Canadiens sign Logan Mailloux to entry-level pact

The Montreal Canadiens signed controversial prospect Logan Mailloux to a three-year, entry-level contract on Wednesday.

"This is a decision that we have thought through carefully," Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said. "Having Logan around members of our team and hockey operations staff for a good part of the summer allowed us to gain a greater appreciation of Logan Mailloux, the person.

"He has an opportunity to affect positive change, and we will work to support him in any effort towards that goal. Logan recognizes the impact of his gesture and, of course, the process continues."

The Habs faced widespread criticism after they selected the 19-year-old defenseman with the 31st overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Mailloux was charged and fined for invasion of privacy and defamation in 2020 after taking a photo of a woman without consent during a sexual encounter and distributing it while on loan in Sweden.

Three days prior to the 2021 NHL Draft, Mailloux withdrew himself from the selection process because he hadn't "demonstrated strong enough maturity or character to earn that privilege," but he heard his name called at the draft anyways.

At the time, Montreal's decision to pick Mailloux "stunned" NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Canadiens owner Geoff Molson released a statement apologizing for any harm the selection caused while adding that the organization would work closely with Mailloux.

Mailloux, who plays for the London Knights, was subsequently suspended by the OHL in September 2021. He was reinstated on Jan. 1, 2022.

He will earn $750,000 at the NHL level in 2022-23 and $832,500 in the two following seasons, as well as $70,000 per season in the AHL.

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