By: Devan Mighton, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
On July 1, former first-round pick Logan Mailloux was traded from the Montreal Canadiens to the St. Louis Blues for forward Zack Bolduc.
Mailloux, a Belle River native, has played seven games in the National Hockey League, scoring two goals and two assists. Meanwhile, playing with Montreal’s affiliate in the American Hockey League, the Laval Rocket, he has proven to be a star, leading the team’s defense with 12 goals and 21 assists in 63 games in 2024-25, being selected to his second AHL All-Star Game, and earning a nomination for the AHL’s Top Prospects Team.
Drafted 31st overall in 2001 by the Habs, Mailloux is excited for his opportunity with the Blues. Mailloux has been busy this summer training locally with Rob Maggio to prepare for training camp. He feels that his deep playoff run with the Rocket has helped propel his game forward.
“[Laval] was a cool experience,” said the 22-year-old, “It was definitely different than the year before. We didn’t even make the playoffs [in 2023-24]. then finishing first in the regular season this season. We had a young team, so it was a good experience even though we lost in the conference final. Playoff hockey is the best hockey you can play, it’s what we play for all year. It’s fun to play some meaningful games at the end of the year for sure.”
“I think I’ve got close to 150 games now, so it’s been good. We’ve had two different coaching staffs in Laval, and I think I’ve learned a lot. I got to develop a lot and played a lot of minutes, in all situations.”
On June 27, the Canadiens picked up defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders and signed him to an eight-year, $76 million dollar contract.
“After they traded for Noah Dobson, I knew somebody was going to be on the move,” explains Mailloux. “I knew it was going to be me or somebody else, but I’m really excited to be going to St. Louis – it’s a perfect situation for me. I can go there and have an opportunity to play and be able to get my foot in the door and get some work in.”
Mailloux is happy to report that the Blues’ staff is deeply connected to his roots, as assistant coaches Mike Weber and Steve Ott are both Windsor products.
“It’s my goal to play as many games as I can this year and get a bunch of experience,” states the 6-foot-3, 213-lbs defender. “There’s some guys on the backend that I can learn a lot from – Colton Parayko, Justin Faulk, Cam Fowler – and many guys who have over 1,000 games – I think it’s something I am lucky to have … I can learn from them for sure.” he added.
“I think my overall game has grown. I think I was playing the best hockey of my career in the playoffs this past season. I think we came together at the right time. I just want to be a good get-to-it defenseman who can contribute offensively and play with a bit of an edge as well.”
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