The Montreal Canadiens drafted Logan Mailloux in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft. They were on the heels of a Stanley Cup Final run, so they were not exactly picking early but they may have just found a gem at the end of the first round.
Mailloux was excellent for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League last season. He scored 25 goals and 53 points in 58 games, before helping the Knights go on a lengthy playoff run with eight goals and 24 points in 21 games.
The 20 year old turned pro this season and has been playing well for the Laval Rocket. There were never any questions about his size, speed, skating or especially his shot, but it was expected some defensive warts would lead to a slow transition to the professional game.
That has not been the case for the Canadiens prospect. He has flourished in the pro environment, and was just the team's representative at the AHL All-Star Game last weekend. He has scored ten goals and 29 points in 43 games for the Rocket and is on pace for about 50 points as a rookie in the AHL.
He has also not suffered in the defensive zone as he has held up well at both ends of the ice. The 6'3" and 220 pound right shooting defender also bring a phsyical presence to the ice on a nightly basis. That was on full display last night when the Rocket faced the division rival Toronto Marlies.
#Rocket Logan Mailloux delivers solid hit #GoRocket #AHL #Hockey @RocketSports pic.twitter.com/rkfG5GryZt
— Chris G (@ChrisHabs360) February 10, 2024
Ryan Tverberg was moving through the neutral zone with his head down looking at the puck. Mailloux sensed the opportunity and stepped up and absolutely demolished the Marlies forward with a powerful, perfectly timed, legal body check.
Former Rocket Joe Blandisi tried to rush in and fight Mailloux but kind of just fell over him and Mailloux then pinned him to the ice as a scrum ensued around them.
In addition to exceptional skating and a booming shot from the point, an ability to demolish an opponent with a big hit is just another element of the game that Mailloux does just like P.K. Subban did when he was a young player.