What if Bolduc scores 40 this season?

[SRV1990]

If Bolduc scores 40 hes going to get a massive long term deal and it would again blow apart the "Top 5" draft, tank blah blah blah. We know Bolduc is going to do well because the Blues drafted and developed him.
The Blues have Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Snuggerud and Neighbours who will also be getting paid. Cant keep em' all, get ready because Bolduc wont likely be the last popular Blues kid thats dealth

I'm going to keep asking this question until someone can give a valid answer: What was the rush to make that trade this past offseason?

What if the Blues waited and another team makes the trade with the Habs? The Blues saw an opportunity and pulled the trigger to get the player they wanted. Pretty simple. But in the end, the same whiny little (female canine animals, especially dogs) will come on here almost daily and cry about the trade.

[MiamiLaw]

I don't understand why someone would click on a thread entitled "What if Bolduc scores 40 this season?" and then bash people who are discussing that topic. Feel free to start whatever thread about whatever topic you want to discuss or - gasp - just don't click on a thread you have no interest in. This topic happens to be one of the more interesting early storylines so it is getting discussed.

As for the topic, WW, you and I are on the same page about this particular trade for sure. I still do not understand why Mailloux was a guy they felt they needed to pay a premium for at the time they did. I never will understand and, even if Mailloux does well, I still will not understand it. You don't pay a premium to take on this level of risk...

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

What if Bolduc scores 40?
The Blues fold up shop ... just like edmonton did last year when DH scored 63 pts while the oilers got a 3rd for him. (excuse the sarcasm please)
Or the Blues could keep operating as a franchise and develop Mailloux to see if his obvious strengths can be translated into a top 4 dman in the next couple years. Every trade has risk involved. I understand those who think that DA took on too much risk in this one. We will find out. But we won't know the answer this season.

[callitwhatyouwant]

If Bolduc scores 40 hes going to get a massive long term deal and it would again blow apart the "Top 5" draft, tank blah blah blah. We know Bolduc is going to do well because the Blues drafted and developed him.
The Blues have Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Snuggerud and Neighbours who will also be getting paid. Cant keep em' all, get ready because Bolduc wont likely be the last popular Blues kid thats dealth

I'm going to keep asking this question until someone can give a valid answer: What was the rush to make that trade this past offseason?

I think the Blues were hoping Kessel could keep growing even if its just a little bit at a time and they would have been fine standing pat. His drop in his game early last year compared to the previous year was probably the shot across the bow that he never really was going to be anything other than the 6/7 guy and Tucker is that. Can't have 2 6/7 guys for 2 years in a row. We were absolutely lucky a 40 year old Suter could play a whole season last year. That was 100 percent not in the cards and would have probably cost a lot of people some jobs.

Now you have multiple D prospects and multiple O prospects. There's a path forward for all of them. Lindstein, Jiricek, and Mailloux can all fill out the roster if it works out and they prove to be NHLer's. I think its clear Carbs/Stenberg/Dvorsky at the very least are NHL capable. And then you have have a handful of other guys that are almost for sure bottom 6 guys. If Carbs and Dvorsky hit as top 6 guys, there just isn't room for everyone. So while trading this year wasn't mandatory, I'm sure the Blues were a little scared of what the prospect of having to play Kessel and Tucker every night meant.

I agree with you on the need for RHD prospect, but you didn't justify the urgency.

If we were looking for stability in our third pairing for the next two years, there were plenty of options available that would have cost far less. Then you re-evaluate what you have in Bolduc and his trade value at the TDL or EOY.

O I'm agreeing. The urgency part I put in was that they decided to get a prospect/young ready to go nhl guy then go with another 1 year stop gap. I'm assuming they did this because they don't expect to hit everywhere on defense. so need more chances

[son_of_foolsgold]

If Bolduc scores 40 hes going to get a massive long term deal and it would again blow apart the "Top 5" draft, tank blah blah blah. We know Bolduc is going to do well because the Blues drafted and developed him.
The Blues have Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Snuggerud and Neighbours who will also be getting paid. Cant keep em' all, get ready because Bolduc wont likely be the last popular Blues kid thats dealth

I'm going to keep asking this question until someone can give a valid answer: What was the rush to make that trade this past offseason?

