Prospect Info: Logan Mailloux Part 3 The Only Hockey Talk Thread

[Tyson]

The battle for Mailloux is going to be consistency on D and risk management in every zone. He is literally learning that aspect of the game on the spot. Will he internalize in such a way where it becomes almost second nature? I doubt it.

From that stand point, consistency is harder to come by.

But his offensive tools are undeniable. Great shot, great reach, some impressive vision for outlet passes.

I have a soft spot for redemption stories, cheering for him.

Marty likes him and he might just be here to stay. I am not saying he should stay but maybe management might think he should be learning at the NHL level moving forward.

 

[EtLeBut2]

Worth giving him the season to prove he's worth something at this point, the tools are obvious but he's not just bad defensively, he's well below replacement level.

 

[Deebs]

Worth giving him the season to prove he's worth something at this point, the tools are obvious but he's not just bad defensively, he's well below replacement level.

If we're able to con someone to take Savy, slide him in that 3rd pairing and give him the rest of the season. The back down for the playoffs with Laval if possible

 

[HabzSauce]

Marty likes him and he might just be here to stay. I am not saying he should stay but maybe management might think he should be learning at the NHL level moving forward.

Good for the tank too

 

[Tyson]

Good for the tank too

If he replaces a vet like Savard I would agree

 

[1909]

Good for the tank too

At this point nothing important to lose . So play the youth and keep Beck and Mailloux...

Geez, it takes long to have Heineman back….

 

[bleuetbio]

I think Mailloux has been good. He just dont gave the perfect partner to play with yet. Still a raw project at this point and we should give him a lot of NHL time since the end of the season.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I think Mailloux has been good. He just dont gave the perfect partner to play with yet. Still a raw project at this point and we should give him a lot of NHL time since the end of the season.

Maybe people are seeing something that I’m not. As a result of his skating limitations, we were always in trouble when Mailloux was on the ice as he doesn’t have the mobility, acceleration to avoid forecheckers. We were trapped in our zone for extended periods when Mailloux is playing.

Will he get faster? I have my serious doubts.

 

[Victoire HuGo]

I think pairing him and Hutson together is not a good idea at the moment. Xhekaj and Mailloux is way to go.

 

[DAChampion]

Will he get faster? I have my serious doubts.

Asking from a position of inexperience:

Why is it so hard to improve skating?

Does Mailloux have fundamental limitations like a lack of cartilage or always skipping leg day?

 

[ChesterNimitz]

Asking from a position of inexperience:

Why is it so hard to improve skating?

Does Mailloux have fundamental limitations like a lack of cartilage or always skipping leg day?

In my experience, some improvement is possible: a poor skater can become a less poor skater and a good skater can become a bit better skater. But except in the rare occasion, by the age of 20, what you see is largely what you get.

Suzuki is a good example of a player improving his skating after junior. Always, a skillful player, Suzuki lacked high end skating speed. That limitation was shown in the WJC, where Suzuki, facing elite talent, was largely ineffectual. His skating deficiency was why Vegas was willing to trade him away. Since coming to Montreal, Suzuki , while not an elite skater, was able to gain that extra step that made him a budding star in the NHL.

I have followed Mailloux's development/progression closely since he was drafted in 2021. To this writer, Mailloux lacks first step quickness and acceleration that would allow him to avoid forechecking pressure and to effectively transport the puck out of the defensive zone. It's a flaw that I don't see is fixable. All you had to do is watch him last night as the team was under pressure in the defensive zone and Mailloux (and others) were not able to cope and be effective against a heavy sustained forecheck. Mailloux is not an NHL level defenceman as he lacks the necessary skating ability. Just compare him to Luke Hughes who, with a couple of strides, was able to shed forechecking pressure and the puck was exiting the Devils zone.

With a back-end comprised of Savard, Xhekaj, Mailloux and, to a lesser degree, Hutson, we were caught slow against a speedy Devils team. And that overall lack of mobility will be fatal to any successful re-build unless this shortcoming is addressed.

Mailloux has excellent offensive talent. He sees the ice well, he has elite passing ability and a pro level shot. He's tall, has good reach and a nose for the net. Once he is in motion, Mailloux has NHL skating. Mailloux's future with the Canadiens is as a power forward, a conversion that should be easier to effect than most think based on his skill set.