Montreal Canadiens Seemingly Outshine Blues in Recent Trade
The Montreal Canadiens made a significant offseason move by acquiring standout defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. This transaction enhanced the team’s defensive lineup but made former first-round pick Logan Mailloux dispensable. Consequently, the Canadiens needed to address their forward depth, leading to a trade with the St. Louis Blues. The two teams exchanged their respective first-round picks: Mailloux and Zack Bolduc.
Montreal Canadiens and St. Louis Blues Trade Overview
The trade initially garnered little attention. However, after the first three games of the 2025-26 season, it appears that the Canadiens may have benefited greatly from this exchange. Bolduc, who joined Montreal, has made an immediate impact with impressive performances on the ice.
Bolduc’s Performance Highlights
- Three goals and one assist in his first three games.
- Demonstrated strong chemistry with teammates Kirby Dach and Brendan Gallagher.
- Increased ice time, starting at 13:34 in the first game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Averaged 14:52 during the game against the Detroit Red Wings.
- Played nearly 17 minutes in the most recent game, showcasing his growing role on the team.
These statistics indicate that Bolduc has quickly earned the trust of head coach Martin St. Louis, making him a valuable asset for the Canadiens.
Impact of Mailloux’s Departure
Trading Mailloux seemed to be a strategic choice for the Canadiens. With the addition of Dobson and the rise of Lane Hutson, Mailloux’s opportunities in Montreal were limited. Although he still possesses potential, the depth chart made his position uncertain.
Mailloux’s Transition to St. Louis
In St. Louis, Mailloux has played two games this season. While his performances have not been standout, he remains a player with future possibilities. Time will tell how this trade impacts both players and teams as the season progresses.
Conclusion
Early observations suggest that the Montreal Canadiens made a savvy trade decision by swapping Mailloux for Bolduc. With an exciting start to his season, Bolduc appears ready to contribute effectively. Meanwhile, Mailloux may take longer to find his footing with the Blues. As the season unfolds, the ramifications of this trade will become clearer, but for now, the Canadiens seem to have strengthened their roster significantly.
