Controversial Habs defenceman Logan Mailloux gets green light for NHL debut

The NHL cleared controversial Montreal Canadiens defenceman Logan Mailloux to make his NHL debut in the Tuesday night season finale against the visiting Detroit Red Wings.

The Canadiens drafted the Ontario native in the first round (31st overall) in 2021 despite reports that he had appeared on many teams' "do not draft" lists after an incident in Sweden.

While Mailloux was on loan to the Swedish club SK Lejon in November 2020, he was fined by authorities there after admitting to charges of sharing an intimate photo of a woman without her consent. Mailloux was suspended indefinitely by the Ontario Hockey League in September 2021. The ban was lifted late that December.

Mailloux, 21, spent this season with the Laval Rocket of the American Hockey League, tallying 47 points (14 goals, 33 assists) in 70 games and earning a spot in the AHL All-Star Game.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman's office released a statement on Tuesday morning.

"We have met with Logan Mailloux multiple times over the course of the last eight to 10 months. We are comfortable that he recognizes the gravity of his prior conduct and is committed to making better and more responsible decisions in the future. He has been cleared to participate in National Hockey League play."

The Canadiens (30-36-15) close out the regular season against the Red Wings at the Bell Centre. Montreal failed to reach the Stanley Cup playoffs for the third straight campaign.