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

[ChesterNimitz]

Mailloux can score 20 goals, and Hutson probably gets 10 goals or more if Mailloux can learn to pass. Their +/- wouldn't be as bad as you suggest.

I started as one of Mailloux's biggest supporters, largely ignoring the noise that surrounded the circumstances of the team's controversial drafting decision. Just look at the title to this thread. As I followed his progress over the years, I soured on Mailloux's potential for reasons that most here know. But throughout my changing views of this prospect, one aspect of Mailloux's game/skillset where my praise remained constant was his passing ability/offensive vision which I have often described was one of the highest among all defencemen currently in the Canadiens' organization. In fact, I stated that Mailloux's first (stretch) pass was the best I had seen since Subban at his peak. When I read that some are questioning Mailloux's passing ability I start to wonder whether they have actually ever seen him play.

Mailloux has marked deficits in his game: passing ability is not one of them. His passing ability and offensive vision are the sole traits that will allow him to succeed at the next level.

 

[koivalev]

If Mailloux used his size and a bit of mean streak to flatten opponents, scored 20 and had a -20 goal differential at even strength, he'd exactly like Souray, whom many loved while he was here. Of course, Mailloux sucks. It's become that about everything Hab-related on the web...

Until this past season, any positive Suzuki comments were either uttered very quickly and at a lower intonation, or followed with a 'BUT'...

Sports forums have become a perfect venue to vent (which I'm currently doing in my own way), but, for some, it's just venting for the sake venting and making up shit about players' flaws is fair game.

I don't see Maillo-o-o-o-ux as a first pairing D, nor as a top-4 D, but he could surely become a physical, 3rd pairing D with Xhekaj. The two showed chemistry during their brief stint in Laval where Xhekaj was able to simplify his game and concentrate on D to complement Mailloux.

Two big boys wreaking havoc certainly helps build each other's confidence out thereon the ice.

Mailloux would probably be a solid 3rd pairing D starting 2026-27 with Xhekaj. Issue then becomes who we see as the other top 4 RD long-term (ideally not Carrier). Konyushkov is really tough to evaluate but he seems like a sleeper candidate.

 

[koivalev]

Mailloux has worked on improving his D game all season long. Some point to his lesser offensive stats as a proof that his game is regressing.

That's just fans in ambush waiting to pounce. Improving the D game isn't impossible for anyone.It requires a will to do this. If Mailloux puts in the effort, his D game will improve enough to be a serviceable 3rd pairing D that can quarterback a 2nd PP wave.

Of course, if you find another GM that believes he can become a stellar top-4 D and is willing to cough up the payday a top-4 RHD commands, make that trade ASAP.

Yeah he's at a bit of a weird junction right now where he won't be valuable to the team this year (and runs the risk of stagnating if he plays another year in the A), but where his trade value is probably much lower than his long-term potential would indicate.

 

[Pompeius Magnus]

There's definitely a scenario where he can have a 10+ season career in the NHL in a specific role , as I said earlier in this thread. Which, coming from as far as he has, is legit a heck of an accomplishment for the young man. He's made himself into a tradable asset at the very least.

 

[Sorinth]

Who is the best LHD that Weber got to play with his entire time here? Edmundson?

We had Petry and Weber and we were dying for a LHD which was frequently discussed on here, and that's my only point. We always said Weber was a #1 and Petry was a #2, and that we needed better LHD to play with them.

All RHD were considered irrelevant to us at the time because we were stacked. Handedness has definitely been in consideration for years.

He played his 1st year with Markov who was still a very good D.

Nobody is saying there was never a time where we didn't need a quality LD, but it wasn't 10+ years of searching for a LD like you first said, and it was enitrely a self inflicted problem from a single offseason where MB decided to get rid of 4 LD and try to scrounge the bargain bin UFA market to replace them.

 

[Kobe Armstrong]

He played his 1st year with Markov who was still a very good D.

Nobody is saying there was never a time where we didn't need a quality LD, but it wasn't 10+ years of searching for a LD like you first said, and it was enitrely a self inflicted problem from a single offseason where MB decided to get rid of 4 LD and try to scrounge the bargain bin UFA market to replace them.

Sure, my point is that talking about LHD vs RHD is not a new issue it’s been a talking point forever

 

[Captain97]

Bruno Gervais said last week neither Mailloux or Redenbacher are NHL ready to start next season, but Redenbacher is very close and likely needs a couple of months of playing time

And Craig Button thinks Reinbacher will make the team out of camp. Now I don't trust Button on much but he's usually pretty good on stuff like this.

 

[koivalev]

And Craig Button thinks Reinbacher will make the team out of camp. Now I don't trust Button on much but he's usually pretty good on stuff like this.

