Canadiens Prospect Logan Mailloux Makes NHL Debut – Hockey Writers – Montreal Canadiens

In the summer of 2021, former Montreal Canadiens general manager (GM) Marc Bergevin used his last first-round pick with the team to draft defenseman Logan Mailloux at No. 31. After a tumultuous three seasons in which Mailu played limited games due to various ice factors, the Ontario native was with the big club after an incredibly successful first season in American Hockey League professional hockey. (AHL) Laval Rocket.

Mailu, who turned 21 on Monday (April 15), has scored an impressive 14 goals and 47 points in 70 AHL games this season to represent the Rockets in the 2024 All-Star Game. He turned pro after a 25-goal, 53-point campaign with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), despite only playing in 16 OHL games.

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He'll look to make an impression with the Canadiens, who play their final regular-season game Tuesday night against the Detroit Red Wings. His recall comes shortly after the long-awaited signing of fellow defenseman Lane Hutson, who made his debut Monday night and recorded his first NHL point on Brendan Gallagher's tally while playing over 21 minutes.

The choice is full of contradictions

As many fans may know, Mailloux's selection was not without opposition or controversy – certainly some never expected him to suit up in the NHL. The 6-foot-3 quarterback opted out of the 2021 draft, but Bergevin reversed his decision and ultimately used the team's lone first-round pick that offseason to select him. Coming on the heels of the team's forgettable 2021 Stanley Cup Final run, perhaps the negative public reaction to the pick was a foreshadowing of things to come, as the Canadiens would finish just one spot in last place in the entire league. a season removed from their magical run.

Mailloux, after the draft, was ruled ineligible to play in the NHL by commissioner Gary Bettman and was suspended indefinitely by the OHL. That meant he played just 12 games for London that season, scoring three goals and nine points. Despite making significant strides off the ice, Mailu was far from becoming a favorite prospect in the team's deep prospect pool. His selection until 2022-23 was still fraught with controversy, and given the small size of the effort, he had yet to win over the fan base.

However, after posting an astounding 0.42 goals-against average (35 goals in 82 games) in his first and only full OHL season, along with 24 points in 21 playoff games, he slowly began to show for the team. Fans wonder why Bergevin took the gamble on him.

Rapid growth in first professional season

Mailloux moved to the AHL for his 2023-24 season, and many fans were waiting to see how he would adjust to professional hockey. While there were immediate challenges to start the season, questions of maturity and his defensive game needing refinement, he benefited greatly from the atmosphere of a professional hockey club, becoming the team's leading rookie scorer with 14 goals. He spent his brief time playing with Arber Hekaj (“Canadiens' Arber Hekaj Makes the Most of AHL Demotion, Paying It Forward in Laval”, 4/1/24, athletic), He's had a big positive impact on his game, and maybe he'll want to get some minutes with another OHL graduate before his NHL debut.

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Like any NHL prospect before his big league debut, Mailloux still needs to mature and improve. He has shown impressive strides and growth since being selected in the first round and has quickly risen among the team's strong defensive prospect pool. As one of the few right-handed defenders in his pool, he will be given every opportunity to showcase his impressive attacking instincts, powerful and quick shooting and explosive strides. That first impression will give the Canadiens an idea of ​​where Belle River, Ontario is in the middle of their crowded blue line as the 2024-25 season rolls around and hopes for the team rise.