BREAKING NEWS: Montreal Canadians Right Wing Zachary Bolduc has been Suspended from Ice hockey activities by the NHL community as he was tested positive of….see more

In a shocking development that has sent ripples across the National Hockey League (NHL), Montreal Canadiens right wing Zachary Bolduc has been suspended indefinitely from all ice hockey activities after testing positive for a banned substance, league officials confirmed on Thursday. The announcement has not only stunned Canadiens fans but has also sparked intense debates regarding the NHL’s ongoing efforts to maintain integrity and player accountability within the sport.

According to reports released by the NHL disciplinary committee, Bolduc’s test returned positive during a routine in-season screening. While the exact substance has not yet been publicly disclosed, the league emphasized that the violation falls under its Performance Enhancing Substances Program, which carries strict penalties for first-time and repeat offenders.

For the Montreal Canadiens, who are currently navigating a highly competitive Eastern Conference campaign, the suspension comes at a critical time. Bolduc, a 21-year-old rising star, has quickly become a pivotal part of the team’s offensive strategy since making his debut. Known for his speed, agility, and ability to find scoring opportunities, he was seen as one of the young players capable of shaping the franchise’s future.

Head Coach Martin St. Louis addressed the media shortly after the league’s announcement, expressing both disappointment and concern.

“This is tough news for Zachary, for our locker room, and for our fans. He’s a talented player with a bright future, and we hope he learns from this situation. Our priority right now is to support him while also respecting the NHL’s disciplinary process,” St. Louis said.

Reactions from fans have been mixed, with some offering words of encouragement for Bolduc while others criticized the lack of discipline that led to the suspension. On social media, hashtags such as #StandWithBolduc and #HabsNation quickly began trending, reflecting both the shock and support within the Canadiens’ passionate fan base.

The NHL Players’ Association (NHLPA) also released a brief statement, noting that Bolduc has the right to appeal the decision. However, it remains unclear whether his camp will pursue that option. Legal experts point out that appeals in such cases are rarely successful unless there is concrete evidence of testing errors or procedural flaws.

For the Canadiens, Bolduc’s absence leaves a significant gap in their roster depth. He had already recorded several key goals this season and was showing steady growth in his on-ice presence. Analysts suggest the team will now lean on veterans and call-ups from the Laval Rocket, their AHL affiliate, to fill the void.

This suspension also raises larger questions about substance use in professional hockey. While such cases are less frequent in the NHL compared to other leagues, they highlight the pressures young athletes face in trying to perform at the highest level.

As the investigation unfolds and the league finalizes the length of Bolduc’s suspension, the Canadiens will need to regroup and stay focused on their season objectives. For Bolduc, this serves as a critical turning point in his young career—one that will test not only his resilience but also his commitment to restoring trust with his teammates, the organization, and the fans who believed in him.