The left side of the Montreal Canadiens has long been the strength, and that doesn't seem like it will change in the near future.
With Kaiden Guhle and Lane Hutson leading the charge for the young guns of the Canadiens' left defence, the Habs' future is in good hands. The right side, however, hasn't caught up—with David Reinbacher out with injury, Justin Barron just returning but still finding his way, and Mailloux needing seasoning, time is still needed. The lone right-shot defender on the Habs roster, who is an established NHLer, is David Savard.
This isn't necessarily a bad thing, considering there are plenty of left-shot options, including the likes of Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble. Down in the American Hockey League, there are also Adam Engstrom and William Trudeau, who are more depth options. So, the team can afford to let Mailloux develop in the Laval Rocket slow-cooker.
Offensively, there are certainly high expectations for what Mailloux will bring to the team - his mobility and heavy, accurate shot from the blue line bring plenty of excitement. There is also a certain level of physicality to his game, which is certainly coveted for a team with big playoff hopes for the future. Mailloux is capable of putting the puck in the net, and his vision and passing make him an ideal future top-four option for the Habs, if all things go right.
Logan Mailloux now has nine points in four AHL games this season. Four points today.
— Jared Book (@jaredbook) November 2, 2024
There are no question marks about his offensive tools at the AHL level, nor are there at the NHL level, but he needs to address some of his defensive zone issues.
Less is more for Mailloux
Mailloux doesn't need to be perfect to be an effective defender, the Canadiens don't expect that either. But if he can simplify his game in his own zone, then there's a fair chance that he reaches top-four defenseman potential. Gap control, a smart defensive stick and smarter positioning will ensure he is in better spots to prevent breakdowns.
it's not as though he isn't interested in competing at both ends of the ice, but he seems to overthink things. Often he tries to do too many things at once, which leaves him looking lost. Spending more time in the AHL under the tutelage of Rocket head coach Pascal Vincent should do him well.
He will need to refine a few things, but the fact that he is going to make the effort and put in the work to get there is what stands out most about Mailloux.