Prospect Info: Blues 2021-2022 Prospects Thread Part 2

[08SeaBass08]

Didn’t get to see any UMass games other then the OT in their final game (I would apologize for jinxing them, but that L was all on their bottom pairing, not me haha). Glad to hear Kessel has developed his game this year! I think some folks saw his scoring go down and worried that he had stagnated. Sounds like Morrow just got some of the more offensive minutes while Kessel had to step into a bigger all around role.

I’m excited to see how his game translates to higher levels! Please keep us updated if you get to see any more of his AHL games or have any other thoughts on his development. Always appreciate hearing/reading first hand reports.

The third Minnesota goal was all on the officials, so I give the bottom pair a pass on the OT goal, which was just atrocious, FWIW.

 

[Frenzy31]

Bolduc. 1g 2a. First star. Only one goal. Slacker

 

[SergeConstantin74]

Bolduc. 1g 2a. First star. Only one goal. Slacker

Great game today against a tough opponent (Quebec was 0-3 against Sherbrooke this season). The winning team was also taking the first position in the QMJHL standings. Bolduc's line completely dominated Sherbrooke's top line of Joshua Roy (Q's leading scorer).

 

[oPlaiD]

Great game today against a tough opponent (Quebec was 0-3 against Sherbrooke this season). The winning team was also taking the first position in the QMJHL standings. Bolduc's line completely dominated Sherbrooke's top line of Joshua Roy (Q's leading scorer).

It's obvious the kid can shoot the puck at an elite level, but how is his play in other areas of the game?

 

[bleedblue1223]

Bolduc's stats going back to around 12/5 are just insane. 50 points and 28 goals in 27 games.

Bolduc player profile

 

[SergeConstantin74]

It's obvious the kid can shoot the puck at an elite level, but how is his play in other areas of the game?

He used to play on the PK with Rimouski but just a little with Quebec this year because he would have too much ice time. He can win puck battles with his active stick and hockey IQ. He’s not a liability on defense that’s for sure. I think he could be an effective PK player in the NHL.

 

[Bye Bye Blueston]

He used to play on the PK with Rimouski but just a little with Quebec this year because he would have too much ice time. He can win puck battles with his active stick and hockey IQ. He’s not a liability on defense that’s for sure. I think he could be an effective PK player in the NHL.

You think he is ready to win NHL job in training camp? Not PK, but watching him you think he is ready or needs more seasoning?

 

[oPlaiD]

Bolduc's stats going back to around 12/5 are just insane. 50 points and 28 goals in 27 games.

Bolduc player profile

My eyes used to just glaze over when I saw numbers from the Q, but according to Serge the scoring environment isn't nearly so inflated anymore. I haven't paid close attention to minor leagues in a decade, though, so hard for me to know. But either way, what Bolduc is doing is definitely impressive.

He used to play on the PK with Rimouski but just a little with Quebec this year because he would have too much ice time. He can win puck battles with his active stick and hockey IQ. He’s not a liability on defense that’s for sure. I think he could be an effective PK player in the NHL.

The Blues have seemed to favor players with high hockey IQ in drafts over the past decade, so not surprising to hear, but encouraging. Seems like we may have hit on a good one!

 

[bleedblue1223]

My eyes used to just glaze over when I saw numbers from the Q, but according to Serge the scoring environment isn't nearly so inflated anymore. I haven't paid close attention to minor leagues in a decade, though, so hard for me to know. But either way, what Bolduc is doing is definitely impressive.

Yeah, it's not like it used to be. He's already near the top in goals and points in total numbers, and I haven't done a breakdown of all players since that date, but I imagine he either a league leader in both categories are right there with whoever is. Being at the top is still impressive regardless of the scoring environment.

 

[execwrite1]

From the P-D

Who knows? Neighbours, the Blues’ first-round draft pick in 2020, could end up facing Zachary Bolduc, the Blues’ first-round pick in 2021, in the Memorial Cup. Bolduc plays for one of the top teams in the Quebec League.

