Maple Leafs should target this Canadiens winger — but it's not who you think

The Toronto Maple Leafs could still be missing a piece to the puzzle that helps the team thrive and push for a much needed and anticipated playoff run this season. While it seems they might have maxed out on changes to the roster, the last chip could be in the same division. Specifically, from the Montreal Canadiens. That player is Zach Bolduc.

The 23-year-old Quebec native is coming off his first season with the Canadiens, where he recorded 30 points (12 goals, 18 assists) in 78 games played. The season before, Bolduc set career totals when he played for the St. Louis Blues. That year, he tallied 36 points (19 goals, 17 assists) in 72 games, which really put his name out to the hockey world.

While Bolduc is slowly and steadily evolving his contributions on the scoresheet, he's also a physical player who isn't afraid to lay hits on opponents. Bolduc placed second on the Canadiens with his 170 hits, just behind Arber Xhekaj, who had 178 hits. The physicality alone is attractive in Bolduc and would add yet another grit piece to the Leafs.

Bolduc fits the current team dynamic well

The Leafs, with the addition of Gavin McKenna this offseason and the rise of youngsters such as Easton Cowan and Matthew Knies, would help Bolduc gel in perfectly. It would also give him the chance to grow alongside those just mentioned, as well as the stars in Auston Matthews, William Nylander and John Tavares.

Although it would be nice to have an emerging player like Bolduc switch sides in the rivalry, the Canadiens might not want to let him go that easily, especially to the Leafs of all teams. It's important to note that he is an RFA, so a sign-and-trade deal would likely be necessary. Unless the Leafs trade for him at the deadline or throughout the season, if the Canadiens can secure a deal with him, of course.

Realistically, the price for Bolduc would be at least one roster player and a draft pick. The Leafs do have a bunch of roster players, many of them recently signed. This means if they're traded for Bolduc, the Leafs might be on the losing end if they end up thriving in Montreal. The best bet, depending on the player(s), is to wait until the season is underway to then unload players for him.

While it may seem like a long shot to land Bolduc, it's still fun to think about what could happen if the Leafs load up on young, upcoming talent such as himself. Even the sweet feeling of acquiring a player from one of your biggest rivals and having him dominate would be satisfying to see.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow