Shock Cuts: Canadiens Trim Roster, Logan Mailloux and Joshua Roy Among the Surprises

As the Montreal Canadiens gear up for the NHL season opener, some unexpected player cuts have sent waves through the hockey community. The team finalized its 23-man roster on Monday morning, leaving fans buzzing about the decisions made just ahead of the league's 5 p.m. deadline.

Logan Mailloux and Joshua Roy are among the notable names that won’t be starting the season with the Canadiens. Both players have been sent down to the AHL’s Laval Rocket alongside defencemen Adam Engstrom and William Trudeau, and forwards Lucas Condotta and Brandon Gignac. Goalie Jakub Dobes was also part of the cuts.

On a brighter note for the team, forwards Alex Barré-Boulet, Oliver Kapanen, and Emil Heineman have successfully made the roster. Defenceman Lane Hutson, who was drafted by the Canadiens, also secured his spot and showed promise in training camp.

Opening Night Anticipation

The Canadiens will launch their regular season on Wednesday night at the Bell Centre against their longtime rivals, the Toronto Maple Leafs. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as the team fields 14 forwards, 7 defencemen, and goalies Samuel Montembeault and Cayden Primeau.

Barré-Boulet, an undrafted free agent, has had a tenuous NHL career thus far, playing just 68 games. He was signed in July after an impressive outing in the AHL. Meanwhile, Kapanen, a promising young talent, was selected in the 2021 NHL Draft and has demonstrated versatility that includes special teams potential. Emil Heineman, another young forward, has entered the NHL radar after being traded from the Calgary Flames, showcasing significant potential in his previous AHL seasons.

Coach’s Insights

Head coach Martin St. Louis had praise for the new roster members, highlighting Kapanen’s 200-foot game, and expressing optimism about Hutson’s defensive capabilities despite his smaller stature at just 5-foot-10. St. Louis believes that Hutson's quick foot speed and mental agility could prove to be assets, making him an intriguing player to watch as he transitions to the NHL pace.

St. Louis remarked, "We’re not worried about what he can do offensively and driving possession. But, like every young defenceman, we expect him to handle his defensive responsibilities consistently."

Training Camp Reflections

The newly minted players learned of their fate during a video meeting before practice, evoking a mix of emotions. Heineman shared, "I was ready for whatever, but I felt really excited. I felt like I took steps in training camp. No matter if it’s points or not, just how I contributed out there made me happy."

As the team polished up their power play strategy during practice, their first and second units showed promise, hinting at the potential offensive dynamics of the new squad.

Conclusion

With the opening match against the Maple Leafs just days away, Canadiens fans will be eager to see how the new roster comes together. The cuts of Mailloux and Roy come as a surprise to many, but the excitement surrounding the debut of fresh talent like Kapanen and Heineman brings a renewed sense of hope. Will these young players rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but the excitement in Montreal is palpable as the countdown to the NHL season begins!