By Canadian Press

Canadiens make controversial pick, selecting Logan Mailloux with the No. 31 pick.

Jul 23, 2021 | 9:06 PM

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens made a controversial pick at the NHL entry draft Friday, selecting defenceman Logan Mailloux with the No. 31 pick. 

Mailloux posted a statement on Twitter earlier this week, asking teams not to draft him after news surfaced that he had been charged and paid a fine in Sweden for distributing a sexual photo without consent. 

The statement said being drafted into the NHL is an honour and a privilege and that Mailloux felt he had not demonstrated enough maturity or character to earn that privilege. 

Mailloux plays for the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights but spent last season on loan to SK Lejon in Sweden’s third division. 

His statement said not being drafted in 2021 would allow him to “demonstrate an adequate level of maturity and character next season with the London Knights” and give NHL teams a chance to reassess his character ahead of the 2022 draft. 

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The Canadiens put out a statement shortly after announcing Mailloux as their pick.

“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 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 acknowledgment of his poor behaviour and the first step on his personal journey,” read the statement.

“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.” 

Montreal is coming off a Cinderella post-season run after sneaking into the playoffs with a 24-21-11 record. 

The Habs proved to be a feisty foe, dispatching the Toronto Maple Leafs in a seven-game first round series, sweeping the Winnipeg Jets in round two and ousting the Vegas Golden Knights in a gritty six-game bout before finally falling in five games to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Stanley Cup Finals. 

Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin has plenty of work ahead of him when the draft resumes with the second round on Saturday. Montreal owns picks No. 63, 64, 76, 87, 113, 126, 127, 142, 191, 223.

Defenceman Kaiden Guhle was the Habs top pick in the 2020 draft, going 16th overall.  

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 23, 2021. 

The Canadian Press