Major statement from Renaud Lavoie on Logan Mailloux, and it would be a big surprise

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Jeff Drouin
October 14, 2022 (11:03 PM)

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The Logan Mailloux file took a turn for the better in the last few days as the Canadiens' first pick in 2021 finally signed his NHL entry-level contract.

The young right-handed defenseman is now part of the organization's plans and it is obvious that he will have an important role to play in the coming years. However, Mailloux was unable to play a single pre-season game due to injury and was released to his junior team, the London Knights, in the last few days.

But if he had been able to play in the exhibition games, could he have caused a surprise and started the season with the big club?

It's hard to say in a way because since his draft year, Mailloux hasn't played many games due to his suspension and also his injury. But for a journalist from TVA Sports, there is no doubt that the young defenseman would have been in his team's first game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

During his daily appearance on the JiC show, Renaud Lavoie said that Logan Mailloux has the tools to start the season with the big club.

"It's unfortunate because Logan Mailloux hasn't been able to play any prep games because of his shoulder injury. In my opinion, if he had started training camp at the same time as everyone else, he would have been in the lineup last night.

He's a guy who is crazy talented and it shows in practice. He is also loved by his teammates. That's why management decided to keep him around as long as they did."

Under the circumstances, sending Mailloux back to junior was the right thing to do because he will finally be able to enjoy a full season of hockey and Kent Hughes will be able to follow his progress, without being tempted to recall him during the season.

As for next season, Lavoie is convinced that the young defenseman will have every chance to shine at the team's next training camp and that it is likely that he will make his NHL debut next fall.

"Don't be surprised if next season he makes his debut with the Canadiens."

Wow that would be a nice surprise and quite a turnaround.

Even though next year isn't that far away, there will still be competition at next camp with a certain Justin Barron, who was predicted to have an almost guaranteed spot with the big club before training camp even started.

But with the Habs' weak right side of the defense, it's a safe bet that both young backs will be able to start next season with the big club, much to the delight of fans.

Let's also remember this: