Montreal Canadiens fans woke up to a wave of surprise and speculation as the team announced a major trade involving one of their most talked-about young defensemen. Logan Mailloux, once seen as a core piece of Montreal’s future blue line, is heading to the St. Louis Blues in a one-for-one swap.

In return, the Canadiens welcome Zachary Bolduc, a promising forward who has already made his mark in the NHL with an impressive rookie campaign. The deal, which does not include high-profile names like Jordan Kyrou, signals a bold shift in the organization’s vision and roster strategy.

As both players were first-round picks in the 2021 NHL Draft, this trade is sure to spark heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Will Bolduc’s offensive upside provide the boost Montreal needs, or will Mailloux emerge as a defensive cornerstone in St. Louis? One thing is clear: this move marks a significant turning point for both franchises, and the hockey world will be watching closely to see how it unfolds.

Feb 8, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Logan Mailloux (24) skates during warm-up before the game against the New Jersey Devils at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

We have a trade to announce involving the Montreal Canadiens.

We were literally just talking about it moments ago-a trade involving Logan Mailloux was in the works, and now it’s official!

Logan Mailloux Has Been Traded to the St. Louis Blues

However, that’s not all there is to know about this trade. It’s also important to note that this trade does NOT involve forward Jordan Kyrou.

It’s a one-for-one trade, Mailloux for Zachary Bolduc. Bolduc, a 22-year-old left-shot forward from Trois-Rivières, Quebec, recorded 19 goals and 36 points in 72 games last season.

Bolduc was selected 17th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft, while Mailloux went 31st in that same year.

The Canadiens released a statement following the trade:

Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes announced on Tuesday that the team has acquired forward Zachary Bolduc from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for defenseman Logan Mailloux.

Bolduc appeared in 72 games with the Blues in 2024-25, recording 19 goals and 17 assists. The 22-year-old right winger ranked fourth among all rookies in goals and led all rookies in differential (plus-20) this season. A Trois-Rivieres, QC native, Bolduc was selected in the first round (17th overall) by the Blues at the 2021 NHL Draft.

Mailloux played 63 games with the Laval Rocket in the AHL this season, tallying 33 points (12G, 21A). The 22-year-old defenseman was selected in the first round (31st overall) by the Canadiens at the 2021 Entry Draft.

– Montreal Canadiens

Do you like this trade by Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton?

More details to follow.