David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux, the so-called future stars of the Canadiens’ blue line, have just let go of Kent Hughes.
After deciding that Johnathan Kovacevic was just one piece too many in their plan, Hughes dumped him like a sack of potatoes for a fourth-round pick in 2026 – in other words, peanuts.
And while Hughes congratulates himself for this “awesome” transaction, Kovacevic is already strutting his stuff in New Jersey with a goal and an assist in his first outing. A high-class match, nothing less.
His first pass is absolutely beautiful.
His goal is well placed in traffic.
What did Reinbacher and Mailloux offer to justify this decision?
Quite simply, a poverty camp.
Mailloux, this promise which is slow to come true, has only confirmed fears: he is not ready.
And Reinbacher? Well, disaster is a weak word.
Kent Hughes must surely have regrets at this moment, because the one he gave is already making rain and shine under another sky, while his “saviors” collapse into disappointment and the infirmary.
But let’s talk about Kovacevic. The poor man wanted to stay in Montreal. He thought he was “safe” simply because he was right-handed and had rendered proud service to the CH, not to mention his annual salary which was close to the minimum allowed by the NHL.
Serious error! With the blue line so saturated, we had to make room, and it was the nice Johnathan who had to pack his bags.
Hughes decided that Kovacevic was “dispensable”, but now the latter is already shining with the Devils. A stab in the heart for the CH, who helplessly watch one of their former defenders prove to the NHL that he is much more than a waiver player.
Tonight, Kent Hughes must be consumed by regret. Because while Kovacevic shines at the other end of the ice, Reinbacher and Mailloux are the two disappointments of the camp.
Reinbacher was already a disappointment even before blowing out his knee.
One thing is certain, supporters of the Canadian have reason to feel cheated. When a defender as reliable as Kovacevic is traded for peanuts, and the “super hopes” turn out to be disappointing, the pain has only just begun.
Ouch.
Kovacevic even became a Swiss army knife, he who threw down the gloves in pre-season, while the CH players hid before Arber Xhekaj came to save them.
On the one hand, David Reinbacher, this player who was announced as a future star selected before the prodigy Matvei Michkov, could not even go through a camp without getting injured.
And what about Logan Mailloux? This player whose progress must have been dazzling.
But Mailloux is affected, and not just a little. Recruiters and experts have not been kind to him, criticizing his rough defensive play, his lack of consistency, his average skating, his overrated offensive side and his difficulty in imposing himself physically.
For the moment, Mailloux seems unable to handle the pressure and criticism. He is demoralized, and it shows. His performances are synonymous with nervousness and clumsiness, so much so that some are already starting to doubt his future in the NHL.
Yes, Kent Hughes was abandoned by his two “prodigies”. We bet he would love to have Kovacevic as plan B right now…
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