Bolduc’s Homecoming Ignites Excitement in Montreal
The Montreal Canadiens made waves during the offseason, but one acquisition has captured the attention of analysts as the standout under-the-radar move. While the spotlight shone on the team’s prominent trade for defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders, NHL analyst Harman Dayal of The Athletic deemed the Canadiens’ trade for Zachary Bolduc as the most significant yet understated deal of the offseason.
A Promising Addition to the Canadiens’ Core
Dayal emphasizes the dual impact of Dobson’s arrival and Bolduc’s addition, noting that while Dobson, a highly regarded player, will attract the headlines, Bolduc represents a valuable long-term asset for Montreal. “Bolduc is another new, young piece who should be part of the Canadiens’ core for a long time,” he remarked. Selected 17th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, Bolduc is coming off a noteworthy rookie season, where he netted 19 goals in 72 games, all while averaging less than 13 minutes of ice time per game.
At just 22 years old, Bolduc is recognized for his blazing speed, aggressive forechecking, and a potent shot that can find the back of the net from mid-range. Dayal highlighted that roughly a third of Bolduc’s goals came from the bumper spot during power plays, showcasing his quick release and deft hands in tight spaces.
Potential for Offensive Synergy
Looking ahead, Bolduc is projected to slot into a second-line role alongside Ivan Demidov, a pairing Dayal anticipates will flourish for years. “Demidov’s slippery, creative playmaking should mesh well with Bolduc’s ability to win pucks back on the forecheck and finish chances in the slot,” Dayal explained. This line promises to add offensive depth to the Canadiens, enhancing their overall scoring potential.
While acquiring Bolduc required the Canadiens to part with promising young defenseman Logan Mailloux, Dayal believes the cost was justifiable given Montreal’s wealth of young talent on the blue line. “That’s a significant piece given how highly teams rate right-shot defensemen, but it was easy to justify the cost when you consider how deep Montreal’s blue line is with young talent,” he noted.
A Local Hero Returns
Bolduc’s roots in Quebec add another layer of excitement to his move to Montreal. A lifelong Canadiens fan, he expressed a mix of emotions upon learning about the trade. “On one hand, for me, I’m leaving an organization where I made a lot of strong connections, where I met a lot of great people and made friends for life,” he reflected. “On the other hand, it’s exciting. I grew up watching the Montreal Canadiens. I’m very excited.”
As he prepares to don the Canadiens jersey, Bolduc is eager to bring his high-energy, physical style of play to the ice. He is not just looking to contribute but aspires to be a crucial part of a winning team in Montreal, a goal he firmly believes he can achieve with the franchise.
With Bolduc’s arrival, the Canadiens are not only enhancing their immediate roster but are also laying the foundation for a promising future, one where homegrown talent and strategic acquisitions come together to create a competitive force in the NHL.
