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July 1 Aftermath By Ryan Snow |
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July 1 Aftermath
By Ryan Snow
Yesterday the Habs made a couple of moves to bolster their lineup and depth, and again Hughes has shown he’s an amazing GM.
He traded Logan Mailloux for Zachary Bolduc one for one. This is a great deal. Mailloux had no place on this team with the right side locked up. I think a change of scenery was beneficial for both parties.
In Zachary Bolduc the Habs got a good young player (22) who was selected 17th overall in 2021 and had two 50 goal seasons in the Q. He plays aggressively, can skate and still has not reached his potential. With the Blues last year he scored 19 goals for 36 points in 72 games. This is a great pickup for the Habs. He will fit right in with the young core, and I think will integrate himself well in the Habs system as he can skate well and uses his body effectively on the forecheck. Also, St-Louis will utilize his strengths and manage expectations so that he will not feel pressure to produce immediately, but just play his game so that things come organically. An added bonus is that he was born in Quebec and it's always nice when the Habs can have Quebec born players in the lineup. Great trade.
The Habs also signed another Quebec born player in Samuel Blais. This is a low risk, high reward singing by the Habs. He plays an aggressive game and throws a lot of hits which is something the Habs need, especially in the playoffs. At 29 he’s still in his prime and I see him fitting in quite well in a bottom six role. Again, with St-Louis at the helm, his role will be clear and Marty will utilize the players strengths to help the team. Having a clear mind to simply play his game will keep him on the roster consistently and he will do well. At worst, he’s proven to be a very valuable AHL player, and would be an asset for Laval. Either way, the organization will benefit from having him.
Other minor moves made by Hughes were the signings of Alex Belzile (returning to the organization, good for Laval), goaltender Kapo Kakhonen (for competition, replace Primeau in Laval) and Nate Clurman (right shot D to replace Mailloux departure and probable Reinbacher call up or making the team outright (HA!))
All in all, great logical moves. Hughes clears the logjam at D, gets a young winger who’s development is only improving, a bottom winger who plays the Habs forecheck system and has addressed the holes made by the departures of Mailloux and Primeau, while bringing back a fan favorite in Belzile. Great first day!
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