BROSSARD | Logan Mailloux will not have had the opportunity to discover the charm of Mont Tremblant with his teammates. He was cut off on the eve of the Canadian’s departure for this three-day trip and can console himself with the thought that he received kind words from Martin St-Louis.
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In a press conference after a practice session that lasted just over 60 minutes, St-Louis briefly explained the decision to send CH’s 2021 first-round pick to the Laval Rocket.
“We want Logan to play big minutes,” the head coach said. He had a great camp and his future is bright. »
A question of time
For the last two seasons, the Habs have led the NHL in one infamous department: games missed due to injury. In 2022–2023, 39 players have worn the team uniform, including 11 defensemen. In 2021-2022 there were 46 players, including 14 defenders.
St. Louis probably had those numbers in mind when answering a question about the balance between left-handed and right-handed defenders.
“For a good season you need more than 20 players,” he remembers. Even Logan coming down. But including Logan, these guys who are still here will be part of our success this year. Because it takes more than 20 people. If we have them longer it will help because we will need more than 20 people. »
Given the chances of seeing Mailloux back in the NHL this season, the Lightning’s former glory was pretty categorical.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he was accommodated. We will see. Is there anyone who would bet big money on Logan not having an NHL game this year? Who wants to bet on that? I don’t because injuries happen and the youngster has shown that he is capable of playing. »
“It takes more than 20 players, it takes depth, people who are able to take a spot while we wait for us to come back healthy. »
A good camp
St-Louis spoke with Mailloux before leaving for the Rocket. Unlike other coaches, he enjoys meeting the cut players during camp. He doesn’t just leave this mission to Jeff Gorton and Kent Hughes.
“Why am I doing this? It’s important that you tell the player the real reasons. Communication is important for their progress, so I take it seriously. And as a player, I liked knowing why. It’s okay, you’re getting kicked out, it is not the end, it is not a defeat, it is a learning experience. But what is planned for the young person? This is a time when it hurts emotionally.”
“But it’s about talking about the positive,” he continued. We had a good conversation, I was proud of him. Last year he was here for the entire camp. He didn’t play, but there was a lot of progress, especially during training. This year I saw the same thing. No one can say he didn’t have a good camp, despite all his strengths and level of competition. »
Mailloux took part in three of his team’s five preseason games.
Norlinder with confidence
Mattias Norlinder will aim for a different fate than Mailloux in the short term. The Swede is one of ten defenders still in camp. There are two injured people in the group: Chris Wideman (back) and Gustav Lindström.
Martin Chevalier / JdeM
“He’s feeling good in general,” St-Louis noted of Norlinder. He had a very good camp, he’s a good player. He restarts the game, is calm and has good offensive talent. His level of competition is higher than [celui de] last year. He’s not big and he’s good offensively, but that doesn’t change if you don’t compete. He didn’t have an easy job in Toronto. We rate it and we like what we see so far. »