<crickets>

[TheJackBurton]

A distinct possibility, as over the last 30 games (not counting playoffs), Bolduc's goal scoring pace has been among the best in the league. His
current pace over those 30 games is in the high 40s.

Army will have destroyed his career over this one trade; it would go down in history as one of the worst ever. I'd hate to see that happen.

Why do you care? The Blues as an organization decided to move on from Bolduc. Matter of fact they decided to accelerate his departure from the organization and that by the way is very telling.

Not entirely true. They tried to jettison Jordan Kyrou to acquire help elsewhere and make space for up and coming young talent, including Bolduc.

When that failed, they had to pivot to plan B and panicked into a lopsided trade.

Acquiring an above average prospective RHD is a good move.
Moving Bolduc if you can't free up the logjam ahead of him is a reasonable and logical backup plan.
Moving Bolduc for Mailoux is not good asset management.
Making that trade from a position of weakness and rushing into it this offseason was a very bad move.

We should have been more patient; especially if everyone agrees that Mailoux doesn't provide immediate value. Why rush into that trade? It's quite possible Mailuox would also be available later this year or next and probably at a vastly discounted cost.

Meanwhile, you could have given Bolduc another year to see what you have. God knows our 3RW could desperately use him right now and my god what would Bolduc's trade value have been at the TDL or offseason after this year?

Because the thought process here is that we were the only team in a 32 team league calling Montreal about their glut of RHD men after they just traded for one of the best on the market.

If anyone believes that their phones weren't ringing off the hook to find out who was able you are absolutely kidding yourselves.

I think RHD has surpassed 2nd line center as the hardest position to draft and develop. Which is exactly why you saw such an absolute run on both this draft.

[TheJackBurton]

Then it could only be interpreted as an awful trade. Time will have to tell though.

At least with Tage, we got a cup.

Next season, what if Snuggerud scores 30-40. What if Neighbours scores 25 ish again and Holloway scores 30? How do the Blues keep all the scoring forwards they have

That would have been [fork]ing awesome! Imagine the caliber of defenseman we could have acquired at the TDL or in the offseason if those assets, including Bolduc popped like that?

What if Bolduc regressed or suffered a major injury? What if like the vast majority of off seasons and TDL there aren't many if any RHD men available?

What then? Do we just put it off another year, spend the next season (bleep) and complaining because Justin Faulk is the dman on the ice for the last 2 minutes of the 3rd period, and then getting (upset) at Army because he has done nothing to address the RHD shortage?

I mean which way do you want to play this? If you wait too long great opportunities pass by and then you are left with nothing but scraps.

[netboy65]

I don't understand why someone would click on a thread entitled "What if Bolduc scores 40 this season?" and then bash people who are discussing that topic. Feel free to start whatever thread about whatever topic you want to discuss or - gasp - just don't click on a thread you have no interest in. This topic happens to be one of the more interesting early storylines so it is getting discussed.

As for the topic, WW, you and I are on the same page about this particular trade for sure. I still do not understand why Mailloux was a guy they felt they needed to pay a premium for at the time they did. I never will understand and, even if Mailloux does well, I still will not understand it. You don't pay a premium to take on this level of risk...

I think that’s the crux of the issue/argument. Whether or not Bolduc was really a “premium” or is he still to be determined?

[smilinjoefission]

If Bolduc scores 40 hes going to get a massive long term deal and it would again blow apart the "Top 5" draft, tank blah blah blah. We know Bolduc is going to do well because the Blues drafted and developed him.
The Blues have Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Snuggerud and Neighbours who will also be getting paid. Cant keep em' all, get ready because Bolduc wont likely be the last popular Blues kid thats dealth

I'm going to keep asking this question until someone can give a valid answer: What was the rush to make that trade this past offseason?

