What Happened
The St. Louis Blues announced that defenseman Logan Mailloux has been assigned to the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds on a conditioning stint. The 23-year-old has been on injured reserve since undergoing shoulder surgery after fighting Chicago Blackhawks forward Cole Smith during a preseason game. The assignment allows Mailloux to get game action in the AHL as he works toward a return to St. Louis.
Key Details
- Mailloux, 23, had shoulder surgery after a preseason fight with Chicago's Cole Smith.
- He has been on injured reserve since the injury.
- St. Louis acquired him from Montreal for forward Zachary Bolduc.
- Mailloux was the 31st overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft.
- He had five goals and 13 points in 67 games with the Blues last season.
- He scored two goals in five games with Springfield last season.
What It Means
The conditioning stint gives Mailloux a chance to rebuild game sharpness before rejoining a Blues defense that has struggled defensively. St. Louis is tied for 21st in goals against per game despite strong team goaltending, and Mailloux's return would add depth, particularly on the left side. His AHL production with Laval suggests he can contribute more than his first NHL season showed.
What's Next
Mailloux is expected to return to St. Louis once the conditioning stint concludes, though the team has not announced a timeline. His play with Springfield will determine how quickly he rejoins the Blues' blue line.