Canadiens' Bolduc Extension Misses the Mark

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes finalized roster moves before training camp, extending forward Zachary Bolduc to a four-year, $16.8 million contract. This follows the signing of free agent Chris Kreider.

With Bolduc's deal in place, defenseman Arber Xhekaj remains the only unsigned restricted free agent. The forward group appears set, with any remaining spots likely contested in training camp for the 14th forward position, a result of the acquisition of Kreider.

Bolduc's Extension: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

Montreal's offense shows improvement, despite ranking seventh with 279 goals last season. Even those questioning the acquisition of Chris Kreider, known for an incident involving Carey Price in 2014, must recognize the value of his low-risk, one-year, $2.15 million deal (excluding bonuses).

However, Bolduc's extension seems less impressive. The market was potentially reset by Leo Carlsson's offer sheet, which led the Anaheim Ducks to match and then terminate Kreider's contract, allowing him to sign with Montreal. Given Bolduc's somewhat disappointing 30-point season, a contract paying him more annually than teammate Kirby Dach, with a longer term that extends to unrestricted free agency in 2030, is questionable.

Bolduc was expected to receive a raise, but a $4.2 million cap hit is substantial. This becomes particularly noticeable after Kreider, a former 50-goal scorer past his prime, accepted a pay cut from his previous $4 million salary. An organizational preference might have leaned towards a bridge deal that covered only a portion of Bolduc's restricted free agency years. Still, an evaluation of Bolduc's performance over his two full seasons is necessary.

Bolduc's Potential Remains a Factor

Before being traded to the Canadiens last summer for Logan Mailloux, Bolduc recorded a strong rookie season with the St. Louis Blues, scoring 19 goals and 36 points in 72 games. Notably, in his final 28 games with the Blues, he contributed 14 goals and 21 points. Although his performance dipped this season with Montreal, his potential as the 17th overall pick in 2021 remains. A sustained opportunity in a more significant role could see him regain his scoring ability.

While the raise might exceed expectations, Hughes signed Bolduc to this deal for a reason. He likely anticipates Bolduc receiving a greater role in the future, potentially making the contract a bargain—a move more aligned with Hughes' track record over his four-year tenure.

This suggests Bolduc is a key part of the Canadiens' future plans. Even if he hasn't strictly "earned" this specific raise based on past performance, Montreal might be investing in his future production. This approach, paying for potential rather than past achievements, is preferable to the common practice of overpaying veterans in free agency.

Viewed this way, both Bolduc's deal and the contract for the 35-year-old Kreider reflect Hughes' decision-making. Both contracts have the potential to work out very well, which would be typical under Hughes' management.