<crickets>

Who did the Blues have...Suter is gone, he played okay, but wasn't part of the future or even today. Leddy was one of the worst trades Army ever did, and one of the worst signings, the guy was a slug so him being gone is addition by subtraction. Kessel is NOT an NHL player...nothing about his game is worthy of him playing here. So Suter, leddy, and Kessel no go. Who's left? Skinner could be, but he's NOT going to be anything other than bottom pairing hitter...same with Loof. Could have kept Schueneman, but he's not NHL quality. Linstein isn't ready. Johannesson could be, but he's smallish. So all those players aren't ready. The choice was going out and getting a vet for $4mill for X amount of years or trade for a potential offensive talent with size who could learn the NHL defensive game while making low $$$.

Mailloux isn't the problem, he was an excellent get for the Blues...the problem was Army overpaid and overpaid HUGE for him. This isn't Shanny for Pronger, which luckily turned out great but it took some time as Shanny scored over 40 goals his first season with the Whale while Pronger took a couple of seasons to find his game. So likely Bolduc scores 25-30 goals while Mailloux looks like a bust...give it a couple of seasons, then we'll judge it. That being said I don't believe Bolduc was equal pay for Mailloux just like Shanny wasn't equal pay for Pronger...but that changed over the years.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

If Bolduc scores 40 hes going to get a massive long term deal and it would again blow apart the "Top 5" draft, tank blah blah blah. We know Bolduc is going to do well because the Blues drafted and developed him.
The Blues have Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Snuggerud and Neighbours who will also be getting paid. Cant keep em' all, get ready because Bolduc wont likely be the last popular Blues kid thats dealth

I'm going to keep asking this question until someone can give a valid answer: What was the rush to make that trade this past offseason?

<crickets>

I'm guessing the only, or at least main, reason for the rush is what some others are saying ... 1. that RHD was seen as such a need. 2. I'm guessing that the Blues really like LM's potential. 3. They wanted to get LM in early in order to begin to develop him in their system. 4. They did not like the other options for RHD (kessel or trading for maybe someone who doesn't fit their projected timeline as much as they think LM does). 5. They thought that montreal was going to move LM somewhere this past summer since they had Dobson and other young prospects at RHD. Meaning that this was the Blues best and maybe last chance to obtain him.
I am trying to figure it out too. But I do think that Bolduc plays a less valuable position and if you are trading a wing straight up for a RHD, the wing is going to have to have more perceived value at that moment.
For sure, the trade is a risk ... with more risk falling on the Blues end because of less NHL experience. Higher upside because good RHD is more scarce than good wingers. I bolded #5 intentionally because I think it might be a key reason for the "rush".

[MiamiLaw]

I don't understand why someone would click on a thread entitled "What if Bolduc scores 40 this season?" and then bash people who are discussing that topic. Feel free to start whatever thread about whatever topic you want to discuss or - gasp - just don't click on a thread you have no interest in. This topic happens to be one of the more interesting early storylines so it is getting discussed.

As for the topic, WW, you and I are on the same page about this particular trade for sure. I still do not understand why Mailloux was a guy they felt they needed to pay a premium for at the time they did. I never will understand and, even if Mailloux does well, I still will not understand it. You don't pay a premium to take on this level of risk...

I think that’s the crux of the issue/argument. Whether or not Bolduc was really a “premium” or is he still to be determined?

Yea it absolutely is the crux. At the beginning of last year, I along with many probably would have been OK with a trade like this. But once Bolduc started showing some real offensive output, with a bit snarl to boot, he became a different kind of asset to me. I was super excited to see what he could do this year so the trade really disappointed me, especially to get back a complete question mark.

But I get that opinions vary of course

[SRV1990]

If Bolduc scores 40 hes going to get a massive long term deal and it would again blow apart the "Top 5" draft, tank blah blah blah. We know Bolduc is going to do well because the Blues drafted and developed him.
The Blues have Kyrou, Buch, Holloway, Snuggerud and Neighbours who will also be getting paid. Cant keep em' all, get ready because Bolduc wont likely be the last popular Blues kid thats dealth

I'm going to keep asking this question until someone can give a valid answer: What was the rush to make that trade this past offseason?

<crickets>

It's been answered multiple times, you just don't like the answers.

