Author: Dans les Coulisses

Logan Mailloux had a terrible game against the Penguins.

While the Canadiens’ defense has found stability, Logan Mailloux is experiencing difficult moments with the Laval Rocket.

His game on Wednesday against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins could even be described as dreadful.

Judging solely by his game stats, one might think Mailloux wasn’t that awful. He recorded an assist on the game-winning goal in overtime and finished with a plus-minus of zero. But that doesn’t reflect his performance at all.

The Penguins took control of the game by scoring the first three goals. Mailloux was notably responsible for the third goal, causing a turnover at the opposing blue line, allowing the Penguins to attack with an advantage.

And that’s not all. Mailloux was penalized in the second period for roughness. As soon as he left the penalty box, he gave a cross-check to Emil Bemstrom, and the referees sent him right back to the penalty box.

These are stupid penalties that can easily be avoided.

Nothing was working for Mailloux in this game. He was removed from the power play in the third period. Pascal Vincent seemed fed up with him on the power play for this game.

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We had seen Logan Mailloux lose some power play time in recent games, as he goes through tough times, but to be completely removed from the power play is something else.

Mailloux, who is considered a talented offensive player, has only recorded three points in his last 17 games. It’s simply dreadful for him.

The craziest part of this story is that he will be one of the two representatives of the Rocket at the AHL All-Star Game. It’s a bit shameful for Laval, which has many players currently enjoying much more success.

Mailloux will need to find his footing soon because at this rate, there’s no chance he will receive a call-up to the Canadiens.

In brief

– The Islanders’ power play is reaching historic levels of mediocrity.

– Here’s a new podcast featuring Tyler Toffoli’s wife and Jeff Petry’s wife.

– What a funny story!

– He should be the first Quebecer drafted in 2025.

– A must listen!

The Canadiens drafted the two best available players in 2022, according to Mathias Brunet.

The 2022 draft was very exciting for Canadiens fans. The draft took place in Montreal, and it was an opportunity for Kent Hughes to make his first selections with the Canadiens, who had the very first overall pick.

We can also add that Kent Hughes made a big trade during the draft to acquire Kirby Dach. However, we will focus on the drafted players.

Mathias Brunet conducted a little exercise during his Wednesday segment on Retour des sportifs on BPM Sports by re-ranking the Canadiens players based on their respective drafts.

According to him, the Canadiens did an incredible job in 2022 by acquiring the two best players from this draft in Lane Hutson and Juraj Slafkovsky.

Even though he was selected first overall, Slafkovsky is not considered the best player of this draft class, according to Brunet. It is Hutson who holds the top spot, while the Slovakian ranks second.

Seeing the young defender’s performances this season, it’s easy to understand why Brunet reached this conclusion.

Drafted in the second round (62nd overall), Hutson played two seasons at Boston University before joining the Canadiens. He now has 37 points in just 45 games in the NHL, making him the player with the highest points-per-game average in this draft class (minimum of 10 games played).

Hutson is also capable of logging heavy minutes, even at a very young age. He already averages 22:42 of ice time per game in his rookie season!

For Slafkovsky, the outcome of this ranking by Mathias Brunet is also encouraging. Being surpassed by his teammate, who was not in direct competition for the first pick and who was a surprise, is not the end of the world.

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Brunet is aware that Logan Cooley has better current point production than Slafkovsky, but he believes that when both players reach their full potential, Slafkovsky’s size and playing style will make him a better player than Cooley.

Hutson is not the only Canadiens player who has been “re-ranked” better by Brunet. According to the BPM Sports analyst, Kaiden Guhle is the 10th best player of the 2020 draft, having been selected 16th overall.

Cole Caufield, drafted 15th overall in 2019, is now ranked sixth in his class, and Nick Suzuki, drafted 13th overall in 2017, claims the 8th spot in his draft ranking.

Kent Hughes made excellent decisions in 2022, and the future of Jacob Fowler, also drafted in 2022, could further enhance the quality of this draft for the Canadiens.

In Brief

– Fleury is an angel.

– Speaking of Lane Hutson.

– The Sabres are currently playing good hockey.

Michel Therrien believes that the Canadiens will make the playoffs this season.

The Canadiens are no longer the same team since mid-December. The mediocre roster from the start of the season is now fighting for a playoff spot.

The forwards are scoring more, the defense is stable, and the goaltenders are instilling confidence in all players with strong performances.

This has convinced former Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien that the Habs will be part of the playoffs this season. This is what he explained in an article published Wednesday night on TVA Sports’ website.

According to Therrien, the recipe for winning is to have a good atmosphere and team spirit. The players look happy right now, and for good reason! Montreal has won 10 of its last 13 games.

