Canadiens’ Logan Mailloux Isn’t the Only D-man to Watch in

Sometimes, a player doesn’t follow the path we expect. He takes a few detours, plays in different leagues, and keeps looking for the right opportunity. For Montreal Canadiens fans, that makes Laval Rocket defenceman Reilly Walsh an interesting player to watch.

Walsh scored twice in Laval’s 5–1 win over Syracuse on Wednesday. The Rocket fell behind 1–0 but responded with five unanswered goals, outshooting the Crunch 36–15. Walsh’s first goal came during four-on-four play, when he joined the rush, got the puck back in the slot, and finished the opportunity. He scored his second in the third period, with Samuel Poulin setting him up.

That’s a pretty good night at the office for a defenceman. And Walsh hasn't been living off one strong performance. Through seven games, he has five goals and five assists, along with 18 shots on net and a plus-5 rating. Ten points in seven games is the sort of production that makes you look twice, particularly when it comes from the blue line.

A Different Route to the Montreal Canadiens Organization.

The Canadiens signed Walsh this summer after he put together an impressive season with Barys Astana in the KHL. He recorded 46 points, including 16 goals and 30 assists, in 68 games. That ranked him third among KHL defencemen in scoring. At 27, Walsh isn't a young prospect waiting for his first chance to prove himself. He has played 306 AHL games, recorded 163 points, and spent time with several organizations. He also has one NHL appearance on his résumé, with the New Jersey Devils in 2021–22, when he picked up an assist.

That experience counts for something. Not every player develops on the same schedule, and sometimes a change of scenery or a stint overseas helps a player find another gear.

What Does This Mean for the Canadiens?

Walsh's strong start doesn't automatically put him in line for a call-up. Montreal has younger defencemen, including David Reinbacher and Luke Mittelstadt, whose development will be important to the organization's plans. Still, Walsh can make himself useful by giving Laval dependable minutes and providing offence from the back end. If injuries or other roster needs arise, a defenceman producing at this rate could make the conversation more interesting.

For now, Canadiens fans don't need to pencil Walsh into Montreal's lineup. They can simply appreciate what he's doing in Laval. Sometimes, the most interesting story isn't about a top prospect arriving on schedule. It's about a player who has taken the longer road and is still finding ways to get noticed.