Zachary Bolduc (Image Source: Getty) The Montreal Canadiens are heading to one of the more important crossroads, with Zachary Bolduc being the young forward who plays the last year of his entry-level contract. Although no extension is yet in place, they all point to Bolduc no longer being a promising asset but a priority in Kent Hughes’s long-term plan.As the off-season approaches (in 2026) and he is set to be a restricted free agent, the form and timing of his next contract, four years from now, could define the next few years of Montreal’s roster policy.
Zachary Bolduc’s current contract status and on-ice value
Bolduc has one year remaining of a three-year entry-level contract that was initially signed with the St. Louis Blues. His present cap limit is $863,334, and he is due a $832,500 base salary in 2025-2026. By February 2026, he will have played over 160 professional games, and any move to the AHL would require waivers, which would bind him to the NHL team.That position indicates his rise in stature. Boldec has received steady top-six assignments playing with Ivan Demidov and Kirby Dach, producing 10 goals and 23 points in 57 games throughout the 2025-26 season. His offensiveness and flexibility have enhanced his argument to an early extension and it is expected that he is going to be prioritized by the management.
Kent Hughes’ strategic options before the 2026 off-season
Canadiens management will likely consider a long-term pledge against a shorter bridge deal. It is projected internally that a six-year extension will cost approximately $5.74 million per year, and a bridge deal may cost about $3.2 million per season over two years.Montreal is financially in a good position. As contracts for veteran players like Brendan Gallagher and Josh Anderson expire, the cap flexibility in 2026 and 2027 must allow Hughes to be free with Bolduc without jeopardizing future transactions.Whether Hughes chooses to lock him in early or give the talks room to run through the off-season, one fact remains very clear: Zachary Bolduc has been deeply ingrained as a member of the changing core of the Canadiens, and his next contract will mirror that reality.