[b-a-a-a-rclay]

I don't understand why someone would click on a thread entitled "What if Bolduc scores 40 this season?" and then bash people who are discussing that topic. Feel free to start whatever thread about whatever topic you want to discuss or - gasp - just don't click on a thread you have no interest in. This topic happens to be one of the more interesting early storylines so it is getting discussed.

As for the topic, WW, you and I are on the same page about this particular trade for sure. I still do not understand why Mailloux was a guy they felt they needed to pay a premium for at the time they did. I never will understand and, even if Mailloux does well, I still will not understand it. You don't pay a premium to take on this level of risk...

I think that’s the crux of the issue/argument. Whether or not Bolduc was really a “premium” or is he still to be determined?

Yea it absolutely is the crux. At the beginning of last year, I along with many probably would have been OK with a trade like this. But once Bolduc started showing some real offensive output, with a bit snarl to boot, he became a different kind of asset to me. I was super excited to see what he could do this year so the trade really disappointed me, especially to get back a complete question mark.

But I get that opinions vary of course

I agree with this. But if Bolduc doesn't have the 2nd half that he had, Montreal gets better offers for LM than a one dimensional, unproductive Bolduc ... or else they hold LM until they do. LM might be a question mark but he is a question mark with value. That's my guess.

[Tabasco Flowers]

A distinct possibility, as over the last 30 games (not counting playoffs), Bolduc's goal scoring pace has been among the best in the league. His
current pace over those 30 games is in the high 40s.

Army will have destroyed his career over this one trade; it would go down in history as one of the worst ever. I'd hate to see that happen.

News flash: Players other teams score goals.

I don't care if Bolduc scores 40, 10, or 50, he's not a member of the Blues. And no, that will not destroy Army's career. Not at all.

Ding ding ding!!

He completely disappeared in the playoffs as well, or does that requirement only apply to certain players? (Not directed at you DD, just quoted your post)

Oh, he didn't disappear. Just changed socks.

[netboy65]

I don't understand why someone would click on a thread entitled "What if Bolduc scores 40 this season?" and then bash people who are discussing that topic. Feel free to start whatever thread about whatever topic you want to discuss or - gasp - just don't click on a thread you have no interest in. This topic happens to be one of the more interesting early storylines so it is getting discussed.

As for the topic, WW, you and I are on the same page about this particular trade for sure. I still do not understand why Mailloux was a guy they felt they needed to pay a premium for at the time they did. I never will understand and, even if Mailloux does well, I still will not understand it. You don't pay a premium to take on this level of risk...

I think that’s the crux of the issue/argument. Whether or not Bolduc was really a “premium” or is he still to be determined?

Yea it absolutely is the crux. At the beginning of last year, I along with many probably would have been OK with a trade like this. But once Bolduc started showing some real offensive output, with a bit snarl to boot, he became a different kind of asset to me. I was super excited to see what he could do this year so the trade really disappointed me, especially to get back a complete question mark.

But I get that opinions vary of course

Fair enough. To me I remember Zach Sanford looking like the best player in hockey for 5 game stretches only to disappear for the next 30, so yeah. Boldy was healthy scratched for long stretches early last year, had a good run the last couple months, did nothing in the playoffs, started out hot the first couple games this year. We shall see which version prevails.

[Army's Mom]

What if Bolduc scores 40 this season? I will be thrilled for him. I really hope he does! As he progressed last year, he became one of my favorite Blues due to his production and style of play.

When I first heard about the trade I was VERY disappointed! Obviously, I do not find joy when one of my favorites is traded, waived, or not re-signed.

Do I think it was a bad trade? Ask me in two to three years!!! It may take that long to be accurately determined. I am not an NHL coach, scout, or similar.I am not qualified to make that evaluation now. I literally was not familiar whatsoever with Mailloux. Time will tell.

This.

The time for analysis is when both are established.

Why the rush? Because a fully developed Mailloux costs way more than Bolduc? Maybe the Blues knew Bolduc wasn't a good fit and figured they'd sell high. Guy has played two games and... wait for it... is still not playing top 6 minutes in MTL.