As NHL free agency opened, the Montreal Canadiens addressed offensive struggles by acquiring forward Zachary Bolduc via trade. The team sent defenseman Logan Mailloux to the St. Louis Blues in exchange, sparking immediate fan excitement about the roster move.
Canadiens Nation Celebrates Montreal’s Zachary Bolduc Acquisition
Amid criticism of Montreal’s forward depth, the Canadiens surprised with this trade. The team announced on X: “The Canadiens have acquired forward Zachary Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux.”
The Canadiens have acquired forward Zachary Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux.
News release ↓ #GoHabsGohttps://t.co/zIy0wP2MOC
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) July 1, 2025
Fans reacted enthusiastically to the 1-for-1 swap. One wrote, “THE TRADE IS ONE FOR ONE LETS F****** GOOO,” while others praised general manager Kent Hughes. A supporter noted, “Kent cooked again 🔥,” referencing Hughes’ roster rebuild after Montreal’s first-round playoff exit.
Kent cooked again 🔥 https://t.co/M5h4wRvHaN
— J (@SuzukiOreos) July 1, 2025
Others highlighted Bolduc’s potential, with one fan commenting, “Good deal, 22 y/o with a good [body and] a great shot for a dman that was already on the go with the [Noah] Dobson trade.”
The 2021 first-round pick recorded 19 goals and 17 assists last season, while Mailloux posted 12 goals and 21 assists in the American Hockey League. Both enter the final year of their entry-level contracts.
Reactions included playful banter, as a rival fan taunted, “Hahahha Montreal we just fleeced you.” Meanwhile, a Habs supporter celebrated, “This is amazing… I thought we should go for Bolduc and it happened 🥹.”
this is amazing… I thought we should go for Bolduc and it happened 🥹
— nicky (@nichola19m) July 1, 2025
Bolduc’s offensive skills suggest top-six potential alongside Nick Suzuki and Lane Hutson. His 6’0″, 187-pound frame could aid defensive support as Montreal continues reshaping its roster.
