Canadiens’ Kent Hughes Eyes Comparable Contract for Zachary Bolduc

As July comes to a close, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a familiar position: still negotiating with two restricted free agents, Arber Xhekaj and Zachary Bolduc. While both players have been the subject of considerable discussion, a recent contract signing may provide a useful benchmark for Kent Hughes as he navigates Bolduc’s negotiations.

On July 31, San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Greer secured a deal with 23-year-old undrafted winger Collin Graf. Graf had a productive season last year, recording 46 points in 81 games, which earned him a spot in the team’s top six. Over the course of his career, he has accumulated 59 points in 121 games, translating to an average of 0.48 points per game. Greer rewarded Graf with a one-way, three-year bridge deal that carries a cap hit of $4.25 million.

In contrast, Bolduc, who also turned 23 this year, was selected 17th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2021 draft. He notched 30 points in 78 games during his second full NHL season, which marked his first with the Canadiens. Across 175 career games, the Trois-Rivières native has tallied 75 points, averaging 0.43 points per game. His opportunities on the top line were limited, but when given the chance to play alongside stars Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield, he managed to score six points in seven games during one stretch and added four points in nine games during another.

Despite these flashes of potential, Bolduc’s overall output has not been enough to solidify his role, leading Coach Martin St-Louis to explore other options for the top line. Given Bolduc’s status as a first-round pick and his evident potential, determining the right value for his next contract remains a challenge. A three-year deal similar to Graf’s could serve as a prudent compromise, allowing the Canadiens to further evaluate Bolduc’s capabilities while giving him the platform to demonstrate his skills. Previously, I suggested that a bridge deal in the range of $4 million to $4.5 million would be reasonable, aligning perfectly with Graf’s contract. Considering Hughes’ track record of securing favorable agreements for his players, this outcome appears increasingly likely for Bolduc.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.