Logan Mailloux: Several teams were on the verge of snapping him up

The opening salvo of the NHL's free agency period on July 1st often brings a flurry of signings and trades, and this year was no exception. Amidst the chaos, Montreal Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes orchestrated a significant move, trading defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Zachary Bolduc. The transaction, though perhaps overshadowed by larger free agent deals, was a calculated maneuver by both clubs, highlighting Mailloux's rising value and Montreal's strategic pivot in their ongoing rebuild.

Mailloux, a controversial 31st overall pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, has been a player under intense scrutiny since his selection. Despite the initial public relations storm, the young blueliner has quietly put together impressive developmental seasons, showcasing the high-end offensive tools that made him such an intriguing prospect. His powerful shot, excellent skating for his size, and burgeoning offensive instincts had not gone unnoticed around the league. Industry insiders had widely reported that numerous franchises were closely monitoring his progress and, indeed, were on the cusp of making a move for his services if Montreal ever decided to make him available. This interest underscored a growing belief that Mailloux’s on-ice potential was simply too significant to ignore, even factoring in his complicated past. His development curve suggested a top-four defenseman with significant power play upside, a commodity every team seeks.