Zack Bolduc's early performance with the Montreal Canadiens suggests he is finding his place in the team's middle six. After being acquired from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Logan Mailloux, Bolduc has quickly demonstrated his potential to be a valuable contributor to the Canadiens' offense.
In the Canadiens' recent game against the Detroit Red Wings, Bolduc scored a goal, contributing to the team's 5-1 victory. He also scored in the previous game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Despite a sequence where a goal initially credited to Bolduc was later awarded to Alexandre Carrier, his impact on the ice is undeniable. Some observers felt that Bolduc did indeed touch the puck on the play, and his reaction suggested that he thought he had tipped it into the net.
Bolduc's strengths lie in his ability to play with pace, forecheck aggressively, and utilize his underrated shot. He can effectively position himself in front of the net to capitalize on rebounds and attack off the rush. While he may not possess overtly spectacular traits, his consistent and effective play is precisely what the Canadiens need to bolster their scoring depth beyond the top line.
Coach Martin St-Louis has been distributing ice time relatively evenly among the lines that don't feature Nick Suzuki, indicating a confidence in Bolduc and his linemates. Bolduc has been playing alongside Kirby Dach and Brendan Gallagher, and the trio seems to have quickly developed chemistry. Gallagher praised Bolduc's talent and scoring ability.
Bolduc's journey to the Canadiens involved a pivotal decision early in his career. After attending a camp with Rimouski of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), he considered playing in the United States Hockey League. However, a conversation with Sidney Crosby, a Rimouski alumnus, convinced him to join Rimouski. This decision proved fruitful, as Bolduc led QMJHL rookies in scoring and earned the Michel Bergeron Trophy as the league's offensive rookie of the year.
The St. Louis Blues selected Bolduc with the 17th overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. Before being traded to Montreal, he played 97 regular-season games for the Blues, recording 24 goals and 21 assists.
Based on Bolduc's performance thus far, early projections that placed him as a fourth-line player seem inaccurate. His offensive capabilities and ability to integrate seamlessly into the lineup suggest he is well-suited for a middle-six role. While it is still early in the season, Bolduc is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Montreal.
