New and highly successful strategy for the Montreal Canadiens: The duo formed by Logan Mailloux and Arber Xhekaj is an example to follow for the organization

For many years, the development qualities of the Canadiens' personnel were criticized. It was very rare for a player drafted by the organization to break through with the Habs, and even rarer for them to become an impact player.

From 2006 to 2018 inclusive, no first-round pick of the Canadiens is still with the organization. This is a very big problem, and it's essential not only to point fingers at the scouts but also at the development process.

The good news is that it has greatly improved in recent years. The decisions made by the organization, whether to keep a player a bit longer in junior or in the American Hockey League, have been more favorable.

Currently, there is a defensive duo that is making waves in Laval. Arber Xhekaj and Logan Mailloux are simply dominant, and barring any surprises, they should move up together and remain a duo in the NHL.


This is my opinion, based on statistics. Mailloux has come out of his shell when paired with Xhekaj, and he now has 20 points in 32 games. Xhekaj has accumulated 10 points in 13 games. The Rocket is stringing together wins, which was not the case before their arrival.

It's evident, and it could be the beginning of a successful strategy for the Habs. What if the organization decided to repeat the experience with two new young players next year? Lane Hutson and David Reinbacher could greatly benefit from the same kind of treatment and grow together in the AHL for an entire season.

Whether it's by fortunate coincidence or a clever plan by the organization, Xhekaj's arrival in Laval and the duo he forms with Mailloux should give the Canadiens some ideas. They should build on this experience and replicate it.