As the Montreal Canadiens’ situation continues to collapse, a trade rumor involving Trevor Zegras of the Anaheim Ducks resurfaces.
This return of speculation is not surprising, especially when we see Logan Mailloux turning corners in Laval and Zegras sinking into a nightmare season in California.
Meanwhile, in Laval, Joshua Roy shines more and more, in both directions of the ice, which fuels the idea that the Ducks could demand a “package deal” including Mailloux and Roy in return for Zegras.
The fact that Roy was recalled has some saying he could be placed in the window.
But is this really the solution for Montreal?
Logan Mailloux’s performances in Laval raise concerns. Despite his immense potential, the right-handed defender seems demotivated and less engaged in his game.
His nonchalance is starting to become a problem, and the criticism, like that of Anthony Marcotte on BPM Sports, only adds to the pressure:
“Joshua Roy takes charge a lot more than a guy like Logan Mailloux. »
For Mailloux, this perception is alarming. If a player of his caliber can’t stand out in Laval, it’s hard to imagine him quickly finding his place in the NHL.
The CH already seems to be losing patience, and if this trend continues, it is clear that its future will not be in Montreal.
Unlike Mailloux, Joshua Roy is on fire in Laval. The Quebec winger continues to impress with his offensive production and his involvement on the ice.
With an increasingly mature approach and constant progression, Roy shows that he understands what it takes to have a chance in the NHL. Not for nothing was he recalled.
The CH continued to snub him, which fueled the rumors. Will being recalled ignite or extinguish the rumors?
Its current performance makes it a valuable piece for CH, but also an attractive currency.
If the Ducks insist on including Roy in a trade for Trevor Zegras, it could be a tough sacrifice for Montreal to swallow.
After all, Roy is already showing he could become a key contributor in the long run. Mailloux AND Roy for Zegras seems to be excessive.
Trevor Zegras, for his part, is having a season in troubled waters with Anaheim. Despite his immense talent, his lack of commitment and limited production continue to be a problem.
With only a few points to his name this season, his market value is falling. (2 meager goals, 5 meager assists for 7 points in 19 games).
For Montreal, acquiring Zegras could seem like a solution to revive the attack and bring creativity, but it carries risks.
By sacrificing two young prospects like Mailloux and Roy, CH could mortgage its future for a player who is struggling to meet expectations.
If the Canadian agrees to send Mailloux and Roy to Anaheim for Zegras, he will have to face several consequences.
Roy is fixing his attitude issues, and Mailloux, despite his shortcomings, represents a young right-handed defenseman with high potential.
There is a lack of right-handed defenders at CH.
The Ducks player, while extremely talented, raises doubts about his work ethic and ability to adapt to a structured system.
That’s good. The Martin St-Louis system is the opposite of a structured system.
Joking aside. Can Zegras really help CH in the short term or will he become another Kirby Dach-style offensive disappointment?
An alternative to this transaction would be to rely on Laval players to inject dynamism into the CH lineup.
Roy deserves to play in Montreal. He deserves his recall
But the CH’s development policy is clear: Montreal prefers its youngsters to dominate in the American League before making the jump to the NHL.
With the imminent returns of Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Patrik Laine, roster space is limited.
If Joshua Roy shows he deserves an opportunity, Logan Mailloux needs to prove he can take charge and improve in the defensive facets of the game.
The CH finds itself at a delicate crossroads. On one hand, a Mailloux-Roy for Zegras swap could provide an offensive boost and excitement for fans, but at the cost of sacrificing two promising prospects.
On the other hand, trusting your young players and continuing to develop them could prove wiser in the long term, even if it doesn’t solve the team’s immediate problems.
Kent Hughes will have to decide if he is ready to take a bold risk to accelerate the Canadian’s progress or if he prefers to continue building patiently by banking on Roy and hoping for a revival from Mailloux.
In both cases, time is of the essence, because if Mailloux continues to drag his skates, his value will continue to fall.
Montreal must act, but with caution: a misstep could be costly, both on the ice and behind the scenes.
Kent Hughes does not want to make the same mistake as with Kirby Dach. Already having sacrificed a TOP 4 defender in the NHL in Romanov, an error in the Mailloux file would be catastrophic.
