The Montreal Canadiens blueline has a few vacant spots with the departures of Johnathan Kovacevic and Jordan Harris.
Lane Hutson is likely to join the group of Mike Matheson, David Savard, Kaiden Guhle and Jayden Struble. The sixth defenseman will come down to an internal battle between Logan Mailloux and Justin Barron, in my opinion. David Reinbacher is a little further beind and Adam Engstrom, possibly a season way from Montreal.
But I want to focus on Mailloux, who has more upside offensively than Barron. His decision-making and off-puck plays need some work, but the passing and shooting side of his game are fantastic. Surely you would want to think that Barron would take his spot and call it a day, but hockey can be cutthroat, if Mailloux proves able, he might take a spot.
With Hutson likely to beef up the club's offence from the blue line, adding Mailloux to the mix could be huge for the Habs.
Laval or Montreal?
I would like to see Mailloux play another season with the Laval Rocket, to continue growing his confidence and round out his defensive game. I think he has the tools to play in the NHL, but I think rushing a player could mess with his development. However, everything will come down to how he wraps up his preseason schedule.
#Habs Logan Mailloux explained why he feels that he's been decent during training camp.
— Chris G (@ChrisHabs360) September 28, 2024
"The past couple of games I had some puck touches that I'd want back. I don't know really what it was, nerves or whatever, but I can't really afford to have those, especially with this short… pic.twitter.com/DVwjhSHGBj
I think Mailloux shouldn't be discouraged if he doesn't make the Canadiens roster, guys like Barron have more professional experience than Mailloux. Even Engstrom, despite being a left-shot defender, has more experience in the pros, although it's not in North America. Mailloux's awareness that he needs to improve certain areas of his game and make the most of his touches gives merit to the fact that he is realistic about his development.
I do think, though, that if Mailloux doesn't make the Habs, he will be relied on heavily by the Rocket. He could hear his name called by Martin St. Louis, when inevitable injuries call for it. It also shouldn't shock anybody, if he doesn't start the year in Montreal, but thrives if/when the Canadiens call him up.
To me, Mailloux will start in Laval unless he shines to finish camp and makes the Habs have no choice but to take notice.