On July 1, the Montreal Canadiens announced they signed veteran centre Philippe Maillet to a one-year, two-way contract. Maillet spent the past two seasons in Russia, with the KHL’s Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Maillet, 30, played 113 games over two seasons in Russia, and he posted 37-55-92 totals.
The native of Lachenaie, QC, Can., has bounced around the AHL since finishing his college hockey career with the University of New Brunswick in 2016-17. Maillet has been a pretty consistent producer since turning pro, his numbers are mind-boggling, but he is a solid, hard-working professional. A player with his experience will be a nice addition to the young Rocket roster, especially when the team has to face adversity.
While he will be counted on to help out on offence, I believe that at this juncture of his career, he will be equally as important as a mentor to the younger players. I believe that you can sign any centre, but the Maillet signing showed how important a hard-nosed mentality will be for the Canadiens’ rebuild. The American League is largely a development league, with players competing against one another for an NHL shot, and Maillet has been around it for his entire professional career. Ideally, I see him as a third-line centre, but things change. With the number of centres poised to play for the Rocket, he could prove to be a mentor, providing faceoff tips, and even little tools that can grow young centre’s two-way game. And, even if he plays on the wing, he could take the load off of his line, by taking some faceoffs.
Maillet might not be a blockbuster addition, but he is a professional, and will certainly be looking to prove his importance to the Laval Rocket in 2023-24. Inexpensive forwards, that have pro experience can provide a multitude of different things, mentorship and teaching are very important for prospects. He can be a veteran presence in a young locker room, and someone to look to on the ice.
A low-risk signing, with many benefits, is what Maillet could provide for the young Rocket roster.
Want your voice heard? Join the A Winning Habit team!