Analyst addresses Martin St-Louis amid growing noise around Canadiens forward
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
On the Tony Marinaro podcast, respected journalist Anthony Martineau delivered a clear message to Martin St-Louis and the Canadiens' management.
They absolutely must not listen to those who are suggesting, as a solution, the possibility of sending Zachary Bolduc down to the Laval Rocket. Zachary Bolduc in Laval? Even the idea itself is starting to wear people out.
On BPM Sports, a proposal circulated: sending the Montreal Canadiens forward to the Laval Rocket. The reaction was swift, because Anthony Martineau publicly slammed the door shut, with a tone that leaves no room for doubt.
"Sending him to Laval is not an option for me. I spoke with Zachary this morning. He knows he can score goals in the NHL. He's not lacking confidence, and everyone knows that. That-well, not everyone knows that. Yes, but that's exactly why I'm telling you he doesn't need to go to Laval to regain any kind of confidence. You know, he's scored plenty of goals in the NHL since the Four Nations last year. There's no point in him going down there to score six goals a game.
Martin St-Louis said it very clearly this morning-its not work habits, not the desire to do things the right way, not talent, not his shot. He needs to make himself more available in the offensive zone. That's the point Martin identified this morning.
And you know St-Louis, if he doesn't feel like talking about a player, he won't talk about him. So why did he take at least 50 seconds this morning to tell me he was satisfied with Zachary Bolduc's defensive play and his reads? Because he plans to leave him in the press box? No. Because he plans to send him to Laval? I don't think so. Let's stop the nonsense."
- Anthony Martineau
Martin St-Louis said it very clearly this morning-its not work habits, not the desire to do things the right way, not talent, not his shot. He needs to make himself more available in the offensive zone. That's the point Martin identified this morning.
And you know St-Louis, if he doesn't feel like talking about a player, he won't talk about him. So why did he take at least 50 seconds this morning to tell me he was satisfied with Zachary Bolduc's defensive play and his reads? Because he plans to leave him in the press box? No. Because he plans to send him to Laval? I don't think so. Let's stop the nonsense."
- Anthony Martineau
This type of debate always comes up when the lineup changes, or when difficult decisions are approaching. The problem is that it quickly turns a young forward into a radio talking point rather than a hockey player.
And at the Bell Centre, everyone knows how fast that can turn into a rumor.
The idea of sending Zachary Bolduc to the Laval Rocket is dismantled by journalist Anthony Martineau
The Canadiens acquired him on July 1, 2025, from the St. Louis Blues, in exchange for Logan Mailloux. At that time, he was coming off a 72-game season with 19 goals and 17 assists, for 36 points.
This season, his total with the Canadiens is already up to 18 points. Those are solid numbers, even if everyone would always like to see more.
It's also worth reminding of one simple thing: within the organization, the Laval Rocket is often used to manage a return to game rhythm, or a very specific personnel move.
We've even seen conditioning stints announced recently, proof that each situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. So yes, reporters will continue to stir up scenarios.
But if you look strictly at the numbers, Bolduc has already given concrete reasons to remain in the picture. The rest is an internal decision that will have to be made by Kent Hughes, Jeff Gorton, and possibly even Martin St-Louis.
And you, what is your opinion on this proposal that has been raised in the last few hours?
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 14|1387 ANSWERS Analyst addresses Martin St-Louis amid growing noise around Canadiens forward Should Zachary Bolduc stay with the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 721 | 52 % |
| No, send him to the Laval for a bit | 666 | 48 % |
| List of polls | ||