“More interested in the potential to win”: the criticism surrounding the Canadiens’ first-round pick

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MONTREAL (CityNews) – Women’s advocates say Montreal Canadiens are trivializing sexual violence after writing Logan Mailloux.

The decision to sign the young defenseman has shocked the hockey world and Habs fans, and many say it sends the wrong message.

I think that says a lot about their priorities and that they are clearly more interested in the potential to win than in building a cohesive team, said Julie S. Lalonde, public educator and women’s rights advocate.

# WATCH Women’s rights advocate Julie S. Lalonde says it’s up to Habs fans to pressure the organization to show their displeasure with their first draft pick, Logan Mailloux. pic.twitter.com/LI2WyOKqWa

CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) July 26, 2021

Mailloux paid a fine of $ 1,650 for showing his teammates at SK Lejon in Sweden a Snapchat of him engaged in consensual sexual activity with a woman who did not consent to such images being shared with anyone that it would be. You have someone who admitted to being sexually assaulted and the team has always prioritized their talent on the ice with the message they send to people and to me that message is’ we don’t care, we don’t care. we don’t care that he did anything wrong, we offend the women and survivors who watch our games, who cares, ”said Lalonde.

Ahead of Friday night’s draft, where the Canadiens selected Mailloux 31st overall, Mailloux issued a statement, asking that he not be drafted. “To be drafted into the NHL is an ‘honor and a privilege,” he wrote in the statement, adding that he didn’t think he “showed enough maturity or character to win this privilege in the 2021 Draft. “” I know it will take time for the company to regain the confidence that I have lost, and that is why I think it is better that I give up the NHL Draft in 2021 and ask that nobody select me this coming weekend. I think that would allow me to demonstrate a level of maturity and character adequacy next season with the London Knights in the OHL, and would give all teams the opportunity to reassess my character for the 2022 NHL Draft, ”the statement added.

Logan Mailloux answers questions from the media live.

Logan Mailloux answers journalists’ questions live. https://t.co/3TTBB5TkqO

Canadiens Montreal (@CanadiensMTL) July 24, 2021

But on Saturday, he spoke about the draft and his hopes to play for the Habs.

“I know I said I didn’t want to be drafted this year, but as a young man who wants to become a better person, I feel that being accompanied by the organization of the Montreal Canadiens will help me a lot, they are committed to helping me grow. as a person and I thank them for that.

While some insist Mailloux is young and deserves a chance to prove himself, many Habs fans are unimpressed with the squad’s pick. Some even say the move ruined fans’ love and admiration for the organization after an incredible Stanley Cup run.

This year we had a good race and we expected this to be a team that would do the right things. We’re a pretty respectable team with a good legacy, ”said one fan. “Then seeing that, it doesn’t really show our reputation. “

Lalonde says NHL players and prospects are role models for youngsters who will know what he did and how he got drafted anyway.

“Habs management has made it clear that they don’t care about survivors of sexual assault in general,” said Lalonde.

“They gave free rein to future players to do what they want and still be drafted,” she added.

Despite criticism, Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin maintains his choice, calling Mailloux “a young man who recently admitted to making a serious mistake.”

“Canadians are aware of the situation and in no way minimize the seriousness of Logan’s actions. Logan understands the impact of his actions. His recent public statement is a real recognition of his bad behavior and the first step in his personal journey. “

Bergevin affirms that the club is committed to “providing him with the tools to mature and the support necessary to guide him in his development” and to “make our players aware of the repercussions of their actions on the lives of others”.

-With files from Sportsnet

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