In the ever-dynamic world of NHL trades, few moves stir as much emotion and debate as a blockbuster swap involving promising young talents. This week, the hockey community found itself abuzz once again following a headline-grabbing transaction between the Montreal Canadiens and the St. Louis Blues.

As Kent Hughes, the Canadiens’ general manager, orchestrated a deal to bring Zachary Bolduc to Montreal in exchange for Logan Mailloux, reactions from both fanbases poured in across social media, highlighting the passion and investment supporters have in their teams’ futures.

While Montreal fans largely welcomed the addition of Bolduc, seeing it as a strategic win, the mood in St. Louis was far less enthusiastic. Disappointment and disbelief echoed throughout the Blues’ online community, with many questioning the decision to part ways with a homegrown first-round pick.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, the negotiations revealed a determined effort by Hughes to secure his target, underscoring the high stakes and calculated risks that define the NHL’s offseason. As the dust settles, this trade stands as another example of how a single move can ignite controversy, reshape expectations, and set the stage for the next chapter in a team’s journey.

Photo of Kent Hughes Photo credit: RDS

On Tuesday, Kent Hughes pulled off a masterstroke by acquiring young Zachary Bolduc in exchange for Logan Mailloux.

While the trade was positively received in Montreal, Blues fans are not feeling the same way at all.

They are visibly frustrated with the deal.

Social media comments have been anything but kind:

“Nooo, not Bolduc”

“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?”

“Bolduc is going to score 25 next season”

“Mailloux is going to play in the AHL his whole life”

Some Canadiens fans even tried to console Blues supporters by mentioning the defenseman’s impressive development, but it was in vain.

Kent Hughes Absolutely Wanted Zachary Bolduc

On BPM Sports Wednesday morning, the father of the Canadiens’ new forward, Richard Bolduc, didn’t hold back his joy.

Wearing a Canadiens jersey and cap, he explained how the trade unfolded.

According to him, Doug Armstrong was really unhappy about letting the Quebec native go but was determined to acquire Logan Mailloux.

A journalist from St. Louis even contacted Bolduc’s father to mention that Armstrong had proposed several other names before finally agreeing to send Zachary to Montreal.

It was Kent Hughes who stood firm and told the Blues’ GM that if he wanted Mailloux, it had to be in exchange for the Quebec forward-no one else.

Wow!

Even Bolduc’s agent, Pat Brisson, told Zachary’s father that the Blues were truly saddened to see their 2021 first-round pick (17th overall) leave.

Another Montreal Canadiens Trade Sparks Controversy Among Fans of the Other Team Involved

That makes two in less than a week.

After the acquisition of Noah Dobson, which frustrated some New York Islanders fans, here comes another deal that’s causing a stir-this time among the St. Louis Blues fanbase.

Impressive!