Prior to becoming the Montreal Canadiens` executive vice-president of hockey operations, Jeff Gorton appeared on NHL Network. Just four months before formally accepting his current position, he was analyzing drafted prospects live on air.
During that broadcast, the former New York Rangers GM paid particular attention when Zachary Bolduc was selected 16th overall by the St. Louis Blues.
Gorton described Bolduc as a “beautiful skater” with “lots of talent,” noting his junior career alongside Alexis Lafreniere and his 30-goal season at age 16. He mentioned Bolduc was “on the map” early, and despite being “a little bit undersized” then, Gorton believed that with added size and strength, he could become a “real top-six player.”
Fast forward to Tuesday, soon after the free agency period began, Gorton and Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes demonstrated their belief in Bolduc`s potential by acquiring him.
This acquisition doesn`t mean Bolduc, who has added size since being drafted four years ago, is expected to step into a top-six role instantly in Montreal.
Last season with the Blues, the 22-year-old recorded 19 goals and 36 points in 72 games, primarily playing on the fourth line. If he produces similar numbers in a bottom-six capacity for the Canadiens next season, that would be a satisfactory contribution.
In the recent trade that brought Noah Dobson to Montreal, the Canadiens sent Emil Heineman, a 23-year-old, 6`2″ forechecking winger who had 10 goals and 18 points in 62 games last year, to the Blues. On Tuesday, the prevailing opinion, extending beyond the Canadiens` front office, was that Bolduc is an adequate replacement for Heineman.
A Western Conference executive praised Bolduc via text, highlighting his “good skills,” honest play (“doesn’t cheat the game”), ability to control the puck (“puck follows him”), “good hockey brain,” and acknowledged his improved size (“He’s got size, too”).
Another scout contacted Tuesday afternoon commented that Bolduc possesses greater offensive potential than Heineman and also noted he plays with “some edge.”
These scouting reports align with comments made by GM Kent Hughes to the media, who stated, “We really saw an improvement in terms of (Bolduc’s) physical play and physical implication over the course of the year, and that was something important to us.”
