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Montreal Canadiens: What Does Philippe Maillet Bring To The Laval Rocket?

By Tyler Major-Mcnicol |
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 11: Philippe Maillet #16 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the second period of the game against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on May 11, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 11: Philippe Maillet #16 of the Washington Capitals looks on during the second period of the game against the Boston Bruins at Capital One Arena on May 11, 2021 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

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.

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