A Quiet Off‑Season Negotiation
The Montreal Canadiens still have two restricted free agents on their books, Zachary Bolduc and Arber Xhekaj, and the club is eager to bring both under contract before the start of the next campaign.
Bolduc, who turned heads with a 19‑goal showing in his first full NHL season with the St. Louis Blues and added 12 goals after joining the Canadiens, has been training with friends and running hockey camps, using the downtime to stay connected to the game.
He has spoken openly about the negotiations, expressing confidence that a resolution will arrive in the coming days or weeks, while acknowledging that both a two‑year bridge agreement and a longer, five‑year term have been on the table.
The young forward’s physical presence in the playoffs, despite spending much of the time on the fourth line, highlighted a willingness to battle in the corners and protect his teammates, traits the organization values.
If the Canadiens opt for a bridge deal, the expectation is a salary in the $4‑4.5 million range, whereas a longer contract could mirror the $5.5 million per year structure that Mavrik Bourque secured with Dallas for six years.
Context Around the Roster
The team’s general manager, Kent Hughes, has been busy finalizing other pieces of the puzzle, including the recent one‑year, $3.6 million contract signed by Kirby Dach, a move that underscores the club’s intent to bolster its centre depth.
Other names floating in the background, such as Guillaume Lefrançois, Philip Danault and Michael Bournival, add depth to a roster that is looking to blend youthful energy with veteran stability.
The upcoming decisions on Bolduc and Xhekaj will likely influence not only the forward lines but also the defensive pairings, especially as the club evaluates its options in the broader market.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, aware that the outcomes could set a precedent for how the Canadiens manage the next wave of talent.