Zack Bolduc was traded to the Montreal Canadiens by St. Louis Blues for Logan Mailloux on Tuesday.
Bolduc, a 22-year-old forward, had 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in 72 games this season, ranking fourth among NHL rookies in goals and led all first-year players in differential (plus-20). He had one assist in the Blues' seven-game loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the Western Conference First Round and can become a restricted free agent after next season.
"First of all, it’s his potential, but it's also his style of play," Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said. "He's a good skater and we saw a big improvement in his physical side, how physical he became over the course of the season last year. He adds to our forechecking, which we lost a bit of with (forward Emil Heineman). And it's also his offensive potential. He was very good offensive player all through his amateur career. He was a 17th pick overall, so that speaks to his offensive talent and while averaging about 13 minutes a game he nearly scored 20 goals this season."
Selected by the Blues in the first round (No. 17) of the 2021 NHL Draft, Bolduc has 45 points (24 goals, 21 assists) in 97 regular-season games.
“I grew up as a Habs fan and now I have the opportunity to play for them, so I’m just super excited," Bolduc said. “Obviously when I received the call I was a little bit shocked, but right now I’m more excited than shocked, so I’m super excited to join the Montreal Canadiens and I’m just looking forward to work with the coaching staff.”
Mailloux, a 22-year-old defenseman, has five points (two goals, three assists) in eight NHL games and split the 2024-25 season with Montreal and Laval in the American Hockey League. He was chosen by the Canadiens in the first round (No. 31) of the 2021 draft.
Montreal acquired defenseman Noah Dobson in a trade with the New York Islanders on June 27 for the Nos. 16 and 17 picks in the 2025 NHL Draft and Heineman.
NHL.com independent correspondent Sean Farrell contributed to this report
