{"id":93203,"date":"2025-08-24T09:04:07","date_gmt":"2025-08-24T09:04:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/93203\/"},"modified":"2025-08-24T09:04:07","modified_gmt":"2025-08-24T09:04:07","slug":"two-players-could-get-a-shot-on-the-first-line-in-place-of-slafkovsky","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/93203\/","title":{"rendered":"Two Players Could Get a Shot on the First Line in Place of Slafkovsky"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Apr<\/p>\n

Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The next Montreal Canadiens training camp will be interesting on many levels. Whether it’s the questions to be answered about the 2nd line, the battle for the backup goalie job, or the fight for the 6th and 7th defenseman spots.<\/p>\n

There will be plenty of storylines to watch.<\/p>\n

Another battle, less discussed at the moment, could also very well take place on the 1st line.<\/p>\n

“Do you think Zachary Bolduc will push Slafkovsky for a spot on the first line at some point this season?” – Maxim Lapierre<\/p>\n

The question is a good one and deserves consideration.<\/p>\n

Indeed, many believe Bolduc is a top-6 player. He could even become a 20, maybe even 25, goal scorer as early as this season.<\/p>\n

Bolduc or Demidov on the First Line Instead of Slafkovsky?<\/p>\n

The problem here is that the Habs have another player, more talented in my eyes, who could also push Slafkovsky for that spot-and that’s Ivan Demidov.<\/a><\/p>\n

Many see the young Russian forward lining up alongside the two young veterans on the club’s top unit.<\/p>\n

But Bolduc has something Demidov doesn’t-and something Slaf seems to struggle to bring to that line-and that’s a physical game.<\/p>\n

He could very well take on number 20’s role and be more effective at it.<\/p>\n

Moreover, if Bolduc is a pure goal scorer, the Quebec native can also set up his teammates.<\/p>\n

“I want to help the Canadiens be a better team, whether it’s five-on-five, on the power play, or on the penalty kill. I’ve never really had the chance to play on the penalty kill, but I’m smart and I see the game well. It’s something I could add to my toolbox. I’m going to come in with that mindset.”<\/p>\n

– Zachary Bolduc, in an interview with La Presse<\/p>\n

Imagine the damage he could do with Suzuki and Caufield!<\/p>\n

In the end, it’s great to see that Martin St-Louis has plenty of options for his top 6.<\/p>\n

Depending on how his two units perform, he will have the freedom to adjust everything as he sees fit.<\/p>\n

All that’s missing is another center in that top 6, so the head coach can have his royal flush.<\/p>\n

Previously on HabsFanatics<\/p>\n

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