In a move that has sparked considerable discussion among hockey analysts and fans alike, the Montreal Canadiens have traded defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Zack Bolduc. The trade, executed just before the opening of NHL free agency on Tuesday, sees Bolduc, a 22-year-old from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, join the team he grew up supporting.
Bolduc expressed his excitement about joining the Canadiens, stating he was "super excited" to join the team he grew up watching. He admitted that the trade was unexpected, catching him off guard after a workout in Quebec City. Bolduc is entering the final season of his entry-level contract. Last season with the Blues, he recorded 19 goals and 17 assists in 72 games, also contributing one assist in seven playoff games. Bolduc describes himself as a strong skater and shooter who isn't afraid to play physically. Canadiens GM Kent Hughes highlighted Bolduc's skating, potential, and physical style of play as key factors in the acquisition. Hughes noted Bolduc's offensive potential and improvement in physical play, remarking that he almost scored 20 goals while playing less than 13 minutes a game.
Mailloux, also 22, tallied 12 goals and 21 assists in 63 games with the Laval Rocket in the American Hockey League (AHL) last season. He also played seven games with the Canadiens, recording two goals and two assists. Mailloux was drafted 31st overall by the Canadiens in 2021. His selection was controversial due to an incident in Sweden prior to the draft. While on loan to SK Lejon in 2020, Mailloux was fined by Swedish authorities for sharing a photo of a woman performing a sexual act without her consent.
Speaking after the trade, Mailloux said he was excited to join the Blues and looked forward to continuing his journey on and off the ice. He added that he felt ready to make the jump to the NHL full time and contribute to wins.
Several other player moves occurred as NHL free agency opened. Center Christian Dvorak is leaving the Canadiens to join the Philadelphia Flyers on a one-year, $5.4 million contract. Winger Joel Armia signed a two-year, $5 million deal with the Los Angeles Kings.
The Canadiens also signed goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen and forward Samuel Blais.