I think he'll certainly be given the opportunity but I think he needs more reps in the AHL, at least another half-season. His balance worries me (especially given the nature of his last injury and how it happened), his defense needs a good amount of work, and he needs to speed up his decision making a bit.

Hopefully he adds some lower-body strength over the summer and gets the reps he needs at the start of next season. I think a Christmas call up is realistic.

 

[malcb33]

Mailloux can score 20 goals, and Hutson probably gets 10 goals or more if Mailloux can learn to pass. Their +/- wouldn't be as bad as you suggest.

Mailloux is improving defensively, but IMO he’s not going to be a stabilizing D partner anytime soon.

Hutson needs a smooth skating, reliable partner, not the guy who’s sketchy defensively with the big shot.

 

[Scriptor]

Mailloux should get a chance on a 3rd pairing with Xhekaj while we continue to look for a viable top-4 RHD

 

[Jackeye BashBros]

How many teams would realistically trade for Mailloux i.e. a real hockey trade and not a Laine trade where the trading team needs to add an asset to get rid of a problem? I say a third of the teams have him on ''do not trade for'' list. The other teams, they maybe willing to get him, but KH would have to add. You trade Price contract no salary retain with Mailloux as a sweetener to a team that needs to reach the cap floor next year. Going forward, KH wants both Guhle and Hutson to be the top4 LHD.with Carrier and Reinbacher the top 4RHD. The initial plan after drafting Hutson was to pair him with Mailloux, but Mailloux stagnation meant KH needed to draft another bigger more defensive RHD in 2023. Konyushkov is a wild card, but at only 6' and 180 pounds, I don't see him in the top 4.

 

[HabsAddict]

Mailloux is improving defensively, but IMO he’s not going to be a stabilizing D partner anytime soon.

Hutson needs a smooth skating, reliable partner, not the guy who’s sketchy defensively with the big shot.

ABSOLUTELY

When I saw M and Hutson paired last fall, that was an experiment guaranteed to fail. Particularly since Hutson was so green. And it was a disaster.

Pairing two offensive defenseman, especially young one is asking for mistakes and missed coverage. To begin with, offensive defenseman take chances and need to be covered. Two of them doubles the risk.

Hutson needs Rein to back him. M needs Guhle to back him. Both Guhle and Rein will grow offensively in their own time.

 

[Walksss]

I think his greatest weakness and strengths are a terrible match for our needs. I also don't think he was ever our best player in laval. He was putting up points because he's a really good trigger guy. He's too slow/predictable at circulating the puck in the o-zone, I can't stand him when he's Qbing the pp rather than being the shooter. I also don't think he's good at all against a cycle, he's improved at defending the rush though. Still takes pretty dumb penalties. I don't see him ever playing the PK at the NHL level, and it'd be nice to replace Savard's contributions somehow. If he really hits, I think he could be a PP2 guy, but he's got a long way to go.

That being said, RDs are worth their weight in gold and I don't move him unless I find someone that meets our needs better than he does.

Yeah I'm gonna disagree with this post, there were obvious times in the playoffs when Mailloux was absolutely the best player for Laval.

As far as his defending the cycle he's a great net-front presence who has the snarl we desperately need, on that point alone he's what we're looking for. He also definitely wins more than his fair share of board battles down low, he's been great at that for long stretches this past season.

I disagree that he's terrible against the cycle, it's always been against the rush and he's made descent strides against that as well. His gap control is significantly better than it was just a year ago and his stick work has improved as well. It's the brain cramps with this guy that will kill him with the fanbase and there's no doubt he suffers from those. Get him more experience and I'm sure that will improve with time.

Finally on the PK he's been a staple down there for a while and they were successful by any metric. Laval had the most penalty minutes in the entire AHL this year and yet gave up the fewest goals in the entire league, clearly they're doing something right and Mailloux is at the forefront of it. To state you'll never see him as a PKer in the NHL is just outright guessing, not based on any objective fact.

 

[morhilane]

I've been posting regularly here since 2012 or so, but I don't recall many people discussing LD vs RD until a couple years ago. I think they were largely discussed as interchangeable.

MSL tried all the LHDs on their off-sides and they are all worst on that side (even Hutson, even if it's not catastrophic), it's the main reason why we are talking more about it in here.

 

[Kojo]

I started as one of Mailloux's biggest supporters, largely ignoring the noise that surrounded the circumstances of the team's controversial drafting decision. Just look at the title to this thread. As I followed his progress over the years, I soured on Mailloux's potential for reasons that most here know. But throughout my changing views of this prospect, one aspect of Mailloux's game/skillset where my praise remained constant was his passing ability/offensive vision which I have often described was one of the highest among all defencemen currently in the Canadiens' organization. In fact, I stated that Mailloux's first (stretch) pass was the best I had seen since Subban at his peak. When I read that some are questioning Mailloux's passing ability I start to wonder whether they have actually ever seen him play.

