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\nA surprising $42 million restricted free agent contract projection emerges for the Canadiens
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Montreal Hockey Fanatics has no direct affiliation to the Montreal Canadiens, NHL or NHLPA<\/p>\n
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Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have clearly gotten back to work.<\/p>\n
Beyond the potential acquisitions to explore, Hughes also has to take care of signing his own players.<\/p>\n
Let’s focus on the first one here.<\/p>\n
Bolduc, a restricted free agent with the Canadiens, remains unsigned. And a new projection has reignited the debate.<\/p>\n
The total exceeds $42 million.<\/p>\n
It’s a surprising number, and one that is drawing as much skepticism as curiosity.<\/p>\n
Few observers believe the Canadiens would make that kind of long-term commitment right now, at least.<\/p>\n
Zachary Bolduc’s uncertain Canadiens role could shape his next contract<\/p>\n
The real issue is the uncertainty surrounding his role.<\/p>\n
Bolduc could just as easily crack the top six as find himself on an energy fourth line.<\/p>\n
And Martin St-Louis doesn’t appear to see him near the top of his lineup right now. That uncertainty naturally complicates negotiations.<\/p>\n
At 23, Bolduc is coming off a 30-point season.<\/p>\n
In his case, everything will depend on the role Montreal envisions for him. If the Canadiens see him as a top-six player, a $42 million contract becomes more realistic.<\/p>\n