NHL free agency opened on Tuesday, and while the St. Louis Blues did make a signing, it was a trade that made the biggest waves.
The Blues made a one-for-one swap with the Montreal Canadiens early on Tuesday. St. Louis shipped out 2021 17th overall pick Zachary Bolduc to the Canadiens for defenseman Logan Malloux.
Mailloux carries an $875,000 cap hit and will be a restricted free agent after next season
Bolduc broke out in his age-21 season last year with 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in 72 games with the Blues. While Blues fans may not exactly be happy about trading the former first-round pick, it might make sense for St. Louis.
Armstrong explained why they targeted Mailloux.
Doug Armstrong on acquiring Logan Mailloux: "He's an excellent skater, got an excellent shot. ... We think he's NHL-ready now. I talked to him, I told him he'll have the opportunity to ... he has a job now. It's his job to come into camp and keep it." #stlblues
— Lou Korac (@lkorac10) July 1, 2025
Mailloux is a fellow first-round pick from 2021, selected 31st overall. He's been an AHL All-Star in each of the last two seasons while also appearing in eight NHL games.
As Armstrong mentioned, Mailloux will have a chance to win a roster spot in traiing camp.
The young defenseman gives the Blues an option on the right side of the blue line for the foreseeable future. Colton Parayko and Justin Faulk are holding things down for now, but both of those blueliners are in their 30s. Mailloux can grow with the likes of Philip Broberg and prospects Adam Jiricek and Theo Lindstein.