As much as I don't want to get into the debate about "cancel culture", I can't help but consider the overarching question: what are the qualifications to be drafted in and/or play in the NHL?
It has now come up in the past two drafts, and while I'm not condoning anything Mailleux did or what Mitchell Miller did, is zero tolerance now the standard? Should it be? Is there any opportunity for second chances? Or is it one and done when it comes to improper/illegal acts involving women? Or if he said a racial slur? What if it was an assault charge from a bar room fight, or something stupid like public urination?
To be clear, I have no issue with putting professional athletes (and prospective professional athletes) to a higher standard. The seemingly universal reaction to what the Habs did yesterday suggests that's what we're moving to. But the fact he was still drafted yesterday (with other teams apparently considering drafting him in the second round) shows not everyone is there yet.
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