This summer, a trade between the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues sent shockwaves through the hockey world—yet, somehow, it’s flown under the radar.

While most eyes were glued to blockbuster signings and big-name moves, Kent Hughes quietly orchestrated a deal that has experts and insiders scratching their heads.

The acquisition of Zachary Bolduc, a promising Quebec-born forward, in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux, has sparked an unexpected reaction among analysts.

Some even wondered if the news was a prank when it first broke. What did the Blues’ GM Doug Armstrong see in this trade? Why did prospect specialists and respected voices in the hockey community find the terms so unbelievable?

Dig a little deeper, and the intrigue only grows. Bolduc’s rookie season was nothing short of impressive, and whispers around the league suggest he could become a consistent 30-goal scorer—an asset every team dreams of.

Yet, the Canadiens managed to snag him for a player still considered a “project.” Is this a stroke of genius by Kent Hughes, or will history judge this move differently? Discover the inside stories, expert opinions, and the hidden drama behind one of the summer’s most underrated trades.

Photo of Kent Hughes

Photo credit: NHL

One of the most underrated summer acquisitions, not only by Kent Hughes but in the entire NHL this summer, is the one involving Zachary Bolduc.

Acquired in exchange for Logan Mailloux in a trade with the St. Louis Blues, the Quebecer has what it takes to become a solid top-6 player with the Montreal Canadiens.

One has to wonder what Blues GM Doug Armstrong was thinking when he accepted his counterpart’s offer.

On that note, the terms of the trade surprised prospect specialist Simon “Snake” Boisvert so much that he thought it was a joke.

Here’s what he had to say on July 1 about this trade during his appearance on The Sick Podcast.

“When I saw the trade announced on social media, I thought it was from a fake account. I thought it was a joke.

I like Doug Armstrong as the general manager of the Blues, I think he does a tremendous job.

But really, I don’t know what he was thinking.”

– Simon “Snake” Boisvert

The same sentiments were also shared on BPM Sports, by analyst David Ettedgui.

“Going out and getting a Quebecer who scored 19 goals in his rookie season. That’s impossible!”

– David Ettedgui, BPM Sports

A 30-Goal Season Is More Than Likely for Zachary Bolduc

In that same podcast episode, Jamie Rivers, who played in the NHL and is now an analyst in St. Louis, mentioned that Bolduc could have easily scored between 25 and 30 goals if Jim Montgomery had been the Blues’ head coach for the entire past season.

It’s worth remembering that no rookie scored more goals in the NHL last season than him after the Four Nations Face-Off.

“Rookies with the Most Goals After the 4 Nations”

It seems that Montgomery’s arrival behind the bench lit an offensive spark for the team.

He could very well do the same with Martin St-Louis, whose style somewhat resembles that of his Montreal counterpart in St. Louis.

Rivers’ idea isn’t unique either, as many others share the same opinion, including Nicolas Cloutier.

The journalist’s reflection is based on what his sources from across the league told him.

“I spoke to scouts who know this better than I do, actually.

These are scouts with no affiliation whatsoever to the Montreal Canadiens, I remind you.

Good talent evaluators, and they told me that in the long run, Zachary Bolduc is a player who can score 25 to 30 goals, 30 goals in a good year, but 25 consistently.”

– Nicolas Cloutier

In the end, it seems Kent Hughes traded a potential 30-goal scorer for a project defenseman.

WOW!