Montreal Canadiens Make Decision on Future of Controversial Prospect Logan Mailloux

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Matt Garland
October 4, 2023 (8:53)

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The Montreal Canadiens have made a decision on where their controversial first round pick Logan Mailloux will start the season.

The 20 year old had a standout performance at the Canadiens' development camp showcasing his size, skating, skill and shot. This has carried over to his preseason play, earning praise from his coaches. In the end it wasn't enough for Mailloux to crack the opening night roster, opting to send him to the Laval Rocket of the AHL.

Mailloux decided to renounce himself from in 2021, saying he hadn't earned, and didn't deserve, the privilege of being selected after secretly photographing an 18-year-old woman engaged in an explicit sexual act with him while he was 17 and playing in Sweden in 2020 and then sharing the picture and her identity with his SK Lejon teammates. Mailloux was charged with defamation and offensive photography in Sweden and was fined about $2,000.

The AHL wasn't the team's only option. Mailloux could have gone back to the OHL for his overage year. The decision to send him to Laval is a sign that the team sees promise and wants him to continue his development.

The incident happened when Mailloux was a minor. Time has passed allowing Mailloux to grow up, have meetings with therapists and take part in education programs. Mailloux has all the attributes that teams dream of in a defenceman. He's 6'3, has a hard right shot from the point, and good skater. If he continues his upward trajectory NHL games might not be far away.