Mailloux has marked deficits in his game: passing ability is not one of them. His passing ability and offensive vision are the sole traits that will allow him to succeed at the next level.

I liked the pick and defended it so I have no bias against Mailloux. I know he can do an outlet pass, that's easy, that's how he got his first assist in the NHL. What I meant is he's going to have to learn how to pass to Lane Hutson, to set him up for the one-timer. I don't think Mailloux can do that, he's not a great passer in the offensive zone.
He need to learn this skill or he's not going to be usefull to Lane Hutson.

As for your claim that I don't watch Mailloux play and can't appreciate his talent. It's because I think he's boring to watch. He can do a good first pass, wow.

There's still hope for him but if he doesn't learn that skill he's not going to play with Huston on the first pair.

If he's such a great passer, according to your opinion, then why is he still playing in the AHL? He's got size, a big shot, plays physical but can't pass.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I liked the pick and defended it so I have no bias against Mailloux. I know he can do an outlet pass, that's easy, that's how he got his first assist in the NHL. What I meant is he's going to have to learn how to pass to Lane Hutson, to set him up for the one-timer. I don't think Mailloux can do that, he's not a great passer in the offensive zone.
He need to learn this skill or he's not going to be usefull to Lane Hutson.

As for your claim that I don't watch Mailloux play and can't appreciate his talent. It's because I think he's boring to watch. He can do a good first pass, wow.

There's still hope for him but if he doesn't learn that skill he's not going to play with Huston on the first pair.

If he's such a great passer, according to your opinion, then why is he still playing in the AHL?

Well, I guess this is a case where we will have to agree to disagree. The reason Mailloux is still in the AHL (and at times even struggles mightily facing that level of competition) is his lack of acceleration with the puck which renders him glaringly ineffective when pressed by a hard forecheck and his overall deficit in defensive acumen.

 

[Kojo]

Well, I guess this is a case where we will have to agree to disagree. The reason Mailloux is still in the AHL (and at times even struggles mightily facing that level of competition) is his lack of acceleration with the puck which renders him glaringly ineffective when pressed by a hard forecheck and his overall deficit in defensive acumen.

I know you've been watching him a lot and I trust your judgment but if he could learn how to pass to Lane Hutson he wouldn't even have to play defence.

 

[malcb33]

I liked the pick and defended it so I have no bias against Mailloux. I know he can do an outlet pass, that's easy

You lost me there.

Making a crisp first pass on the tape of a flying forward, through traffic, while under pressure in the NHL is not, and will never be, an easy thing to do

 

[Kojo]

You lost me there.

Making a crisp first pass on the tape of a flying forward, through traffic, while under pressure in the NHL is not, and will never be, an easy thing to do

He's never done that in the NHL ever what the f*** are you talking about?? Under pressure, like what? He did it once against the Red Wings.

Then this year he was dogshit. If he was making crisp passes in the NHL they wouldn't have sent him back down.

Are you watching the same player? Is there a clip of him doing a pass in high traffic in the offensive zone in the NHL?

There is none, he's not that kind of player. He need to learn that skill or he'll never be the guy for Hutson.

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I know you've been watching him a lot and I trust your judgment but if he could learn how to pass to Lane Hutson he wouldn't even have to play defence.

I guess we have some common ground after all: that the only way Mailloux will have success in the NHL will be as a forward. Time will soon tell if my pessimism has been warranted.

But there is a larger picture here. As a former lawyer and now a sport administrator, I have had to deal with numerous young athletes who faced significant off field/ ice challenges. Some are consumed by these challenges, others overcome them. It took a lot of courage and determination from Mailloux, who was drafted in the proverbial eye of the storm, to overcome his notoriety and the developmental interruptions he faced resulting from injuries and COVID to reach the AHL. That determination should not be overlooked. Its a level of determination that should be respected.

I do. And I hope he can take the next step.

 

[Naslundforever]

Habs would have big enough wingers if Mailloux, Matheson and Arber X were to go for it. Leaves enough guys to play D almost.

Hutson - Reinbacher - Guhle - Carrier - Struble - Protz

Sry Imma outa here

 

[HabsAddict]

I read the choices...and it's none of the above!

what I've seen from M is inconsistent effort and gross errors. In March, he looked like he had given up and was so bad, i started to speculate that he had umm...use issues. Losing battles in front of the net, on the wall, poor choices...a litany of issues all on display. Then April, a completely different beast. Exact opposite of his previous play.

Why? Was he injured? Or was sad speculation correct? It didn't matter. He was playing the last dozen games like he the All Star he was twice selected. Going into the playoffs, same beast.

