Big Moves Expected as Olympiques Prepare for a Pivotal Stretch
If you’re a fan of the Olympiques de Gatineau, it’s pretty clear that the coming weeks are going to be anything but quiet. As the transaction window in the LHJMQ opens, general manager Serge Beausoleil has made it known that changes are coming, and nothing is being ruled out. This message was delivered openly during his midseason review, and it was framed with honesty, urgency, and a long-term vision.
Right now, the Olympiques’ roster is crowded, with 26 players, including 16 forwards. That number is about to grow again with the official addition of Peter Legostaev, who impressed during his time as an affiliated player by putting up seven points in eight games. With that kind of depth, it has been acknowledged that adjustments will be necessary. Beausoleil has said that every serious offer will be considered if it helps the team move forward. No one has been labeled untouchable, not even captain Jan Golicic, as it was made clear that every player has a price if the return makes sense.
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Another key issue revolves around the four 20-year-old players currently on the roster. By the January 6 trade deadline, that number must be reduced to three. Beausoleil emphasized that these veterans are valued, especially for leadership, but more consistency and competitiveness are expected. Production matters, but so does setting the tone every night.
The bigger picture, though, remains player development. With Gatineau set to host the Memorial Cup in 2028, the organization is clearly thinking ahead. Beausoleil stressed the importance of building young players who compete hard, play inspired hockey, and take pride in wearing the black jersey. Effort, identity, and culture were themes that kept coming up, and it was clear that accepting defeat is not part of the plan.
This season itself has felt like two very different stories. The Olympiques surprised many with a strong start, winning five of their first eight games despite having one of the youngest lineups in the league. Goaltender Danai Shaiikov played a huge role in that success, emerging as one of the league’s best statistically and earning high praise for his winning mentality.
Since early November, however, things have gone off track. With only four wins since then, frustration has set in. Beausoleil admitted his share of the blame, pointing to the challenges of icing such a young team and giving head coach Alexis Loiseau room to grow. While some coaching decisions haven’t always worked, confidence in Loiseau remains strong.
In the end, the message was simple and firm. The Olympiques are better than their recent record suggests, solutions are expected to come mostly from within, and a change in direction is needed now. The pressure is on, and the next few weeks could define where this team is headed.
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