The Canadian has yet to receive official confirmation from the NHL regarding the absolution Gary Bettman offered Logan Mailloux to allow him further development in the NHL. But whether that’s the case or not, it looks like the 20-year-old defender will have to go through Laval before he can land a job at the big club.
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This was suggested by Francis Bouillon, player development coach, who met Monday morning on the sidelines of a golf tournament benefiting the Canadian Children’s Foundation.
“It will be up to him to prove if he can play in his freshman year with the Canadiens. There are surprises every year, said the former defender. On the other hand, he’s a player who hasn’t played much in recent years. He needs to improve some things.”
In 2021, just months after the Canadiens selected him in the first round of the draft (31st overall), the young man was suspended for much of the season by the Ontario Junior Hockey League in connection with events in Sweden. He also suffered a shoulder injury that limited him to 12 games. Last year he had to settle for 53 games.
“I saw it in the juniors last season. We had good conversations. He has very good skills, Bouillon continued. But he didn’t play much. So it’s going to be a big season for him.”
He could imitate Xhekaj
Stéphane Robidas, the assistant coach assigned mainly to defenders, wanted to remind everyone that every player is the master of their destiny and that it is often they who dictate the coaches’ decisions. He had a not too distant example of this.
“Last year a guy like [Arber] Xhekaj was not on the radar. He still secured his spot in practice,” the former NHL back recalled.
“Logan has assets. When he’s in the company of the team’s veterans, it’s up to him to show what he can do. We’ll see where he stands in his development.
What could work to the Ontarioans’ advantage is that the Habs Defense Brigade’s right flank is the worst off of the two. Johnathan Kovacevic, Justin Barron and Chris Wideman patrol this side of the rink. Just like Jordan Harris, who can compete on both sides. We must not forget the arrival of Gustav Lindstrom, acquired as part of the transaction that sent Jeff Petry to Detroit.
Also, little is known about the Swede. Except that he’s 24 years old, a second-round pick (38th overall) by the Red Wings in 2017 and has played 128 games (2 goals, 23 assists) at the Bettman Circuit.
“I don’t know him very well,” Robidas admitted. We watched videos and advanced statistics about him. It will be important to let him come here and give him the opportunity to acclimate. We will make our own observations. We will help him integrate into the organization.”
Calming presence
Whether it’s with Mailloux or Lindstrom, the Habs will continue to count on one of the youngest employees on the blue line. Up to six of its members may be 24 years of age or younger. Kaiden Guhle, Arber Xhekaj and Harris used their early seasons to show they belonged in the NHL. Robidas isn’t worried about her. However, he concedes that the presence of some older veterans is reassuring.
“Joel [Edmundson] had a lot of experience. He was good to us. But we still have guys like Wideman, David Savard and Mike Matheson who will be there for the young people.
Not to mention that Edmundson’s departure will allow the youngsters to assert themselves a little more. Whether in terms of leadership or responsibility on the ice.