It is the only NHL team playing above .800 for the last 30 days.

Playing for development is good, but winning games is one of the factors that will help young players grow in the NHL. Playing to avoid last place doesn’t have the same appeal as playing for a playoff spot.

Montreal is in a very good position to make the playoffs. Before Wednesday night’s games, the Canadiens were in fourth place in the Eastern Conference wildcard standings.

(Credit: NHL.com)

The Habs are just two points behind the Blue Jackets for a playoff spot and they have a game in hand on Columbus.

Boston is also in first place among the wildcard teams with just three more points than Montreal. The problem for the Bruins is that the Canadiens have three games in hand on them. Given how the Habs are playing right now, picking up three points in three games seems like an easy task.

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To return to Michel Therrien, he enjoys seeing the players have confidence in their goaltending duo. He believes that Jakub Dobes is doing remarkable work and that Cayden Primeau probably wouldn’t have been able to win in the games where the Czech played.

Therrien even went so far as to say that the Canadiens currently have the best goaltending duo among teams in the playoff race.

Lane Hutson has received a lot of love in recent days, having collected three points in two of his last four games. Therrien is convinced that this is not a flash in the pan, and he sees the young Canadiens defenseman winning the Calder Trophy at the end of the season.

With his 35 points, Hutson is currently the leading scorer among NHL rookies. He is four points ahead of Macklin Celebrini. It’s also worth noting that he is the sixth highest-scoring defenseman in the entire NHL.

This is exactly the kind of player who has allowed the Canadiens to get back in the playoff race.

In Brief

– Michel Bergeron would like to see the Canadiens acquire more offensive reinforcements.

– Even coaches need to see a doctor.

– Hutson could replicate a feat by Bedard.

– A nice victory for Arsenal.

Career match points ratio: Hutson is at the same stage as Fox, Makar, Hughes, and Karlsson.

Canadiens fans went to bed late last night.

The game presented in Salt Lake City started at 9:10 PM (Quebec time) and ended around 11:45 PM.

But even though we had to stay up late… It was worth it, because Lane Hutson put on quite a show against André Tourigny’s team.

The small defenseman collected three assists in the beautiful victory for the Canadiens and extended his lead at the top of the rookie scoring leaders, ahead of Macklin Celebrini and Matvei Michkov.

Hutson has 35 points so far, while the other two each have 31.

With his game yesterday, Hutson is now averaging 0.82 points per game since the start of his career.

That’s excellent for a defenseman… Especially for a 20-year-old.

But it’s also worth noting that there are only four other defensemen (drafted after 2000 and who have played at least 40 games) who have a ratio of at least 0.8 points per game in the NHL since the beginning of their respective careers.

We’re talking about Cale Makar (1.07), Quinn Hughes (0.94), Adam Fox (0.85), and Erik Karlsson (0.81).

What a lineup:

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It’s funny, but the four defensemen named above all have something in common.

They have all won (at least) once the Norris Trophy since they started playing in the National Hockey League, and they are also the last four recipients of the trophy.

It’s crazy really:

(Credit: Google)

Seeing Lane Hutson as part of that group is certainly a good sign for the future… And it’s no coincidence that people are starting to say he will lift the Norris Trophy one day.

Hutson is the talk of the town right now:

The sample size is small, and everyone will agree on that level.

Hutson has only played 45 games in his NHL career… But at the same time, it’s hard to believe he won’t be able to improve because the talent is there.

That’s especially what is (really, really) exciting for the Canadiens and their fans.

In brief

– Speaking of Lane Hutson.

– Learn more about Connor McDavid:

– Snipe.

Emil Heineman was spotted with a cast on his right wrist.

Emil Heineman was injured after being hit by a car in Salt Lake City on Monday.

The forward was unable to play in yesterday’s game, and the Canadian team announced a recovery period of 3 to 4 weeks in his case.

However, he was spotted in Brossard today, wearing a cast on his right wrist.

The information was reported by Renaud Lavoie on the JiC show on TVA Sports.

Heineman is back in Montreal and he was in Brossard today to attend David Reinbacher’s (solo) training session.

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In the images shared by TVA Sports, it can be seen that the forward has not lost his smile.

He was lucky in his misfortune because he could have been injured even more seriously… And clearly, he is aware of it because he maintains a positive attitude.

Good for him.

Let’s also note that the player wanted to thank the people who have sent him love and support throughout this.

He wants to come back even stronger:

We don’t know exactly when he will be able to lace up his skates again and we don’t yet know the exact nature of his injury.

But seeing that he is in good shape and really seems to be doing well is all that matters right now.

Because still… It could have been worse!

