Logan Mailloux Keeps Scoring

The Montreal Canadiens' defence prospect group is perhaps the most impressive it's been in a long time.

Logan Mailloux hasn't skipped a beat jumping from the Ontario Hockey League to the American Hockey League almost seamlessly. The defensive side has needed some polishing, but that is normal with rookies in their first season of professional hockey. That fact is especially true for defencemen; as they need time to adjust to the speed of the competition and gap control.

But the offensive side of the puck has been more of the same for the Belle River, ON., native. In junior all the things that earned him his role on the London Knights top powerplay unit, are the same with the Laval Rocket. Mailloux's mobility fuels his attack, with it he finds open ice and attacks.

His shot is heavy and accurate and there is no hesitation from Mailloux to use it often. In back-to-back games against the Cleveland Monsters, Mailloux tallied a goal. The two tallies bring him to 13 goals in 57 contests, which ties him with Eric Gelinas for the most by a d-man in Rocket history.

Mailloux's goal on Friday night opened the scoring for the Rocket on the powerplay, giving them a 1-0 lead. The goal came from some strong puck movement from the Rocket top unit. The velocity that he was able to get off of his shot is impressive and is NHL translatable.

His goal on Saturday afternoon showed off that incredible mobility and confidence to attack the net. Mailloux skated past the Monsters' defence and made a quick, well-placed backhand shot. The goal put the Rocket up 4-2.

Habs management must be thrilled with his rookie season production. With his strong offensive game coming and the addition of Lane Hutson before the season ends, the Canadiens have a pair of defencemen that aren't too far away. Kent Hughes has a nice young group of defencemen, and these two lead the group.

David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom haven't even been mentioned yet, but I regress. Back to Mailloux though; there has to be solid odds for him to steal one of the three right defence spots with the Canadiens in October. He will have a full season under his belt, to take into the offseason, in preparation for next season.

With a plan for the offseason from the development staff, Mailloux will have a huge opportunity to crack the Habs opening night roster. If his growth, with minimal experience at the junior hockey level is indicative of anything, Mailloux is pretty darn close to NHL ready. I expect he will improve his defensive game, but he will never be the most defensive defender.

His unmistakeable offensive wits will more than make up for his defensive shortcomings, however.