As the Montreal Canadiens navigate the early chapters of a season filled with new promise and rising expectations, a subtle yet powerful storyline is quietly unfolding behind the scenes—one that has ignited passionate debate among fans and analysts alike. The team’s newfound depth, a luxury not seen in recent years, has brought with it a fresh set of challenges for head coach Martin St-Louis, whose decisions regarding ice time distribution are now under the microscope. Nowhere is this more evident than in the recent handling of young talents Ivan Demidov and Zack Bolduc, whose minutes on the ice have become the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation.

It’s a situation that would have seemed almost unimaginable just a season ago, when the Canadiens were desperately searching for anyone who could step up and fill the void. Today, however, the roster boasts a wealth of options—skilled forwards, promising prospects, and established veterans—all vying for their share of the spotlight. This internal competition, while undoubtedly healthy for the team’s long-term growth, has also created a delicate balancing act for St-Louis, who must weigh the immediate needs of each game against the developmental trajectory of his youngest stars.

The recent matchup against the New Jersey Devils brought these issues to the forefront, as fans watched closely and voiced their opinions across social media and sports forums. Demidov, whose electrifying offensive play has quickly made him a fan favorite, found himself with limited ice time despite his obvious impact on the game. Bolduc, equally hardworking and quietly effective, was also among the least-used forwards—raising questions about the underlying logic behind St-Louis’s rotation. Was this a simple matter of matchups and penalties, as the coach suggested in his candid postgame press conference? Or was there something more at play—a subtle message about hierarchy, opportunity, and the future direction of the team?

St-Louis’s honesty in addressing the issue was both refreshing and revealing. Admitting that it’s his first time coaching a roster with this much depth, he acknowledged that managing ice time is a skill he’s still refining. His willingness to take responsibility and promise improvement resonated with many, but it also left the door open to further debate. After all, every minute on the ice is a chance for a young player to prove himself, and every decision behind the bench can shape not only the outcome of a single game, but the very culture of the team itself.

For fans, the intrigue lies not just in the numbers, but in the story those numbers tell. Are Demidov and Bolduc being groomed for bigger roles, or are they victims of a system that prioritizes experience over youth? How will St-Louis adapt as the season progresses, especially with so many capable players hungry for opportunity? And most importantly, what do these choices reveal about the Canadiens’ evolving identity—a team no longer content to simply rebuild, but determined to forge a new path forward?

As the next game approaches and anticipation builds, one thing is certain: the decisions made in these pivotal moments will echo far beyond the final buzzer. The answers may not be simple, but the questions are compelling—and for anyone invested in the future of the Montreal Canadiens, the story is just beginning.

Martin St-Louis and Ivan Demidov

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

In recent games, several Montreal Canadiens fans have been discussing how Martin St-Louis manages ice time – especially with the team’s current depth.

And some of his choices involving Demidov sparked backlash and drew plenty of attention during the game against the Devils.

One thing is certain: the Canadiens have more players who can contribute than before.

That creates internal competition.

And it also brings tough choices behind the bench.

Martin St-Louis admitted it himself.

Martin St-Louis addresses Canadiens’ ice time

At the press conference, he was very clear and very honest.

Here’s what he said:

“I can do a better job managing ice time. It’s the first time I’m coaching a team with this much depth. I need to do a better job with certain players to learn how to get them rolling. Sometimes I get caught up in matchups and penalties. As a coach, I can do better, and I’m working on that.”

– MSL

I love seeing him always so honest and hard on himself.

And that immediately opens the door to a topic many have already been following closely.

The ice time of certain young players.

In particular, Ivan Demidov and Zack Bolduc.

Demidov is playing great hockey and creating so much offensively.

Bolduc, on his side, keeps things simple, works hard, doesn’t cheat, and is starting to find his footing.

Yet, here were the five least-used forwards last game:

Zack Bolduc: 9:11
Ivan Demidov: 10:27
Kirby Dach: 11:37
Oliver Kapanen: 12:11
Joe Veleno: 12:44

These numbers don’t tell the story of a bad performance.

They tell the story of a choice.

A choice of hierarchy within the game.

Personally, I believe both players are progressing really well and gradually earning a bigger role.

We’ll see how St-Louis adjusts over the next few games.

Because with a deeper team, every minute counts.

And every decision can change the course of a game.