The Montreal Canadiens have kicked off July with a move that has quickly become the talk of the hockey world. The recent trade sending Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Zachary Bolduc has sparked a wave of reactions from fans and analysts alike.

While some are applauding the deal, others are left questioning the organization’s decision to part ways with a promising, right-handed defenseman known for his physicality and powerful shot. The timing and reasoning behind the trade have fueled speculation, with many wondering if there was more to the story than meets the eye.

Amidst the swirl of rumors and debates, general manager Kent Hughes has stepped forward to address the situation head-on, providing clarity about the Canadiens’ strategy and the factors that led to this significant roster change. As the dust settles, the focus now shifts to what this move means for Montreal’s future and how it sets the stage for the team’s ongoing evolution under Hughes’ leadership.

Photo of Kent Hughes and Logan Mailloux

Photo credit: NHL

Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens started July with quite a bang, following the trade involving Zachary Bolduc and Logan Mailloux.

All things considered, even though I love the trade and would take Bolduc over Mailloux, I can understand why some experts are raising questions.

Why would an organization so easily trade away a big, right-handed, physical defenseman with an incredible shot and such high potential?

Well, that exact question was asked directly to Kent Hughes.

Kent Hughes Responds to a Journalist Who Asks What Really Happened With Logan Mailloux

That was literally the question.

“Kent, what happened with Logan Mailloux? Why didn’t it work out?”

– Journalist

After a slight hesitation, the general manager finally answered that what really happened is the Canadiens had the opportunity to acquire an elite defenseman like Noah Dobson.

That’s all.

Journalist Arpon Basu also added the following:

“The trade that sent defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for winger Zachary Bolduc was an asset management move.

The addition of Noah Dobson on the right side of the Canadiens’ defense essentially blocked Logan Mailloux’s path to the NHL. So the Canadiens took that player and turned him into one who fits a need [within Martin St-Louis’ lineup].”

– Arpon Basu

Contrary to what some might believe, there’s no deeper reason to dig for, and nothing shady going on regarding Logan Mailloux.