draft picks and a fourth-round pick.
Halifax General Manager Cam Russell commented on the trade, stating, “Mathis has done everything and more that we could have ever expected him to in a Mooseheads jersey. These decisions are never easy, but we wanted to give him a chance at winning a championship while helping our team get better for the future. We wish him and Logan the best of luck in Moncton.” This indicates a thoughtful approach by the management, balancing the current competitive goals with future ambitions.
Mathis Rousseau has been a standout player for the Mooseheads, solidifying his place in the franchise's history. According to the team's records, Rousseau ranks second only to Zach Fucale in the Mooseheads franchise with 93 career wins. Additionally, he holds the second spot behind Dany Dallaire for career save percentage at .912, and concludes his tenure in Halifax with an impressive goals against average of 2.74, placing him third in team history.
Logan Crosby, a native of Nova Scotia, has also made contributions during his time with the Mooseheads. Over the course of four seasons, he accumulated 58 points in 163 games. His departure marks the end of his notable tenure with the club, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication.
In the trade’s aftermath, the Mooseheads are set to benefit from Jacob Steinman’s impressive performance as a goalie. He is currently recognized for having the league's best goals against average at 2.13 and securing the second-best save percentage at .928. His skills in net will be pivotal as the Mooseheads look to strengthen their roster and improve their standings in the league.
The added draft picks could pave the way for future development within the organization, allowing the Mooseheads to build a stronger foundation for upcoming seasons. This cautious but ambitious endorsement of draft capital shows the team’s commitment to evolving while still considering the immediate competitive landscape.
As the QMJHL season progresses, fans are likely to keep a close eye on both the Mooseheads and the Wildcats. Rousseau and Crosby transitioning to Moncton opens a new chapter for these players while, simultaneously, Steinman’s insertion into the Mooseheads' lineup raises expectations for the team’s performance moving forward. The implications of this trade resonate beyond the present, as the Mooseheads seek to realign their strategy in pursuit of success both now and in the future.
