Montreal Canadiens Forward Zachary Bolduc Focuses on Process Amid Scoring Challenges
Montreal Canadiens winger Zachary Bolduc remains steadfast in his approach despite facing a significant scoring drought that has tested his early-season momentum. Acquired from the St. Louis Blues on July 1 in exchange for AHL defenceman Logan Mailloux, Bolduc started the season with promise, recording three goals and four points during the Canadiens' opening three-game road trip. However, the offensive production has since stalled, with his last goal coming on December 23 against the Boston Bruins.
A Prolonged Dry Spell and Lineup Adjustments
That December contest marks the beginning of a 15-game stretch without a goal for the Trois-Rivières native. Over that period, Bolduc has managed only two assists, leading to his placement on the Canadiens' fourth line alongside Jake Evans and Kirby Dach. Heading into a recent Tuesday night game against the Vegas Golden Knights at Bell Centre, Bolduc's season statistics stood at 10 goals and 19 points in 52 games, accompanied by a team-worst minus-13 differential.
Playing in the intense hockey environment of Montreal, where scrutiny is constant, Bolduc acknowledges the challenges but maintains a resilient outlook. Selected 17th overall by the Blues in the 2021 NHL Draft, the winger emphasizes that external pressure does not affect his mindset. "For sure, you always want to score some goals on a regular basis," Bolduc stated after a Monday practice session. "Right now, I'm having chances, I just can't get it in. I just want to keep working, keep shooting at the net and keep creating offence. I think it's going to come."
Versatility and Physical Play as Key Contributions
Throughout the season, Bolduc has been shuffled among various line combinations, including stints with Brendan Gallagher, Joe Veleno, Owen Beck, and even a brief opportunity on the top line with Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. More recently, he has seen time with rookies Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov, as head coach Martin St. Louis experiments with his bottom-six forward group.
Despite the scoring struggles, Bolduc points to other areas where he can make an impact. The 6-foot, 187-pound forward has increasingly utilized his physicality, ranking third on the Canadiens in hits with 106, trailing only Arber Xhekaj (125) and Joe Veleno (111). "Even if I'm not scoring goals, I can bring some other stuff to the table," Bolduc explained. "I can be good on the forecheck. I can be physical. I'm still creating offence; it just doesn't go in right now. I'll keep doing what I'm doing. I think it's going to turn on my side at some point."
Coach St. Louis Emphasizes Broader Development Metrics
Bolduc continues to receive support from head coach Martin St. Louis, who praises the player's work ethic and cautions against evaluating performance solely based on goal totals. St. Louis notes that Bolduc has shown progression over the past month, even without the tangible results on the scoresheet. "I've told him to be careful how you measure progression," St. Louis said. "If you watch him doing the right things and the things we're asking him to do, there's a lot of progression."
The coach highlighted Bolduc's improved decision-making and situational awareness as signs of growth. "We have him in a place now where I feel he's working smarter. Because of that, I feel he has more of an influence on the game with stuff you can't really measure," St. Louis elaborated. He encouraged Bolduc to maintain consistency in his efforts, assuring that the measurable outcomes will follow. "Do the things consistently and I guarantee you you're going to start feeling better. And eventually, you'll be able to measure that."
As the Canadiens navigate the latter part of the season, Bolduc's perseverance and multifaceted contributions remain valuable assets. His positive attitude and commitment to improvement reflect a professional approach to overcoming temporary setbacks in the demanding world of professional hockey.
