Kent Hughes Faces Roster Challenge as Zachary Bolduc Gains Waiver Eligibility
Kent Hughes faces a significant roster challenge as Zachary Bolduc becomes waiver-eligible. This change complicates the Montreal Canadiens’ management decisions regarding player assignments. Analyst Guillaume Villemaire highlighted that Bolduc has crossed a critical threshold that impacts his waiver status.
Understanding Zachary Bolduc’s Waiver Eligibility
As of yesterday, Zachary Bolduc, a Quebec native, is no longer exempt from waivers after playing a total of 160 games, which includes both regular season and playoff appearances. This significant milestone was officially reached during a game against the Minnesota Wild.
The Impact on Roster Decisions
This regulatory change means that if the Canadiens decide to send Bolduc back to the Laval Rocket, he must first clear waivers. This is a crucial alteration as it limits Hughes’ ability to adjust the roster freely, especially with the impending returns of players like Alex Newhook and Patrik Laine.
- Zachary Bolduc reached the 160-game threshold during a game against the Minnesota Wild.
- Bolduc must go through waivers when sent to Laval, despite still being on his entry-level contract.
- Montreal’s management faces tougher decisions due to the 23-man active roster limit.
Management’s Strategic Considerations
With Bolduc’s new status, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton may have to reevaluate their previous considerations regarding player assignments. Although Bolduc’s offensive production may not fully meet expectations, he remains a valuable asset in terms of physical play—ranking as the second forward in hits on the team.
This situation increases the pressure on Montreal’s front office to make strategic decisions. Hughes must navigate these complexities while ensuring the team maintains competitiveness and depth.
Other Roster Developments
In addition to Bolduc’s situation, Samuel Blais has also been placed on waivers, prompting speculation about his future with the team. The decisions made regarding both players will be closely monitored as the Canadiens continue their season.
