The Montreal Canadiens find themselves at an interesting crossroads regarding young defenseman Logan Mailloux. While he continues to develop and impress at the American Hockey League (AHL) level, a growing sentiment suggests that the Canadiens should seriously consider trading him. This suggestion isn't born out of a lack of talent, but rather a confluence of factors that make a trade potentially beneficial for both the team and the player.
Mailloux has consistently showcased his offensive abilities with the Laval Rocket, leading their defensemen in scoring for two consecutive seasons. In the 2024-25 season, he was named to the AHL Top Prospects Team, further solidifying his reputation as a promising young player. However, the transition from AHL success to NHL impact isn't always guaranteed. History is filled with examples of dominant AHL defensemen who struggled to replicate their performance at the highest level. While Mailloux possesses size and a booming shot, qualities that the Canadiens could use, there's no certainty he'll become a top-pairing NHL defenseman.
One of the primary reasons to consider trading Mailloux is the Canadiens' wealth of defensive prospects. With players like Kaiden Guhle, Lane Hutson, and the highly touted David Reinbacher in the system, the Canadiens have a surplus of young talent on the blue line. Trading Mailloux could address needs in other areas, such as acquiring a second-line center, without significantly weakening their defensive pipeline.
Furthermore, Mailloux's trade value is currently high. According to Chris Johnston from The Athletic, Mailloux is ranked as the 19th most likely player to be traded this offseason. Insider Marco D'Amico has also suggested that due to the perceived weakness of the 2025 NHL Draft class, a prospect like Mailloux might hold more value than a late first-round pick. This presents an opportunity for the Canadiens to capitalize on his potential and acquire valuable assets in return.
It's also important to consider the timeline for Mailloux's development. At 22 years old, he's nearing the age where he needs to establish himself as an NHL player. With the Canadiens' current defensive depth, it's not clear where he fits into their long-term plans. A trade could provide him with a fresh start on a team where he has a clearer path to playing time and a greater opportunity to reach his full potential.
Of course, trading Mailloux would come with some risk. He possesses a unique skillset, and if he were to develop into a top-pairing defenseman, the Canadiens might regret letting him go. However, given the team's current situation and the potential return they could receive, the benefits of trading Mailloux likely outweigh the risks. It's a move that could help the Canadiens address their needs, maximize their assets, and ultimately accelerate their rebuild.
