The Montreal Canadiens have been dealt an unexpected curveball just as the new NHL season approaches, and the timing couldn’t be worse.

With anticipation building and hopes high for a strong start, news broke that promising defenseman Zachary Bolduc is sidelined due to a lower-body injury—leaving fans and coaches scrambling for answers.

While the official word is that Bolduc is “day-to-day,” uncertainty now hangs over Martin St-Louis’ carefully crafted plans, threatening to shake up the team’s lineup and strategy at a crucial moment.

As whispers swirl around the locker room and speculation grows about how long Bolduc might be out, one question lingers: will this setback force the Canadiens to rethink their opening roster, or could it open an unexpected door for another young talent to shine?

The coaching staff faces tough decisions, and with the season’s first games looming, every move will be scrutinized. Fans are left wondering what’s really happening behind the scenes—and whether this injury is just the beginning of more surprises to come.

With details still emerging and the team’s future hanging in the balance, one thing is certain: the Canadiens’ journey this season might be more unpredictable than anyone expected.

Canadiens defenseman Zachary Bolduc

Photo credit: NHL

The Montreal Canadiens will have to deal with another absence at the start of the season, as Zachary Bolduc has suffered an injury and will be evaluated day-to-day.

Bolduc will be out after sustaining a lower-body injury, according to Renaud Lavoie. A situation that disrupts Martin St-Louis’ plans.

This news comes at a time when the team is trying to stabilize its lines.

The young Canadiens forward is being evaluated day to day, which is bad news for Martin St-Louis, who was counting on his energy and drive at the start of the season.

“Zachary Bolduc is out with a lower body injury and he’s day-to-day.” – Renaud Lavoie

A New Injury Complicates Martin St-Louis’ Work

It remains to be seen how long he will be out and whether his absence will open the door for another young player to join the lineup.

I must admit that even though the exact duration of the absence is not yet known, the fact that the injury is classified as “day-to-day” gives me a little hope.

“Forward Zachary Bolduc will not participate in today’s practice. He is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury.”

– Montreal Canadiens

For Martin St-Louis and the other coaches, this will be an opportunity to give another player a chance or even test different combinations.

That said, fans would have preferred to see the team progress with a full lineup.

More details to follow..