St. Louis enters his fourth Canadiens camp with a deeper roster and one forward spot to decide, while top-line stability is clear but the middle six remains unsettled. Kapanen appears to have the inside track thanks to a mature two-way game, and Newhook shifts to a defensive, penalty-killing role as he chases improved faceoffs. Montreal’s 82-game grind looms, with Demidov, Bolduc, Dach and Laine pushing for secondary lines behind Suzuki, Caufield and Slafkovsky.

Zack Bolduc has been traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Logan Mailloux. Bolduc, a 22-year-old forward, had a productive season with 36 points, ranking him fourth among NHL rookies in goals. His solid performance included a plus-20 differential, indicating his effectiveness on the ice. Furthermore, Bolduc’s potential as a restricted free agent next season adds to his value. Meanwhile, Mailloux, also 22, has played eight NHL games with Montreal, showing promise with five points. This trade reflects both teams' strategic moves to enhance their rosters.

In a surprising move just before NHL free agency opened, the Montreal Canadiens have acquired Zack Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux. Bolduc expressed his mixed emotions, noting his excitement to join the team he grew up cheering for but cherishing his time in St. Louis. Last season, Bolduc made a strong impression with 19 goals and 17 assists, showcasing his skating and offensive skills.

Canadiens GM Kent Hughes emphasized Bolduc's potential, highlighting his growth as a physical player and his impressive junior stats. The trade comes as part of the Canadiens' broader strategy to enhance their roster, having also signed defenseman Noah Dobson and added depth with new contracts for goalies and forwards. As the Canadiens aim for a playoff return, they acknowledge the challenges ahead while remaining optimistic about their improved roster.

The NHL's rookie class of 2024-2025 showcased remarkable talent with contenders for the Calder Trophy, notably Lane Hutson, Dustin Wolf, and Macklin Celebrini. Hutson, a 5'9" defenseman, excelled with 66 points and is poised to be a top fantasy draft pick next season. Wolf, now the Flames' starting goalie after the trade of Jacob Markstrom, delivered a solid performance with a .910 save percentage. Celebrini's potential as a point-per-game player shines despite playing for a struggling Sharks team. Emerging talents like Will Smith, Matvei Michkov, and Cutter Gauthier also promise to make significant impacts in their fantasy value.