Montreal Canadiens: Logan Mailloux Named AHL All-Star In Rookie Season

The Montreal Canadiens made a controversial decision when they selected Logan Mailloux with their first round pick at the 2021 NHL Draft.

The right shot defenseman had asked to be removed from the draft list, although that isn't really an option in the NHL. So, the Canadiens ignored his request and took him with the 31st overall selection. Remember when the Habs were picking that late in the first round? That's ages ago.

Mailloux was looking for time to rebuild his image and prove his character off and on the ice to teams. He had been charged and fined in Sweden for defamation and offensive photography.

Instead, the Canadiens selected him and he would return to Ontario to play for the London Knights of the OHL. There, he would have his every step on the ice heavily scrutinized on social media, to the point where fans would have no choice but to believe the player was incapable of identifying where his own net was on a sheet of ice.

While Mailloux always displayed a heavy shot from the point, excellent skating and an a willingness to help out on offense, there were questions about his defensive game. He looked pretty good last season when he put up 25 goals and 53 points in 59 games as well as 24 points in 21 games for the Knights but it is a big step up from Junior to the pro level.

This season would be a bigger test for the 6'3" and 220 pound defender as he was making his pro debut. He joined the Laval Rocket of the AHL as a 20 year old and would be challenged by the toughest competition he ever faced.

Well, a recent development would suggest he is doing just fine at the second highest level in hockey. Mailloux was named to the AHL All-Star Game due to his great rookie season.

Mailloux has quickly adjusted to the pro game and looks like a seasoned veteran out there even in his first season. He has mostly been partnered with Jayden Struble or Arber Xhekaj and is usually on the team's top pairing while also becoming a threat on the power play.

Mailloux has scored six goals and 20 points in 32 games this season and just continues to get better at both ends of the ice. While many pundits were quick to criticize his decision making and claim his defensive game would never hold up at a higher level, he has become an All-Star caliber player at the AHL level immediately.

The future looks bright for Mailloux as he could soon be unleashing that laser of a shot from the point on the Canadiens man advantage.

The AHL All-Star Skills Competition will take place on Sunday, February 4th and the All-Star Game is February 5th in San Jose.