Logan Mailloux still needs National League clearance should his career take him to the big leagues. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, however, showed some openness.
Passing through Montreal on Tuesday, Bettman was asked if there had been any developments in this file. Recall that last November, Bettman’s assistant, Bill Daly, had declared Mailloux “ineligible” to play in the NHL until he had the authorization of the higher authorities of the circuit.
“We did not manage this file because it was not asked of us, indicated Bettman, in a scrum before the Bruins-Canadian duel, at the Bell Center. We will have to assess the situation if and when the Canadian decides that he wants to recall Mailloux. We will have to look seriously at the question.
“I believe that at some point, in some circumstances and with some people who have made a mistake, there must be a chance for redemption and rehabilitation. But it’s case by case. »
Daly’s comments originally came on the heels of the Bruins’ fiasco surrounding the hiring of Mitchell Miller, a former Coyotes draft pick, who the Bruins quickly dumped when assault charges against a classmate with an intellectual disability had resurfaced. Miller had also uttered racial slurs to his victim. The Bruins also quickly ended their association with Miller, 48 hours after signing him.
Daly essentially put Mailloux and Miller in the same basket, saying “neither player will qualify without our permission.”
Recall of facts
Drafted at 1er turn (31e rank) in 2021 by the Canadian, Mailloux had not been invited to the team’s 2021 training camp, as a result of the crime of a sexual nature he had committed in 2020 in Sweden, when he was 17 years old. In the meantime, the CH had announced that the young man would follow a series of training and therapy.
PHOTO ROBERT SKINNER, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
Logan Mailloux
Last July, Mailloux was invited to the team’s summer development camp, where his progress was particularly praised by Sheldon Kennedy, co-founder of Groupe Respect, a company that offers training on bullying, abuse, harassment , discrimination and respect.
Mailloux then agreed with the Habs on October 5, on the terms of a three-year rookie contract. This season, he wears the colors of the London Knights, in the Ontario Junior League, where his 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 33 games earned him the 1er rank of his team among defenders.
Mailloux will be 20 in April and should therefore, theoretically, make the leap into the professional ranks, whether in Laval or Montreal. The file will certainly resurface next summer.
The Canadian is eyeing Europe
The Canadian has still not taken part in season matches in Europe during the sporadic incursions that the NHL has made on the Old Continent since 2007. However, Gary Bettman has not hidden the interest of the circuit of send the Montreal club there. “We have an owners’ committee that looks at the international aspect and Geoff Molson is the co-director,” Bettman said. There is a real desire for the Canadiens to play overseas, but it has to be done in the right circumstances and in the right market. Costs will also be considered. But I believe it is on the horizon. I would really like the Canadian to play in Europe. »