Logan Mailloux cleared to play in NHL: reports
The Canadiens prospect was fined after sharing a photo of a woman he had taken without her knowledge while they engaged in a sexual act in Sweden.
Published Aug 23, 2023 • Last updated 6 hours ago • 2 minute read
Logan Mailloux, the Canadiens’ 2021 draft pick who admitted to secretly photographing a woman while the two were engaged in sexual activities and then sharing the photo with teammates, has been cleared to play in the National Hockey League, according to reports from TVA Sports and Sportsnet.
The London Knights defenceman sparked controversy after he was selected 31st overall by the Canadiens, despite renouncing himself from the draft that year, saying he hadn’t earned, and didn’t deserve, the privilege of being selected.
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In 2020, with the Ontario Hockey League season shut down because of COVID-19, the then 17-year-old Mailloux was playing for SK Lejon in Sweden when, according to Swedish police, he shared a photo with his teammates depicting himself and an 18-year-old woman engaging in a sexual act. The woman, who his teammates quickly identified and who was not aware the photo had been taken, went to local police. Mailloux was charged with defamation and offensive photography and fined the equivalent of US$1,650.
“The Canadiens are aware of the situation and by no means minimize the severity of Logan’s action,” general manager Marc Bergevin said at the time. “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.”
In January, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said “we’ll have to evaluate his situation if and when the Canadiens decide they want to bring him up to the NHL level. We’ll have to take a good, hard look and I do think at some point in some circumstances with some people when you make a mistake there is a chance of redemption and rehabilitation, but you have to evaluate that on a case-by-case basis.”
Mailloux has done everything that has been asked of him since being drafted — including meeting with therapists and taking part in education programs — and has shown real remorse for what he did.
He played 59 games for the Knights last season, scoring 25 goals and adding 28 assists, plus another eight goals and 16 assists in 21 OHL playoff games. He participated in the Canadiens’ development camp in July.
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