Logan Mailloux can now look forward. The moment he had been waiting for for a long time, that of wearing the Canadian uniform for the first time, is now behind him.
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Like 26 other prospects in the organization, the Ontarian was in Buffalo this weekend to participate in the rookie tournament against the Sabres, Bruins and Senators.
“It was refreshing. I was happy to see him wearing that sweater. He was looking forward too. It seemed. You could see that he was passionate, that he wanted to play hockey and move on,” said Francis Bouillon, player development coach.
Taking stock of the weekend, Bouillon really liked Mailloux’s outfit. Like everyone else, he noticed that it had been a little more difficult during the first meeting. However, her progress during the next two meetings fully satisfied her.
“He’s a player who has a lot of potential and I’ve been saying that for several years,” Bouillon said. I liked his tournament. He improved from match to match. »
Time for hockey
We all know the story of Mailloux. No need to come back to it. However, it’s worth remembering that Rob Ramage, the team’s director of player development, has taken him under his wing over the past 12 months. He can testify that his progress on a human level is as notable as that on the ice.
“It was a long journey. But now he can concentrate on hockey,” said Ramage.
“I followed his progress closely every day,” he added. He put in the effort. He certainly deserves the chance to become a Montreal Canadiens player. »
With these words, the former Habs fullback did not immediately open the locker room door to the 20-year-old young man. What he meant was that Mailloux can now aspire to become a professional player without his past mistakes constantly coming up.
“From now on, he has his destiny in his hands. It’s up to him to prove to the world that he can play professionally and that he can climb the ladder,” said Bouillon.
Trudeau is popular
Photo Agence QMI, JOEL LEMAY
Another fullback could move up the ranks more steeply than expected. William Trudeau has, once again, scored points with the Canadian staff. A fourth-round pick in 2021, the Varennois had already forced the group’s hand by securing a position with the Laval Rocket even though he had one season of eligibility remaining in juniors.
This weekend, he stepped on the ice at the Sabers training complex with the letter “C” on his jersey.
“His experience allows him to be a leader. We noticed this side of him during matches last year. Plus, he had a big summer,” Ramage said.
Work that allowed him to arrive at the recruit camp in full possession of his means. Both physically and mentally.
” It’s incredible. I’ve been working with him for three years. The conversations I have today with him are not the same ones I had when he was a junior. He learned a lot and he grew a lot. The advice given to him, he applies very well, praised Bouillon. Today he plays with confidence. He makes good decisions and he jumps into the game.”
It shouldn’t be a surprise to see him play a few matches with the big club during the winter.
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