By: Jonathan Turcotte | Follow me on Twitter / X @akaJonnyT
On Thursday, the Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) announced they acquired forward Cole Chandler in a trade with the Shawinigan Cataractes. Chandler is a Boston Bruins prospect. In addition to Chandler, the Eagles acquired German forward Elias Schneider, who was a first-round pick in the 2025 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft, and a 2026 third-round draft pick. In exchange for that package, the Cataractes received several future draft assets, including a 2026 first-round pick, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick.
For Chandler, this move brings him back to his home province. The six-foot-two, 176-pound center is originally from Bedford, Nova Scotia, making his transition to the Nova Scotia-based Eagles a natural fit. He was originally selected by Shawinigan with the sixteenth overall pick in the first round of the 2023 QMJHL Draft, and he has spent his entire major junior career developing within their organization.
Over the course of his time with the Cataractes, Chandler became a regular fixture in Shawinigan’s lineup and was used in all situations. Across his major junior career, including all playoff appearances, he has skated in 175 total games, tallying 41 goals and 67 assists for an impressive 108 points. Boston selected Chandler in the fifth round of the 2025 National Hockey League (NHL) Draft after two seasons in Shawinigan.
Chandler’s game is built around a high hockey IQ and a willingness to compete physically while playing responsibly at center. Throughout his time in Shawinigan, he was frequently tasked with shutting down the top offensive lines of opposing teams while still taking shifts on the power play, the penalty kill, and at even strength. Bruins Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Nadeau previously noted that Chandler plays a traditional two-way game, and his skating improved dramatically over the course of his draft year to give him significantly more explosiveness.
Offensively, the Bedford native is considered more of a playmaking forward than a pure goal scorer. His ability to read the play helps him create turnovers and move the puck effectively in transition. As Chandler moves to Cape Breton, he could have an opportunity to take on a larger role while continuing to develop his offensive game.
The Eagles paid a significant price to acquire Chandler, suggesting they view him as an important part of their plans moving forward. The trade also provides the young center with an elevated role closer to home, giving him the perfect environment to continue his development.
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