“Yeah, maybe,” Neighbours said. ”Been talking to Zachy, so we’re hoping to see each other. That’s the plan.”

 

[SergeConstantin74]

My eyes used to just glaze over when I saw numbers from the Q, but according to Serge the scoring environment isn't nearly so inflated anymore. I haven't paid close attention to minor leagues in a decade, though, so hard for me to know. But either way, what Bolduc is doing is definitely impressive.

I don't know why really. It has not been like that for 15-20 years but it just sticks. You're not the only one.

 

[SergeConstantin74]

Bolduc also named to the team of the week in the CHL

CHL Team of the Week (Mar. 28 - Apr. 3) | Canadian Hockey League

The CHL announced today the 19th edition of the CHL Team of the Week for the 2021-22 regular season based on individual performances from March 28 to April 3.

chl.ca

Also up front is St. Louis Blues 2021 first-round pick Zachary Bolduc of the Quebec Rempartswho impressed with five goals and three assists for eight points in three outings. Facing Baie-Comeau on Wednesday, the 19-year-old native of Trois-Rivieres, Que., netted his second hat-trick of the season and added an assist to power the Remparts to an 8-2 win. Recording 79 points counting 41 goals and 38 assists through 53 contests this season, the skilled left-wing sits second in Remparts scoring.

 

[bleedblue1223]

I got a THN subscription for xmas as a gift, and in their prospect issue they have Perunovich at 25, Neighbours at 27, and Bolduc at 58. Blues as an organization are 18th, up from 24th last season.

 

[LGB]

I got a THN subscription for xmas as a gift, and in their prospect issue they have Perunovich at 25, Neighbours at 27, and Bolduc at 58. Blues as an organization are 18th, up from 24th last season.

What date were the rankings from? I wonder if Bolduc has moved up. I'd have him as our top prospect.

 

[bleedblue1223]

What date were the rankings from? I wonder if Bolduc has moved up. I'd have him as our top prospect.

That natural problem with THN is that it's print media, which is why I wouldn't recommend it, so who really knows when they did the bulk of the research for their rankings, it could've been completed months ago. I received the edition in March though.

 

[Renard]

Is Bolduc scoring at a Guy LaFleur level?

 

[ezcreepin]

Is Bolduc scoring at a Guy LaFleur level?

I can't say really because I don't know how inflated the Q's scoring was back in the 70's, but since February, he's scoring at like a 1.72 clip in points and he's scoring at a goal a game pace (26 games). He struggled early on in the year, but he has been unreal since he came back from injury in February.

 

[Frenzy31]

Neighbors played today. 2a in the win. Good to see him getting going again

 

[Kylester]

I can't say really because I don't know how inflated the Q's scoring was back in the 70's, but since February, he's scoring at like a 1.72 clip in points and he's scoring at a goal a game pace (26 games). He struggled early on in the year, but he has been unreal since he came back from injury in February.

Amazing how much someone's play improves when they're actually healthy...

 

[SergeConstantin74]

Bolduc just scored a natural hat trick in the second period.

 

[Linkens Mastery]

Bolduc just scored a natural hat trick in the second period.

Should have been 4 goals. He slacking

 

[SergeConstantin74]

Should have been 4 goals. He slacking

I agree.

The game is 11-2 in the 2nd period. Quebec just broke an all time team record with 8 goals in the same period. Bolduc should have at least half those goals.

 

[DatDude44]

Man I’m happy to eat crow on under rating bolducs offensive ability. Obviously still a long road to go but this is exciting.

I always liked his overall game and process. He makes a lot of quality hockey plays all over the ice, but man I did not see his release for what it clearly is. F*** This is exciting

 

[ChicagoBlues]

Bolduc just scored a natural hat trick in the second period.

My French is terrible, but when listeneing to French broadcasts, it sounds like the 'd' in Bolduc is pronounced like a 'dj' sound with almost a 'z'-type sound.

 

[SergeConstantin74]

So Bolduc scores a natural hat trick in the 2nd in 3 minutes and 33 seconds... that was his game. He was named 1st star anyway.