Zack Bolduc Calls Joining Canadiens a Dream Come True: “Proud to Wear the Bleu-Blanc-Rouge”…see more…
MONTREAL — For Zack Bolduc, the road to the Montreal Canadiens was paved with determination, promise, and now, fulfillment. The 21-year-old forward from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, took to Instagram on Saturday with an emotional and heartfelt message that captured what many local kids dream of but few ever achieve — the opportunity to suit up for the bleu-blanc-rouge.
“Montréal! C’est une rêve devenue réalité,” Bolduc wrote. “C’est avec fierté que je porterai le chandail bleu-blanc-rouge. J’ai hâte d’entamer ce nouveau chapitre. À très bientôt!”
Translation: “Montreal! It’s a dream come true. I will wear the blue-white-red jersey with pride. I’m excited to begin this new chapter. See you very soon!”
It didn’t take long for the comment section to light up with congratulations from fellow players, fans, and even some current Canadiens stars, welcoming Bolduc into what many consider the most storied franchise in hockey.
A Fresh Opportunity in Montreal
Bolduc, originally drafted 17th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2021 NHL Draft, had been developing with their AHL affiliate in Springfield while appearing in limited NHL games. Despite flashes of potential, his long-term fit in St. Louis was uncertain due to roster depth and system alignment. In a move that surprised few insiders, Bolduc was part of a recent trade package that sent him to Montreal in exchange for future assets.
The Canadiens, meanwhile, have been in a steady rebuild under general manager Kent Hughes. Known for his aggressive and calculated approach — recently praised by insider Elliotte Friedman as “the most aggressive GM out there right now” — Hughes saw an opportunity to invest in a young, local talent who still possesses top-six potential.
“We’ve had our eye on Zack for a while,” Hughes said in a press conference following the deal. “He brings speed, offensive creativity, and a real passion for the game. We believe a fresh start, especially in his home province, will give him the environment he needs to flourish.”
From Quebec Roots to Habs Hopes
Born and raised in Quebec, Bolduc grew up idolizing Canadiens legends like Saku Koivu and Alex Kovalev. His journey through the QMJHL with Rimouski and later Québec Remparts showcased a skilled forward with smooth hands and great vision. In his final season with the Remparts, he notched 55 goals and 50 assists in just 65 games — numbers that drew comparisons to elite-level QMJHL alumni.
He’s since added size to his frame, now listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, and adapted to the pace of professional hockey through AHL competition. Though he played in just 12 NHL games over two seasons in St. Louis, he logged important development minutes and earned high praise for his attitude and work ethic.
A move to Montreal could be the catalyst he needs. Bolduc is expected to compete for a middle-six role, possibly alongside fellow young talents like Juraj Slafkovsky, Joshua Roy, or Owen Beck. His versatility as a winger or center offers head coach Martin St. Louis tactical flexibility.
“I know Zack well from his junior days,” said St. Louis. “He’s got the hockey IQ and character we want to build around. It’ll be exciting to see what he does in training camp.”
A Symbol of Hometown Pride
For Montreal fans, the emotional weight of adding a French-Canadian player with real upside cannot be overstated. While the Canadiens have sometimes been criticized for not having enough local representation, Bolduc’s arrival feels symbolic — a nod to the team’s identity and a source of pride for many in the province.
Social media reaction was swift and supportive.
“Un Québécois qui réalise son rêve. Quelle belle histoire!” one fan wrote. (“A Quebecer living his dream. What a beautiful story!”)
Another added, “The type of player you root for. Young, talented, and one of us. Let’s go, Zack!”
It’s clear the spotlight will shine brightly on Bolduc, but he doesn’t seem daunted. In fact, his social media message carried the tone of someone ready for the pressure — someone who has visualized this moment since childhood.
What Comes Next
Bolduc is expected to report early for training camp in Brossard, eager to make an impression and secure his spot on the opening night roster. He will join a young, energetic core determined to push the Canadiens back into playoff contention — a goal that seemed far off just a few seasons ago but is now within sight.
With names like Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Kaiden Guhle already entrenched, the Canadiens are building something special — and Bolduc could be a key part of the next phase.
“This is a young group that wants to win and wants to do it the right way,” said Hughes. “Zack fits that mold. He’s hungry, he’s skilled, and he knows what it means to wear this jersey.”
As for Bolduc, he seems ready for the moment — not just to prove himself, but to live out the dream of so many Quebec hockey hopefuls.
Final Thoughts
While the move might be considered low-risk for the Canadiens from a transaction standpoint, the cultural and emotional impact of adding Zack Bolduc is far greater. In him, the Habs gain more than a promising forward — they gain a symbol of local pride, a fresh source of energy, and a reminder that for many, putting on the bleu-blanc-rouge is more than a job. It’s a dream come true.
And for Bolduc, that dream is just beginning.
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Social Caption:
🏒 “A dream come true.” Quebec native Zack Bolduc is officially a Montreal Canadien — and he’s ready to wear the bleu-blanc-rouge with pride. 🇨🇦🔥 #GoHabsGo #ZackBolduc #NHL
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