Extension

I can’t wait to see when he returns if he will be able to keep up the pace.

Let’s not forget, after all, that the forward was (before getting injured) the 3rd most productive player among rookies in the NHL since December 6.

He was on a great streak.

The Canadiens are the only team in the NHL with a record above .800 over the last 30 days.

Can we say that the Canadiens are the team of the moment in the National Hockey League as we write these lines?

The answer to that question is yes.

We could even answer the question by saying: “Absolutely”!

In the last 30 days, the Canadiens are the club that has won the most games in the NHL (tied with the Dallas Stars).

The difference, however, is that the Stars (14) have played one more game than the Canadiens (13).

But where it really stands out is when we see that the Canadiens are the only club in the NHL playing above .800 for the past 30 days.

No one could have predicted that a month ago:

(Credit: StatMuse)

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There are several factors that can explain this phenomenon.

For me, these are mainly the ones that catch my attention:

  • The emergence of Lane Hutson
  • The return to play of Patrik Laine (even though he has missed some games)
  • The arrival of Alexandre Carrier
  • The performance of Monty AND Dobes
  • The awakening of Kirby Dach
  • The brilliance of the 4th line (before Emil Heineman’s injury)

But what works is the fact that the Canadiens are playing the right way.

The guys remain focused even after giving up a goal (which was not the case before), the special teams are doing the necessary work to achieve success… And Martin St-Louis has started to coach for real.

We sometimes see the Canadiens’ coach shorten his bench (like yesterday with Pezzetta) to use his best players, and we also see that he makes decisions to win. Expectations are changing after all…

All of this means that the Habs are currently fighting for a playoff spot, which was not expected at the start of the season.

At least, considering how the team performed in the first weeks of the campaign… It made sense to believe that the playoffs should be forgotten.

Tomorrow’s game will be interesting, therefore: the Dallas Stars will be on the menu, and as I mentioned at the beginning of my text, the Stars and the Habs are the only two clubs in the league that have won 10 games in the last 30 days.

It promises!

In brief

– Despite everything, the Habs must not give him any gifts tomorrow.

– He deserves it.

– Hmm. I would go with Thomas Vanek. What about you?

– Well, another thing. The LIV still seems complicated…

Riley Kidney: In Laval, they are considering the idea of sending him to Trois-Rivières.

If we haven’t heard much about Riley Kidney lately, it’s for a reason.

The forward has been sidelined for the last six games of the Laval Rocket because his coach lacks confidence in him.

The last time the forward played was over three weeks ago (December 22), and it leads one to believe that he is no longer part of Pascal Vincent’s short-term plans.

Vincent Demuy (BPM Sports) spoke to the Rocket’s coach about Riley Kidney, and it’s clear that the options concerning the center player are not unlimited.

It is going so poorly for him this season that the management in Laval has discussed the idea of sending him to Trois-Rivières… And Vincent added that the possibility is on the table.

That says a lot:

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Kidney, standing at 5 feet 11 inches (190 pounds), is recognized as a reliable forward in all three zones of the ice.

He also accumulated 100 points or more in his last two seasons in the QMJHL, and it’s no coincidence that the Canadiens decided to select him in the 2nd round of the 2021 draft.

But as is often seen, young productive players in juniors are not guaranteed immediate success when making the jump to professionals.

Riley Kidney had a respectable first year in Laval (20 points, including seven goals in 65 games)… But it has been more than difficult since the start of the 24-25 campaign.

He has only collected seven points (one goal) in 24 games…

In Trois-Rivières, the forward could have what he doesn’t have in Laval: quality playing time.

It’s by playing often and being placed in a quality role that he will be able to regain his confidence. He can’t prove himself with the Rocket… Because he simply isn’t playing.

But would a stay in Trois-Rivières mean that Kidney will never have the chance to play in the NHL? Not necessarily.

We’ve seen players who played in the ECHL and returned to the top (like Brandon Gignac, for example).

That said, Kidney is better off getting back on track… Otherwise, he will never play a single game in the NHL.

In Brief

— When Tage Thompson is healthy, we’re talking about one of the best forwards in the NHL.

— I believe it.

— Crazy!

— Oh really?

Mikko Rantanen: Eric Engels believes that the CH would do everything to sign him this summer.

The more time goes on, the more doubts there are concerning Mikko Rantanen’s future in Colorado.

And the reason is simple: the Avalanche may not have the resources necessary to pay him what he’s worth, especially since the forward is currently in the last year of his contract.

If he hasn’t signed a new contract by July 1, Rantanen will be a free agent.

The possibility of the Avalanche trading him before the deadline has thus been mentioned (by Renaud Lavoie).