Then in the last series he was mistake prone third pairing. Two massive errors made Vinny get a staple gun. In fact, an entire period. Then i read and heard he was playing injured. My bad for doubting him.

There are about two dozen very blunt and very critical reports on him from me on game day or AHL thread. Why? i get more pleasure from scouting our rookies then watching irrelevent AHL games. My track record has been fairly accurate starting with 2002 in Hamilton on Komi and still on file elsewhere. On record. Unlike some, I'm not into revisionist history or hindsight.

Or maybe it's lucky day drinking reports...

Anywho, as much as i suppprt AND critical of M, it's going to soon come to an end for him with the Habs. Rein has passed him and even though he has some great offensive attributes, particularly NHL level canon, his NHL ticket with the Habs is based on playing top 6 defense. He can, but still making too many gross errors for NHL level dependability. It's going to take another season to reduce their frequency and I'm not sure HuGo has the patience or the investment in M to give him more time.

Repeat here...reduce their frequency. There is no such thing as error free players. EVERY goal is a result of error or errors so no one can say that any given olayer is "perfect". All we can claim is the frequency of their errors. Then the results of any given error is mitigated or amplified by his teamates.

Finally...based on what i have seen in his play, i see a new Souray in him. Great shot, great offense, great fighter, competent defense best described as the bottom of "top 6", but the combination never rising to star level.

It would be a gross mistake to lose him.

Give him one more season...

 

[ChesterNimitz]

I read the choices...and it's none of the above!

what I've seen from M is inconsistent effort and gross errors. In March, he looked like he had given up and was so bad, i started to speculate that he had umm...use issues. Losing battles in front of the net, on the wall, poor choices...a litany of issues all on display. Then April, a completely different beast. Exact opposite of his previous play.

Why? Was he injured? Or was sad speculation correct? It didn't matter. He was playing the last dozen games like he the All Star he was twice selected. Going into the playoffs, same beast.

Then in the last series he was mistake prone third pairing. Two massive errors made Vinny get a staple gun. In fact, an entire period. Then i read and heard he was playing injured. My bad for doubting him.

There are about two dozen very blunt and very critical reports on him from me on game day or AHL thread. Why? i get more pleasure from scouting our rookies then watching irrelevent AHL games. My track record has been fairly accurate starting with 2002 in Hamilton on Komi and still on file elsewhere. On record. Unlike some, I'm not into revisionist history or hindsight.

Or maybe it's lucky day drinking reports...

Anywho, as much as i suppprt AND critical of M, it's going to soon come to an end for him with the Habs. Rein has passed him and even though he has some great offensive attributes, particularly NHL level canon, his NHL ticket with the Habs is based on playing top 6 defense. He can, but still making too many gross errors for NHL level dependability. It's going to take another season to reduce their frequency and I'm not sure HuGo has the patience or the investment in M to give him more time.

Repeat here...reduce their frequency. There is no such thing as error free players. EVERY goal is a result of error or errors so no one can say that any given olayer is "perfect". All we can claim is the frequency of their errors. Then the results of any given error is mitigated or amplified by his teamates.

Finally...based on what i have seen in his play, i see a new Souray in him. Great shot, great offense, great fighter, competent defense best described as the bottom of "top 6", but the combination never rising to star level.

It would be a gross mistake to lose him.

Give him one more season...

But what happens if in that one more season all the glaring warts in Mailloux's game are exposed and his market value is shattered.

A wise hockey manager once opined that it is far better to trade a player one year too early than one year too late. If another team sees upside in this player, would it not be better to secure maximum value for Mailloux and let that team gamble on his reaching such mystical heights? Perhaps a late first round draft choice in 2026? If you say no way would any team pay such a price, then really how valuable an asset is Mailloux?

I know what I would do.

 

[HabsAddict]

But what happens if

That if has 3 paths...

1...path one is as you say

2...he neither improves or regresses

3...he improves to where he was in the first two playoff series.

The last path overwhelms any potential loss of the first path. A 6'4" young Souray will cost far, far more then the value between a mid first he may get now and a devalued 2nd.

The metrics of the "if" don't work in favour of trading now. There is simply not enough loss to the massive gain of the other side of that "if"...which we have already seen.

 

[MD thaivuN]

Value-wise, the only problem with trading him now is that I don't think AHL-performances add much value.

guys like Justin Barron and Jordan Harris were able to get solid returns on a trade because they showed enough glimpses of promise at the NHL level despite their flaws being exposed and they were young enough for a team to cope a development stab.

If Mailloux can get a good 30-40 games where he can show some offensive promise, even if he sucks defensively, his value would still rise because you can still sell copium. Where the value of Mailloux might tank is if he can't get a single opportunity at all. But at that point, it doesn't matter if we trade him now or later.