Logan Mailloux

Skating:

 Mailloux has a fast top speed and is a pretty fluid skater. However, Mailloux has pretty shallow strides when starting up and can take too long to get to full speed. He has a similar problem with his edgework, where small, fast forwards can usually go wide on him and outspeed. Adding a bit more acceleration will do wonders for his game.

Passing/Handling:

Mailloux has the skill to be a top tier transitional defenseman, whether thats him bringing up the puck on his stick or making a breakout pass. He can make really quick, accurate passes and gain the opponents blue line with a fluid stride and a well placed stickhandle. Unfortunately, his issue is that he frequently makes poor decisions with the puck, which leads to turnovers, or just an unclean breakout

Shooting:

Mailloux has the traditional, super heavy, booming shot from the blueline from an offensive defenseman. He does often struggle with accuracy, and frequently miss the net, but it is a legitimate threat to score from the point and make it through traffic out front.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

In the offensive zone, Mailloux has fantastic vision, and likes jumping up into soft areas in the middle of the ice for a scoring chance. However he can struggle reading attackers in his own zone, such as going down too early to block a shot, allowing defenders to easily walk around him, or just poor decision making with the puck while breaking out.

Forechecking:

Mailloux is a fun player to watch in the neutral zone, as he is an imposing figure, and isn't afraid to throw down big body checks. He does pinch to keep the play alive in the offensive zone, but needs to tighten up and make sure he isn’t jumping up too often and allowing odd man rushes.

Defense:

Four words. 6’3, 212 lbs. Mailloux is a big defender, especially for his age, and will use his size to his advantage in his own zone, whether its throwing big hits, muscling players off the puck or protecting whats on his stick. If Mailloux can learn to read defenders more consistently and make better decisions in his own zone, he can be a competent defender.

Best Asset:

A heavy shot from the point and smart offensive instincts and skills. He put up great numbers in the AHL this year as a young defender, and should he continue to grow as a player, that can translate to NHL success as well.

Biggest Concern:

At this point, Mailloux is weak in his own zone mostly due to his decision making and ability to read defenders. His skating isn’t necessarily weak, but can use some explosiveness and acceleration to take it to the next level.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Tier 2 - Second Pairing Defender

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

I feel that Mailloux lacks the defensive responsibility and truly elite offensive skill set to be a true top pairing defender, especially in Montreal where the blueline is as crowded as can be. But a very solid second pairing defender that can put points on the board and run the powerplay is definitely within reach

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Tier 3 - Powerplay Specialist

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

It will be a big transition for Mailloux to start to play against NHL level competition and there will be growing pains and bad goals against on him. If he doesn’t develop the defensive side, he could be a 7th defenseman powerplay specialist.

Stylistic Comparable:

Dion Phaneuf. A big shot, physical defenseman, unafraid of the offensive and physical game.

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

If paired with a smart, defensive defender, a lot of Mailloux's shortcomings can be masked, and his skills can shine. He isn't all that far off from the NHL, and a few great strides (get it, working on his skating stride) can see him reach his potential