Kent Hughes loses key roster flexibility as Zachary Bolduc becomes waiver-eligible
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
A major administrative constraint has just been added to Kent Hughes’ workload regarding the management of forward Zachary Bolduc.
Analyst Guillaume Villemaire raised a crucial regulatory point that changes the situation for Bolduc.
As of yesterday, the Quebec native is no longer exempt from waivers if he is sent back to Laval.
"Worth noting: with the imminent returns of Newhook and Laine, Bolduc would have to clear waivers to be sent to Laval.
Once a player has played 160 games (regular season + playoffs), which Bolduc reached yesterday, he must go through waivers—even while still on his entry-level contract."
- Guillaume Villemaire
Once a player has played 160 games (regular season + playoffs), which Bolduc reached yesterday, he must go through waivers—even while still on his entry-level contract."
- Guillaume Villemaire
The young player has officially reached the 160-game threshold played, combining regular season and playoffs, during the game against the Minnesota Wild.
That is the cutoff that alters his status.
Even though he is still playing under his entry-level contract, this NHL rule takes precedence.
The organization therefore loses the flexibility to move him freely between the NHL and the American Hockey League.
Management will now have to make another difficult decision in order to respect the 23-man active roster limit.
Zachary Bolduc has just become eligible for NHL waivers
Kent Hughes no longer has the luxury of simply assigning his prospect to the farm team to make room for veterans or to give him experience "down there."
The margin for error has therefore narrowed for Montreal’s front office.
That said, I do wonder to what extent Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton were seriously considering the option of sending Zack Bolduc down to the Laval Rocket.
"Since last night, it's no longer an option for the Canadiens to send Zachary Bolduc to Laval when Patrik Laine and/or Alex Newhook return to play.
But I don't think management was considering that option anyway.
Bolduc may be producing a bit below expectations, but he's the 2nd forward on the team to have recorded the most hits (just one behind Veleno) and the Habs already lack 'grit'."
- Beaudoin
But I don't think management was considering that option anyway.
Bolduc may be producing a bit below expectations, but he's the 2nd forward on the team to have recorded the most hits (just one behind Veleno) and the Habs already lack 'grit'."
- Beaudoin
Speaking of NHL waivers and the Montreal Canadiens, let’s remember that Samuel Blais was placed on waivers yesterday.
So this is another major file we’ll have to keep an eye on this afternoon!
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Martin St-Louis makes first decision ahead of tonight’s Canadiens-Jets matchup
Martin St-Louis makes first decision ahead of tonight’s Canadiens-Jets matchup
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 4|1198 ANSWERS Kent Hughes loses key roster flexibility as Zachary Bolduc becomes waiver-eligible Do you think Samuel Blais will be claimed on NHL waivers? | ||
| Yes | 346 | 28.9 % |
| No | 852 | 71.1 % |
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