Bolduc Excited To Play Any Role For The Canadiens

Montreal Canadiens fans immediately started projecting new forward lines from the very moment the team traded for Quebec native Zachary Bolduc.

It falls into one of the most exciting aspects of any rebuild, discussing a lineup that should be able to lift the organization to the next level.

We went as far as suggesting Bolduc may be a good fit for the top six, while also recognizing there’s some work to be done with regard to finding a bona fide No.2 centre.

MUST READ: Projected Canadiens Forward Lines Including Bolduc

There are no guarantees Bolduc will be able to immediately re-ignite his scoring touch from the second half of the 2024-25 season, but his defensive impact, as well as his affinity for bringing a certain level of physicality to the table, connotes that he may end up gaining head coach Martin St-Louis’ favour rather quickly.

Bolduc was present at  the ‘Omnium Québec Célébrités‘ on Thursday, a golf event taking place in Levis that raises funds for children in need. As expected, the questions quickly focused on Bolduc’s acquisition by the Canadiens, as well as his future with the organization.

“It’s been very hectic,” explained Bolduc. “Lots of calls and texts. I’ve been dealing with a lot of emotions as well.”

The flip side of the trade is that Bolduc had to say goodbye to St-Louis Blues players who helped him secure a spot in the NHL, a difficult situation for a young hockey player, even if they do land in an ideal spot.

“There’s been a mix of emotions,” he said when prompted for  a longer explanation. “It’s all tied to excitement, and I can’t wait to get going with Montreal, but it’s disappointing when you create friendships with teammates, making it hard to leave. It’s also very exciting to land in Montreal. They have young players who are growing together, and I am very excited to be part of it.”

As for what type of role Bolduc expects to play for the Habs, he’s keeping an open mind, while also being realistic about the situation.

Even if Bolduc proved his worth in St-Louis, he’ll have to start anew once he takes to the ice with his new team.

“It’s all about arriving ready to go. I want to bring my own strengths to the table, regardless of where I’ll play, be it the second, third, or fourth line,
I just want to help the Habs win.”

It’s the exact type of attitude you want to see from a young hockey player joining a very young team.

We’re still a couple of months away from NHL teams submitting their opening rosters, but expect the Montreal Canadiens to once again be among the youngest lineups in the NHL next season.

“I’m not sure if it has really sunk in yet,” said Bolduc. “I think that will happen the first time I play a game with my new team.”

Bolduc was not the only NHL-related presence at the tournament, with Patrick Roy and Simon Gagné offering their opinions on the player and the trade.

“He’s very talented, and an extraordinary person,” said Roy. “I think we were all a little surprised by that trade.”

ON TOPIC: Canadiens Trade Logan Mailloux St-Louis For Zachary Bolduc 

Gagné took it a step further, suggesting that Bolduc has the ability to score 30 goals if he reaches his potential. The former Flyers forward served as the Quebec Remparts’ assistant coach in 2021-22 and 2022-23, which means he had a front-seat view of Bolduc reaching the 50-goal mark in back-to-back seasons.

Again, Gagné was discussing Bolduc’s ceiling, but suffice it to say it was a glowing endorsement from a hockey executive who knows the newest member of the Montreal Canadiens better than most.

Simon Gagné, the GM of the Québec Remparts, on his former player Zack Bolduc today:

“I think he has very good potential, he’s a natural scorer. I don’t wanna put too much pressure on Zack but I think with his shot & his offensive flair, he’s capable of reaching the 30 goal… pic.twitter.com/2TJBFHXibR

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) July 10, 2025

Zachary Bolduc picture via RDS.