The Logan Mailloux case has caused a lot of excitement since the Canadian selected him in the first round in 2021. The legal saga, the outcry caused by his selection and his “rehabilitation” eventually pushed this issue into second place. that is who he is at his core: a young man who wants to play in the NHL.

Mailloux took another step in this direction in recent weeks when he met with NHL officials. He himself called it a “positive meeting” on Thursday morning, without wanting to go into details.

According to his colleague Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports, Mailloux would have received absolution from Gary Bettman to begin his professional career. However, nothing official has been released regarding this yet. As for the commissioner’s office, we may wait to learn the defense attorney’s next target before commenting publicly.

The Ontario native therefore had every reason to smile before boarding the bus that took the Canadian’s hopes to Buffalo for the rookie tournament that will take place this weekend.

“I’ve come a long way and I’m really happy,” he said. “It’s also my first time wearing the Canadian jersey, so it’s very exciting,” he said. I am highly motivated. I’ll be honest with you. My goal is to get into the team.” Watch his press conference above.

Under the eyes of Ramage

In fact, the former London Knights player has come a long way. Since he began working with the Canadian, he has undergone therapy, attended seminars and done volunteer work. And all this while there was still that shadow hanging over his head: the shadow that comes from certain people always portraying him as a sexual predator.

“I have experienced a lot in the last few years. I’ve learned to live with it. I have to have a strong head and focus on my goal. And my goal is to play in the NHL. No matter what the world says, I have the opportunity now,” he said under the watchful eye of Rob Ramage.

Ramage, the director of player development, was tasked by the organization with taking Mailloux under his wing. Ramage himself had to undergo a rehabilitation program after causing the car accident that killed his teammate Keith Magnuson. Ramage was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

Photo credit: Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montréal / Agence QMI

A month with Paul Byron

Motivated as always, Mailloux is one of those who quickly appeared in the metropolis in the summer. In addition to appearing and training at various events, the Belle River native also spent a month with Paul Byron. Another great opportunity to learn about the life of a professional athlete.

“The Byrons opened their door to me. They were fantastic. It is an advantage to live with a man who played almost 600 games before I started my professional career,” said Mailloux. Paul began his career in the minors and worked his way up to the NHL. He told me that you have to fight every day to keep your job. It’s a murderous business. If you don’t play well one day, you can find yourself somewhere else the next day.”

Mailloux’s route to the big racetrack should be faster than Byron’s. His reliability will determine what happens next.

“We often hear that attackers want to play 200 feet. The same goes for defenders. This is how I will try to gain the trust of the coaches: first by playing well defensively. The attack will come later.”

Those are wise words for a defender whose weak point right now is his defensive play.