Tyler Tucker and Logan Mailloux: A Shared Journey
In Maryland Heights, Missouri, Tyler Tucker empathizes with the journey of Logan Mailloux, who recently found himself reassigned to the American Hockey League’s Springfield Thunderbirds. As Tucker vies for a spot on the St. Louis Blues’ defense, the parallels in their experiences are hard to ignore, especially given Tucker’s own turbulent path to the NHL.
Mailloux’s Struggles and Opportunities
Mailloux, who joined the Blues in a July trade with the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Zack Bolduc, has yet to make a significant impact in his brief stint with St. Louis. Struggling to find his footing, he played nine games without scoring and posted a team-low minus-12 rating. Tucker believes this period in Springfield could be a crucial opportunity for Mailloux to regain his self-assurance and showcase his abilities, reminiscent of Tucker’s own necessary adjustments made early in his career.
“He knows what he needs to do to succeed down there,” Tucker commented on Mailloux’s situation following a conversation they had.
Mailloux, who previously accumulated 80 points in 135 AHL games over two seasons with Laval, possesses the talent needed to excel but must now focus on rebuilding his confidence and trust in his game, particularly after the challenges he’s faced recently.
Coaches’ Perspectives on Mailloux
On the other hand, Blues coach Jim Montgomery praised Mailloux’s potential, referring to him as a player with a complete skill set but currently in need of reassurance.
“This is a chance for him to log significant minutes and refine his game before returning to the NHL,” Montgomery explained.
General Manager Doug Armstrong echoed these sentiments, clarifying that while this reassignment is not a permanent demotion, it is essential for Mailloux to reestablish his confidence and understanding of professional play.
The Pressure to Perform
Having made only 17 career NHL appearances, Mailloux has undoubtedly felt the pressure to perform since the Blues stated it was “his job to lose.” Tucker noted how crucial it is for Mailloux to find his groove in the AHL, where he can play in various situations, including special teams, as the Thunderbirds struggle with a poor start (1-8-1-1).
“He’s a great puck mover capable of making complex plays while keeping it simple,” Tucker highlighted, noting Mailloux’s versatility and skills from their training sessions together.
Tucker remains optimistic about Mailloux’s eventual return.
Learning from Experience
This isn’t the Blues’ first excursion in sending a player down to the minors to fine-tune their game. They had a similar experience with Bolduc last season, who after a brief stint in the minors, returned with a renewed commitment to the challenges of the NHL. Montgomery pointed out the importance of patience in development, especially for young players learning the rigors of top-level competition.
As Mailloux works to reestablish himself, Tucker confirms the lines of communication remain open.
“We’ll keep in touch. Young guys here do a good job of supporting each other,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Blues have also brought up Hunter Skinner to shore up their defense, showcasing a player whose enthusiasm for the game could energize the locker room as they navigate the current season’s challenges.
Reflections on Officiating and Team Dynamics
In the midst of these transitions, the Blues also reflect on recent controversies surrounding officiating in their games, using these moments to focus on personal improvement and team dynamics.
