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The Montreal Canadiens made a controversial selection with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft by taking defenseman Logan Mailloux.
Mailloux had asked teams not to select him in this year’s draft following news that he had been charged for distributing a sexual photo without consent. Mailloux had paid a fine in Sweden for his 2020 conviction.
“Being drafted into the NHL is an honour and a privilege that no one takes lightly,” Mailloux said in a statement. “The NHL Draft should be one of the most exciting landmark moments in a player’s career, and given the circumstances, I don’t feel I have demonstrated strong enough maturity or character to earn that privilege in the 2021 draft.”
The Habs decided to select Mailloux in the first-round despite his plea, and have now defended their selection.
“By drafting prospect Logan Mailloux with the 31st overall pick, the Montreal Canadiens organization not only selected a promising hockey player, but also a young man who recently admitted to making a serious mistake,” the team said in a statement via NHL.com. “The Canadiens are aware of the situation and by no means minimize the severity of Logan’s actions. Logan understands the impact of his actions. His recent public statement is a genuine acknowledgement of his poor behaviour and the first step on his personal journey.
We are making a commitment to accompany Logan on his journey by providing him with the tools to mature and the necessary support to guide him in his development. We are also committed to raising awareness among our players about the repercussions of their actions on the lives of others.”
Mailloux spent last season with SK Lejon in Sweden’s third division on loan from the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights. The 6-foot-3 defenseman recorded 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists) in 19 games in Sweden.
