Marc Denis lashes out at Logan Mailloux and makes a statement that risks frustrating the supporters of the Tricolore

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Elias Edmonson
September 17, 2023 (9:47)

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Eyes were fixed on the numerous prospects of the organization, including Logan Mailloux, on the sidelines of the rookie tournament over the weekend. Unfortunately, while many fans expected to see the 20-year-old defenseman assert himself and dominate the competition, that was far from the case. The Canadiens' prospect had a very difficult game against the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, notably being the victim of a turnover that led to a goal.

However, paired with Jayden Struble on the first defensive pair against the Bruins on Saturday, Mailloux appeared much better. He was solid in possession of the puck and his ease on the ice was quickly noticed. The number 94 even came close to scoring his first goal in the Tricolore uniform during a breakaway, but the Quebecois goaltender, Samuel St-Hilaire, made the save.

However, the excellent Marc Denis, known for his well-formulated analyses, poured cold water on the Montreal fans during his appearance on the "On Jase" show. Indeed, the former NHL goaltender mentioned that no matter the performances of the 2021 first-round pick, he absolutely needs to evolve with the Laval Rocket this season to gain maturity in his game.

"For Mailloux, I would like to see how he behaves at the higher level. He is a defenseman who has improved, who has taken big steps, but who has shown signs of immaturity in his game. I'm not talking off the ice. I'm talking about his game, his celebrations, and his behavior on the ice. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, every year there are surprises, but for me, Logan Mailloux will not be my surprise. Even if he has the best camp in the world, for me, he starts in Laval. He is the kind of personality that needs to learn the hard way. He needs to go through the stages one by one before proving to me that he is an NHL player." - Marc Denis

Wow! That certainly makes it clear!

Although he rebounded in Saturday's match, many experts noted his defensive shortcomings, sometimes making poor decisions in his own territory. There is no doubt that a stint in the American League could greatly benefit him in refining certain aspects of his game. He will certainly have the chance to get quality minutes under the guidance of Jean-François Houle and will be able to continue his progression before truly making the jump to the NHL.

Even though many fans hoped that Mailloux would surprise and carve out a place in the Tricolore lineup, a stint with the Laval Rocket this season seems the most plausible route. After all, the 20-year-old hasn't played much over the last three seasons, and it is much more favorable to give him time to find his bearings and continue his development.

To see Marc Denis' analysis, it's just here.

Credit: Go Nordiques

POLL
Following the two matches played by Logan Mailloux at the end of the week, do you believe that the defenseman is ready for the NHL?
Yes	27	29.3 %
No	65	70.7 %
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