The St. Louis Blues head into the 2025-26 season with many young players expected to have a role with the team. Jimmy Snuggerud will have his first training camp for the Blues as he begins his first full season in the league. Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg will look to build upon strong first seasons in St. Louis. However, the biggest wild card of the youth movement is their new defenceman, Logan Mailloux.
Mailloux is the Blues Wild Card
The Blues acquired Mailloux in July, sending young forward Zachary Bolduc to the Montreal Canadiens. The trade surprised many, given Bolduc’s strong season last season and Mailloux’s limited time in the NHL. However, Blues general manager Doug Armstrong made this trade to add more youth to the Blues defensive core.
At first glance, that logic makes sense. The Blues have a plethora of forwards on the roster, making Bolduc expendable. Furthermore, the Blues do not have many young defencemen nor do they have many right-handed options. Mailloux checks both of those boxes.
Yet, Mailloux is the wild card of the Blues youth movement. What should be expected of Mailloux this season?
Training Camp and Preseason
Mailloux has only played in eight NHL games and did not play in any of the playoff games last season with the Habs. This makes training camp and the preseason interesting. Is Mailloux guaranteed a spot in the Blues lineup when the season starts?
Mailloux may currently be penciled in on the team’s third defensive pairing, but that does not mean it is his to lose. The 22-year-old may have to show the Blues he should be in the lineup on Opening Night. Now, the Blues do not have many other options for the position, with Matthew Kessel being the only other candidate. Therefore, Kessel will need to impress at training camp and the preseason as well for the Blues to seriously consider going with him over Mailloux.
It may not hurt Mailloux to have to compete for ice time in camp. However, that does not mean that he should not beat Kessel; he should be sent to the American Hockey League.
Remain On Roster; Split Time
Unless Mailloux really impresses during camp and the preseason, the Blues should split the ice time between him and Kessel. With only eight games under his belt, Mailloux will have some learning to do. While some rookies can hit the ground running, that may not be the case for Mailloux.
By splitting time, the Blues will get to evaluate both Mailloux and Kessel, which is an advantage for the team. Both players have an equal opportunity to perform at the NHL level.
Pair With a Veteran
Dailey Faceoff has Mailloux paired with Tyler Tucker. Tucker has played in 90 NHL games and has played in no more than 38 in a season. While Tucker is a valuable defenceman, he is still coming into his own in the NHL. Mailloux should be paired with a veteran to help his development.
Mailloux should be paired with Cam Fowler. This pairing makes sense when looking at Mailloux’s scouting report. Mailloux has a great slap shot and moves the puck well. In his hockey career, he has been a threat in the offensive zone, even recording a 25-goal season in the Ontario Hockey League. During his only season in the American Hockey League, he scored 14 goals. In addition to his offence, Mailloux’s defensive game is also boosted by his skating and ability to move the puck. However, the scouting report does not state that Mailloux’s defensive play is a work in progress.
Like Mailloux, Fowler is an offensive-minded defenceman who can hold his own in the defensive zone. The two could complement one another well. Furthermore, Fowler could help pick up the slack in the defensive zone.
Realistic Expectations for Mailloux
If the Blues decide to split time between Kessel and Mailloux, a reasonable expectation for games played is at least 41. 15-20 minutes of ice time per game is reasonable as well, although playing with Fowler could increase that, should the Blues go that route. As far as points go, 15-20 seems reasonable.
Of course, should Mailloux show he is ready for a larger role, his games played and ice time could increase.
Do Not Doubt Armstrong
Armstrong was willing to part with Bolduc, so he has faith that Mailloux can develop into a top-four defenceman. Remember, this is the same general manager who traded for Ryan O’Reilly without trading top prospects and made the bold decision to tender offer sheets to Holloway and Broberg.
Trading Bolduc may seem odd at first, but do not doubt Armstrong. As someone who will be turning the reins over after this season, this may be the last time Armstrong pulls off a spectacular move. But then again, one should never doubt Armstrong.
Main Photo: Eric Bolte- Imagn Images
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