But even if Rantanen is traded by March 7… That doesn’t mean he will agree to the terms of a new contract with his new team.

There exists a scenario where he decides to test the free-agent market to see how much money he can get… And if that happens, Eric Engels believes the Canadiens will do everything to bring him to town.

It’s just my opinion, but I think they (the Canadiens) would back a Brinks truck up to Mikko Rantanen’s door if he managed to hit the market. – Eric Engels

For those wondering: the Brinks company is known for its armored trucks that transport money and valuable goods.

Eric Engels’ reference is spot on.

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There will be salary cap space opening up for the Canadiens this summer.

Christian Dvorak ($4.45M), Joel Armia ($3.4M), and Michael Pezzetta ($812,500) are not expected to return to Montreal, and perhaps we could also consider adding David Savard’s name ($3.5M) to that list.

That already clears more than $10M from the Canadiens’ payroll. But at the same time, they also need to offer new contracts to Evans, Heineman, and Dobes… And we must not forget that Slaf’s next contract ($7.6M per season) will kick in this summer.

There’s also Lane Hutson, who is going to sign a big contract soon… But his big salary would only come into effect for the 2026-27 season.

That said, we know the salary cap is going to increase. But does the Canadiens really have room (short-term and long-term) to offer a monstrous contract to Rantanen?

The question arises because there are rumors that Rantanen could earn up to $14M per season in his next contract:

It should be noted that Patrik Laine and Mikko Rantanen are both from Finland and share the same agent.

Could Laine convince his friend to take a little less money to sign with a team that has what it takes to be competitive for a long time?

Maybe… But in my eyes, that would be the only possible option for Rantanen to wear a Canadiens jersey next October.

Unless Kent Hughes decides to trade one of his big contracts to make room for the Avalanche’s star forward? That’s possible too…

In Brief

– The market is heating up regarding John Klingberg.

– Wow.

– Good point.

– Bravo!

– Indeed.

Logan Mailloux plays less in the A.N. (Laval) and it’s partly because of Lane Hutson.

Times have been tougher lately for Logan Mailloux in Laval.

The defender – who will participate in the AHL All-Star Game – has only collected four points (one goal) in his last 22 games.

He is in a slump.

Perhaps this coincides with him playing less on the power play as well.

Pascal Vincent decided to take him off the ice a bit when the team has a man advantage and last week, I mentioned in an article that it is normal to question why Mailloux’s role is changing.

But the Rocket’s head coach explained yesterday on the air at BPM Sports that there is a reason behind Mailloux playing less on the power play.

And without saying it is entirely Lane Hutson’s fault… Let’s just say the little defender from the Canadiens plays his part (unintentionally) in Pascal Vincent’s decisions:

If I had a short-term vision, he (Mailloux) would be on the first power play. We would be focused on that and developing his skills on the power play. – Pascal Vincent

The Rocket’s coach further explains that in the long term, he does not necessarily see Mailloux playing on the first power play in Montreal because it is Lane Hutson who occupies that spot.

And unless there’s a surprise, Hutson won’t be moved anytime soon.

Pascal Vincent thus wants to find a solution so that his defender can help the Canadiens in another way when he is ready to make the jump to the NHL.

In Laval, they also want him to improve without the puck:

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Pascal Vincent’s comments are interesting.

He did not hide his game and he aimed to correct the narrative because again, there were doubts starting to settle in some people’s minds.

Now, it is clearer.

That said, Logan Mailloux has the talent to be a good offensive defenseman in the NHL. We saw it this season, where he collected three points in five games during his (brief) stint with the Montreal Canadiens.

But to become a good NHL player, you can’t just be good in one area.

Just as we saw his offensive qualities in Montreal this season, we also saw he had a lot of work to do in his zone or when he is not in the opposing territory, and that is what the coaching staff is currently working on in Laval.

It makes sense. But I wonder if the Canadiens management has a say in these decisions, especially seeing Hutson be as good as he has been since the start of the season…

In brief

– A newcomer in Trois-Rivières.

– He is back.

– Today’s activities on waivers:

– Tony Marinaro is a national treasure.

Injury of Emil Heineman: “it’s quite easy to see that it’s an arm”

Emil Heineman was struck by a car on Monday. We learned about it yesterday, and it changes the dynamics in the city a bit.

We know that the Canadiens will have to recall someone (Jared Davidson is a strong possibility at the moment) to bring a 13th forward into the city – and to send Michael Pezzetta to the stands.

We also know that the fourth line of the CH has therefore been broken.

But the most important thing in all of this is that the young man is okay. And on this subject, he posted a message on social media to thank those who support him.

Here’s what he said.

Thank you all for the love and support recently. I will come back stronger. #GoHabsGo

 

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