Logan Mailloux Trade Signals New Era for Blues’ Defense

the Blues snagged prospect Logan Mailloux in a blockbuster trade on July 1. Jakub Stancl continues to shine at development camp.

July 1 opened free agency ahead of the 2025-26 season. The St. Louis Blues made a bold move to secure their defensive future, acquiring 6’3” defenseman Logan Mailloux from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for winger Zachary Bolduc.

General Manager Doug Armstrong described the deal as an “old-fashioned hockey trade” that positions Mailloux as a cornerstone for the Blues’ blue line.

Meanwhile, at Development Camp, prospect Jakub Stancl turned heads on Day 2, scoring in a 3v3 scrimmage and shootout. With Mailloux’s arrival and Stancl’s emergence as one of the prospects to keep an eye on this season, the Blues are building a promising prospect pipeline for the 2025-26 season and beyond.

Quotes provided by St. Louis Blues media

Mailloux Takes Center Stage

The acquisition of Logan Mailloux addresses a critical need on the right side of the Blues’ defense, where veterans like Colton Parayko (32) and Justin Faulk (33) are aging. Armstrong praised the 22-year-old’s skill set: “He’s an excellent skater with an excellent shot, still learning defensively, but we think he’s NHL-ready.” Mailloux’s performance with the Laval Rocket in the AHL supports this optimism. In just under 200 games, he earned All-Star honors, played deep into the playoffs, and was voted a top prospect by AHL coaches and managers. “He has a job now—it’s his to keep at camp,” Armstrong said, projecting Mailloux as a future top-four defenseman.

Newly Acquired Blues defenseman Logan Mailloux | Photo credit (© Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports)

The trade saw the Blues part with Zachary Bolduc, a 22-year-old winger who scored 19 goals last season, leveraging their surplus of wingers like Jake Snuggerud, Jordan Kyrou, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jake Neighbours. Armstrong called the decision tough: “It’s like trading a child,” but the chance to acquire a defenseman of Mailloux’s caliber was rare. He expressed confidence that Bolduc would thrive in Montreal, his home region.

Mailloux’s 2021 draft year was controversial, as he requested not to be drafted due to off-ice issues. Armstrong addressed this head-on: “He’s a young man who made a mistake. The league has done their due diligence, and we believe in second chances.” Mailloux’s redemption arc, supported by therapy and education, makes him a polarizing yet high-upside addition.

Stancl Shines at Development Camp

At the Blues’ Development Camp, 19-year-old forward Jakub Stancl stole the spotlight on Day 2, scoring a goal in a 3v3 scrimmage with his quick release and adding another in the shootout, showcasing his clutch scoring ability. Building on his 2024-25 season with the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL), where he was noted for his scoring prowess, Stancl’s performance signals his potential as a future middle-six forward, complementing the excitement around Mailloux’s arrival.