In the ever-unpredictable world of NHL roster management, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a crucial crossroads—one that has left fans, analysts, and even players scratching their heads in disbelief. With a roster riddled by injuries to key contributors like Kirby Dach, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine, the Canadiens have been forced to adapt, shuffle, and experiment in ways few could have anticipated at the start of the season. Yet, amid all the chaos and opportunity, one glaring question remains unanswered: why hasn’t Zachary Bolduc been given a chance to play alongside Ivan Demidov?

The anticipation surrounding Bolduc’s arrival in Montreal was palpable. He was seen as a promising young forward, ready to seize the moment and perhaps ignite a new era for the Canadiens. Ivan Demidov, meanwhile, has quickly become a fan favorite, dazzling with his creativity and fearless offensive instincts. On paper, the pairing of Bolduc and Demidov seems almost inevitable—a dynamic duo with the potential to electrify the Bell Centre and revive Montreal’s struggling offense. But as the games tick by and the injuries mount, the opportunity to unite these two rising stars remains inexplicably out of reach.

For many fans, the situation is nothing short of baffling. Social media channels have lit up with passionate debates, theories, and even frustration, as supporters wonder what could possibly be holding back coach Martin St-Louis from making the move everyone seems to be waiting for. Jordan Decker, a well-known voice in the Canadiens community, captured the mood perfectly in a recent viral post: “It’s Nov. 21st and Bolduc hasn’t played a single game on a line with Demidov. If you would have told me this was gonna be the case this summer, I would have assumed Laine would be ripping up. Laine, Dach and Newhook are all injured and Demi and Bolduc still hasn’t been tried.”

The logic behind the decision—or indecision—remains shrouded in mystery. Injuries typically open doors for young talent, providing a chance to experiment and discover new chemistry. In Montreal, however, the door seems stubbornly closed, leaving fans to wonder what might be happening behind the scenes. Is there an underlying strategy that outsiders aren’t privy to? Is St-Louis waiting for the perfect moment, or is he unconvinced by the potential of the Bolduc-Demidov partnership? As the Canadiens prepare to face the Toronto Maple Leafs in a must-win matchup, these questions loom larger than ever.

Adding to the intrigue, Montreal has just announced the recall of Florian Xhekaj from the Laval Rocket, further complicating the line combinations and intensifying speculation. With the team desperate for a spark, and the season hanging in the balance, every decision is magnified—every missed opportunity scrutinized. The Bolduc-Demidov duo remains an untapped possibility, a tantalizing “what if” that could change the trajectory of the Canadiens’ campaign.

As the puck drops tonight, all eyes will be on Martin St-Louis and his lineup choices. Will he finally take the leap and test the combination fans have been clamoring for? Or will the mystery persist, leaving supporters to wonder what could have been? One thing is certain: in Montreal, the drama is far from over, and the answers are still waiting to be revealed.

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The Montreal Canadiens are dealing with several major injuries and yet Zachary Bolduc still hasn’t been placed on a line with Ivan Demidov, which is really puzzling to many.

A lot of fans thought the Bolduc-Demidov duo would be tested this season, and tested fairly quickly. But despite all the injuries, opportunities and against all expectations, it hasn’t happened even once.

Kirby Dach is injured, Alex Newhook as well. Even Patrik Laine isn’t available. And yet nothing changes for Bolduc.

The expectations were huge after he joined the big club.

Injuries usually open doors. Here, the door remains shut.

Fans are seriously starting to ask questions.

The line choices are getting attention before the Montreal Canadiens game

Jordan Decker summed up the situation in a widely shared post:

“It’s Nov. 21st and Bolduc hasn’t played a single game on a line with Demidov.

If you would have told me this was gonna be the case a this summer, I would have assumed Laine would be ripping up.

Laine, Dach and Newhook are all injured and Demi and Bolduc still hasn’t been tried.”

– Jordan Decker

It’s Nov. 21st and Bolduc hasn’t played a single game on a line with Demidov.

If you would have told me this was gonna be the case a this summer, I would have assumed Laine would be ripping up.

Laine, Dach and Newhook are all injured and Demi and Bolduc still hasn’t been tried

— Jordan Decker (@_JordanDecker) November 21, 2025

This comment really makes you think. People wonder if the Canadiens might have a new spark there with that combination.

The offensive potential is obvious. Both young players love to attack. Demidov creates the play and Bolduc finishes it.

And I think fans would love to see this duo. Sometimes one simple decision can change everything.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and find out if St-Louis ever decides to try it.

The Canadiens play the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight and desperately need a win to get themselves back on track. Montreal has also announced that Kent Hughes has recalled Florian Xhekaj from the Laval Rocket.