St. Louis Blues Training Camp Overview
The St. Louis Blues have kicked off their training camp, and prior to the initial practice sessions, General Manager Doug Armstrong addressed the media on various topics. Among the subjects discussed was the concept of second chances, particularly when it comes to Milan Lucic’s professional tryout (PTO). Armstrong clarified that he isn’t lingering on nostalgia as he approaches his final season in management.
Logan Mailloux’s Potential
A key highlight from his press conference was his candid remarks regarding defenseman Logan Mailloux, who was recently added to the team.
“I laid it out clearly for him; the position is his to secure or lose,”
Armstrong stated. He acknowledged the competition Mailloux will face from seasoned players like Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk and expressed confidence in Mailloux’s potential, particularly after trading away promising forward Zack Bolduc to acquire him.
Armstrong’s boldness in sharing his perspective with both Mailloux and the media is notable; it suggests a significant expectation on Mailloux’s shoulders but also a strong belief in his capabilities as a key addition to the Blues’ defense. Initially, Armstrong had high hopes for Mailloux’s readiness for the NHL, and he reiterated this sentiment.
Mailloux’s Enthusiasm and Background
Mailloux, 22, is enthusiastic about this new opportunity, stating back in July,
“I’m really excited to come to St. Louis. I believe the team has a fantastic roster, and I am looking forward to furthering my development, both on and off the ice. I aim to make a positive impact. The trade shows they value my potential, and I’m confident I can contribute at the NHL level.”
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 213 pounds, Mailloux has had limited NHL exposure, playing just eight games with the Montreal Canadiens, where he scored two goals and accumulated five points. He faced challenges defensively during his brief NHL appearances, but his smooth skating enhances the Blues’ breakout and offensive transitions. Last season in the AHL, he scored 12 goals and recorded 33 points in 63 games, improving on a previous season where he achieved 14 goals and 47 points over 72 games.
Future Expectations and Team Dynamics
While there are expectations for Mailloux’s performance this season, the Blues are also looking ahead; both Faulk and Parayko are established right-handed defensemen taking the lead role. Additionally, Adam Jiricek, the Blues’ first-round pick for 2024, is poised to join the team next year. Armstrong mentioned the uncertainty of determining a player’s NHL readiness, remarking,
“It typically takes about 200 games to truly know if someone is an NHL defenseman. He has a long way to go, but we hope he can hit the ground running. I’m not overly worried about the upcoming month, yet starting well is definitely beneficial for him.”
Given the aspirations the Blues hold for the upcoming season, it’s likely that Mailloux will secure a place on the NHL roster. However, Armstrong made it clear that any underperformance could lead him to seek alternatives, reinforcing the competitive nature of the team as they look to achieve greater success this year.
