Zachary Bolduc’s job is in jeopardy.

Let's talk a little about the Canadiens' forwards.

In the last game before the Olympic break, Martin St-Louis didn't have a difficult decision to make on offense. Three players, as far as we know, were unable to play.

Alexandre Texier, Alex Newhook, and Patrik Laine sat out, and the remaining 12 forwards played.

But as you know, and as we've been talking about for a while, the depth at forward is changing. Why? Because the injured players are getting healthy.

Alexandre Texier is healthy: he played in the Olympics. That alone forces Martin St-Louis to make a decision.

But on top of that, Patrik Laine and Alex Newhook are coming back. We know that the Canadiens' #15 is getting better. He could play this week… and if he's ready, unlike Laine, he will play.

So if Newhook and Texier are ready to play, who are the two guys who will miss their turn? Eric Engels, who was on Tony Marinaro's Sick Podcast yesterday, has his thoughts on the subject.

With injured players set to return to action this week, how will the #GoHabsGo lineup ultimately shake out?#thesickpodcast @TonyMarinaro @EricEngels pic.twitter.com/nCB3oxyFQp

— The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro (@thesickpodcasts) February 25, 2026

The first part of the answer is simple: it's Joe Veleno.

Remember that yesterday, during practice, he was warming up the seat that will ultimately belong to Kirby Dach when the latter inevitably returns to the wing when the captain returns to the ice.

Caufield – Dach – Veleno
Newhook – Kapanen – Demidov
Texier – Evans – Bolduc / Laine rotation
Gallagher – Danault – Andy

Matheson – Hutson
Guhle – Dobson
Xhekaj – Carrier
Struble

On defense, it's mixed. I think it should be taken with a grain of salt. @DLCoulisses pic.twitter.com/kwooHgVFgn

— Marc-Olivier Cook (@Cook_Marco) February 24, 2026

But what else?

When Alex Newhook returns to the lineup (it may not be tomorrow, but his return is approaching), another player will have to make way. And clearly, Eric Engels has his own idea about what might happen.

He confidently names Zachary Bolduc. He didn't mention Alexandre Texier, and he doesn't think it will be Brendan Gallagher: in his opinion, it will be the Quebec sharpshooter who will take the hit when the Habs need a second line.

Obviously, when we say “get the job,” we're talking about going to the stands, not going to Laval. Anyway, he can't go to Laval anymore without avoiding the ballot box.

Eric Engels has often been right this year when it comes to lineup questions. That's what makes me say that he's not getting this information out of thin air and that Bolduc's position is currently in real danger.

To be continued.

Overtime

Remember that after the deadline, the Canadiens will have to comply with the salary cap, but may still have more than 23 players on their active roster.

There are three games left before the deadline.