Logan Mailloux has been one of the most polarizing prospects in the Montreal Canadiens organization, for reasons that are well-known. However, the young defenseman has made remarkable strides both on and off the ice since being selected 31st overall in the 2021 NHL Draft. While his personal growth has been commendable, it’s his on-ice progression that’s now beginning to validate the Canadiens’ decision to take a chance on him.
In his first six NHL games, the Belle River, Ontario native tallied four points—a promising start for a 21-year-old defenseman. Despite this, the Canadiens opted to send him back to Laval, believing that additional time in the AHL would help refine aspects of his game. The mandate? Focus on his defensive play to evolve into a well-rounded, reliable player.
At the end of December, Laval Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent made headlines by removing Mailloux from the top power-play unit. While this decision initially sparked speculation about Mailloux’s standing in the organization, Vincent clarified the move as part of a strategy to prepare the defenseman for a complete 200-foot role.
“The power play is not what’s going to get him to the NHL,” Vincent explained. “We want him to become a player coaches can trust all over the ice.”
This move was misunderstood by some, particularly those not closely following the Rocket, who speculated that Adam Engström had leapfrogged Mailloux on the Canadiens’ defensive depth chart. However, recent comments from Vincent suggest otherwise, as he praised Mailloux’s noticeable improvement.
“I find him more aggressive with the puck, which we liked a lot at the start of the season,” Vincent said. “Logan is a good skater with size and reach. We’ve worked on his gap control without the puck, and he’s made great strides. That allows him to break up plays and leverage his offensive tools effectively.”
For an offensive-minded defenseman like Mailloux, development isn’t always linear. Balancing offensive instincts with defensive responsibility often means sacrificing point production in the short term to establish a well-rounded game. Coaches in Laval are helping Mailloux refine his decision-making, particularly when it comes to choosing when to carry the puck or join the rush.
This developmental approach isn’t unique to Mailloux. Lane Hutson, another highly touted Canadiens prospect, is undergoing similar coaching in Montreal. As Jeff Gorton recently explained on The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test, Martin St. Louis and Stéphane Robidas are giving Hutson the freedom to learn on the job while emphasizing situational awareness.
“The only thing they stress on him is the timing sometimes,” Gorton noted.
At just 21 years old, Mailloux’s potential is evident despite the challenges he’s faced, including missed development time during the COVID years and his OHL suspension. His determination to improve, coupled with his ability to adapt to coaching, makes him one of Montreal’s most exciting prospects.
With 22 points in 35 games this season—on pace for 42 points in 67 games—Mailloux’s offensive game remains strong, even as he works on becoming a more complete player. His progress hasn’t gone unnoticed, as he was selected to represent Laval at the AHL All-Star Game for the second straight season.
Mailloux with another game winner yesterday for the @rocketlaval.bsky.social. Whomever claims that he has fallen in the #Habs' prospects rankings might want to revisit a flawed take… He has been working hard on other aspects of this game, but the offense will always be there. #GoHabsGo #Habs
— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2025-01-27T13:20:33.048Z
It’s clear that the Canadiens have high hopes for Mailloux, envisioning him as a cornerstone of their defensive core in the future. While some fans may focus on statistics or question his readiness, his trajectory suggests that patience will pay off.
As Mailloux continues to refine his game, the Canadiens are positioning him to become a versatile, reliable defenseman—one who could have a long-lasting impact at the NHL level.
WHAT?!? #GoHabsGo #Habs
— JD Lagrange (@jdlagrange.bsky.social) 2025-01-27T15:34:45.361Z
For more insights on Logan Mailloux’s development, check out Grant McCagg’s breakdown on The Sick Podcast – Recrutes Draftcast, including video analysis starting at the 30-minute mark on YouTube.
