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Why Zachary Bolduc's Contract Silence Is Drawing Attention in Montreal
Zachary Bolduc and the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a situation that has raised a lot of questions over the past few days.
We know the season started really well for the young Canadiens forward.
At the time, people were talking about a player who was taking up space, playing with confidence, and showing why the organization believed in him.
But things have changed a bit in the past few weeks...
Zachary Bolduc and the Montreal Canadiens: a contract situation on hold
During the broadcast of the game against Utah, Renaud Lavoie mentioned live that no contract negotiations had yet begun between Bolduc's camp and the Canadiens.
This information was also reported in an article from DansLesCoulisses, confirming that the situation is currently at a standstill.
Nothing. No discussions. Complete silence.
Bolduc will, however, become a restricted free agent at the end of the season, just like Kirby Dach.
And unlike Lane Hutson, who settled his contract earlier in the year, the Bolduc situation appears to be on pause for now.
I understand that he and Hutson are not the same caliber of player, but still.
It must be said that after an impressive start (three goals in three games), his ice time has dropped a lot.
Last Thursday, against New Jersey, he was even the least-used forward of the game.
And that changes the dynamic a lot when it comes to money and value.
Anthony Martineau also asked the right question:
"What exactly are we criticizing Zachary Bolduc for?
A key piece at the start of the season when he was given... the opportunity to be one, he has been confined to a supporting and/or much less important role for 11 games now."
- Anthony Martineau
A key piece at the start of the season when he was given... the opportunity to be one, he has been confined to a supporting and/or much less important role for 11 games now."
- Anthony Martineau
That says it all.
Bolduc isn't playing badly. He's just in a smaller role, so his impact is lower than at the start of the season.
As long as things stay like this, Kent Hughes has zero urgency to negotiate.
Bolduc will be a restricted free agent, so the Canadiens keep the advantage.
I think he can become very useful again if he's given time and opportunities.
But for now, we wait.
But for now, we wait.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 9 | 978 ANSWERS Why Zachary Bolduc's Contract Silence Is Drawing Attention in Montreal Do you think Zachary Bolduc should get a bigger role with the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 757 | 77.4 % |
| No | 221 | 22.6 % |
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