A real slap in the face for Logan Mailloux is about to happen

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David St-Jean
July 20, 2024 (11:55)

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Kent Hughes will have important decisions to make for the upcoming season, especially concerning defensemen and Logan Mailloux.

Indeed, there are currently too many defensemen on the team, and several of them deserve a spot in the NHL. The situation was relatively straightforward last year, but it is more complicated for the upcoming season.

Justin Barron and Arber Xhekaj were sent to Laval without needing to go through waivers, Lane Hutson was in the NCAA, and Logan Mailloux was developing in the American Hockey League (AHL).

This year, Justin Barron, Arber Xhekaj, and Jordan Harris will all be eligible for waivers, which complicates things. Additionally, Lane Hutson is expected to start in Montreal.

«Indeed, since Justin Barron is waiver-eligible, he might have a slight advantage over his teammate, despite the fact that Logan Mailloux would thoroughly deserve a spot with the main team.»

What does this mean for Logan Mailloux?

Kent Hughes might have to leave him with the Rocket if he fails to complete a trade involving at least one defenseman.

«If they don't want Justin Barron as a 7th defenseman and want to give him a regular role at the start of the season, Logan Mailloux will probably head to Laval to continue gaining experience.»

- Grant McCagg

With the progress Logan has made, it would be a setback to send him back to the AHL. According to many, he is ready to make the jump to the NHL.

Kent Hughes really has his hands tied, and it would be unfortunate if the development of such a promising young player as Mailloux were to be hampered due to business considerations.