Zachary Bolduc's development could carry him to a top-six role with the Montreal Canadiens

At this time last year, Zachary Bolduc appeared to be failing to live up to his potential. 

After breaking the 50-goal mark twice in the QMJHL, he struggled to produce in the AHL. 

Against professionals, his skating and shot weren’t providing him with the same advantages anymore. He couldn’t keep a role with the Blues and finished with 25 points in 50 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds, an unremarkable production for a 17th overall selection. 

A top-six NHL role seemed out of reach. 

Then, Bolduc did what few players manage throughout their career: He reinvented his game, putting all of his energy into his forecheck and physical play. 

“It’s part of my identity now,” Bolduc said in his introductory press conference with the Canadiens.

Our team gave Bolduc an average mark for his physicality