Montreal Canadiens' Logan Mailloux plays during an NHL hockey game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Philadelphia.
The Montreal Canadiens are stacking the bricks for a stronger future, and their latest move—trading for forward Zachary Bolduc—is another calculated step toward contention. This acquisition, completed just after free agency opened, signals Montreal’s confidence in Bolduc’s growth and long-term potential.
Gorton Had His Eye on Bolduc for Years
Jeff Gorton, now Montreal’s executive VP of hockey operations, was impressed by Bolduc long before he joined the Canadiens' front office. During a 2021 NHL Network draft broadcast, Gorton praised the young forward for his skating, goal-scoring instincts, and high ceiling.
“Beautiful skater, lots of talent,” Gorton said then. “He can be a real top-six player as he matures physically.”
Now, he’s betting on Bolduc reaching that potential in a Canadiens jersey.
Bolduc's Physicality Makes Him NHL-Ready
The 22-year-old forward has come a long way since being drafted 16th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2021. Last season, Bolduc scored 19 goals and recorded 36 points across 72 games while playing limited fourth-line minutes. Montreal believes he can replicate or even exceed that performance in a bottom-six role.
GM Kent Hughes highlighted Bolduc’s increased physical presence this past season. “We really saw an improvement in terms of his physical play,” Hughes said, emphasizing why Bolduc fits into Montreal’s future plans.
A Swap That Suits Both Sides
To get Bolduc, Montreal gave up winger Emil Heineman—a 23-year-old with size and strong forechecking skills. While Heineman showed promise, scouts and executives suggest Bolduc’s offensive upside is greater.
One NHL scout noted, “There’s some edge to Bolduc’s game, and he’s more than just a skill guy.”
St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong acknowledged the difficulty of parting with Bolduc but needed to strengthen his defense. The Blues acquired Logan Mailloux to fill a right-side gap on their blue line, an area where Montreal has recently bolstered depth.
A Chance to Compete for a Top-Six Role
Bolduc, a Quebec native and lifelong Canadiens fan, sees this as an opportunity to carve out a key role.
“I think I’m a guy with a good stride, a strong shot, and physical play,” Bolduc said. “I want to bring my best and earn a spot in training camp.”
His junior stats back up the hype. Bolduc scored 105 goals in 126 QMJHL games with the Quebec Remparts and closed last NHL season with 13 goals in his final 24 games—a promising sign of what he could bring to Montreal’s top-six mix.
Questions Remain at Centre Ice
While Bolduc fills a need on the wing, the Canadiens still have work to do at centre. Kirby Dach, returning from a second knee surgery, remains a question mark. He struggled early last season before showing flashes of his potential late.
Alex Newhook, another contender for the second-line centre role, tallied 15 goals and 26 points last season but may be better suited to a third-line role.
Hughes is actively exploring trade options but admits he might start the season with the current roster. “We’re not going to build the perfect team in one summer,” he said.
Dobson Deal Strengthens Defence
The Canadiens also secured defenceman Noah Dobson last week and signed him to a massive eight-year, $76-million extension. The 25-year-old immediately improves the team’s top defensive pairing and projects as a long-term cornerstone alongside rising stars like David Reinbacher and Lane Hutson.
Other Moves Round Out the Roster
Montreal signed veteran forward Samuel Blais to add grit to the fourth line after Joel Armia’s departure. They also brought in goalie Kaapo Kahkonen on a one-year, $1.15-million deal.
Kahkonen will likely mentor in the AHL but remains solid insurance if injuries hit the NHL roster.
On the blue line, Hughes intends to retain veteran Mike Matheson, whose heavy minutes and penalty-kill presence are vital. Matheson ranked in the NHL’s top 10 for ice time and led the Canadiens’ penalty kill.
Building Blocks for a Contender
The Canadiens are not done tweaking. They still need help up front and possibly in special teams, but the additions of Dobson and Bolduc are strong steps forward.
“I hope we make the playoffs,” Hughes said. “I like the direction we’re heading.”
So do fans and analysts, especially those who’ve tracked Bolduc since his early junior days. Whether he becomes a top-six mainstay or thrives in a bottom-six role, his addition gives Montreal more options—and more hope—as the rebuild continues.
