Zack Bolduc getting chance to prove himself alongside Blues' best offensive options

At this point of Blues preseason camp, it would be a tad odd to see Zack Bolducs name off of the top line.

Even with fluid line combinations some live for just a couple of hours, some endure a bit longer than that the Blues have afforded Bolduc opportunities to make his case for a top-six role in the NHL this season.

When he opened camp, he was beside Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou, which is where he was again for Wednesday nights exhibition game in Columbus, Ohio.

When Bolduc played in the preseason opener in Dallas, he was on the top line with Jake Neighbours and Pavel Buchnevich.

Whenever Bolduc has been on the ice, it seems, hes been with some of the Blues best offensive players.

When I look at his overall camp, Ive been really happy with (it), starting from the development camp, the rookie tournament, Blues coach Drew Bannister said.

I thought hes played really well.

Hes looked really good in practice.

Bolduc was one of the Blues standouts during the two-game Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, which seems to have served as a sort of trampoline into main training camp.

During prospect games against the Blackhawks and Wild, Bolduc was one-third of a productive top line, and he scored a highlight-reel goal vs.

Minnesota by slicing through the teeth of the defense.

In Dallas on Saturday night, Bolduc had three shots on goal (tied for the team lead) and two hits.

Hes a big shooter, Buchnevich said.

He likes to shoot.

Seems like he spent a lot of time in the gym, get bigger.

Hopefully, he make the step forward.

Hes still got to learn how to play without the puck, but its a growing part.

Im just excited to see him, and he will be a big part in the future.

Bolduc is a legitimate candidate to be on the NHL roster when the Blues break camp and begin the season in Seattle on Oct.

8.

General manager Doug Armstrong has repeatedly mentioned Bolduc as someone he wants to see make the jump to the NHL, and Bolduc could build off a strong end to the season when he had five points in the last five games of the season.

At that time, Bolduc received more responsibility with the Blues out of the playoff picture.

Now, that responsibility is coming right off the bat.

I think hes just more confident, Bannister said.

Hes a year older.

He got a good year of pro hockey in the American Hockey League level and then having the opportunity to come up here and play with us and have success, I think that goes a long way in the development over the summer and how they push each other.

Certainly, the physicality, I think he was a little more engaged.

I still think theres more for him to give and be around the puck a little bit more to have the puck more on his stick.

Bolduc has looked more physical in the three games hes played so far (two vs.

prospects and one exhibition), locked in battles in the corners or on the boards and even mixing it up after the whistle with opposing teams.

That hasnt always been a consistent part of Bolducs game, which needed to be rounded out after a prolific junior career in the QMJHL.

Thats a thing I always had in my game, but I didnt use it as much as I should, Bolduc said.

I think just finishing some hits here and there keep you involved in the game and slow down the opponent, too.

Bannister is in a unique position to monitor Bolducs development.

When Bannister was coaching AHL affiliate Springfield (Massachusetts) last season, Bolduc was trying to transition his game to the AHL.

Since then, Bannister has been promoted to head coach in the NHL, and hes trying to help Bolduc adjust his game to become an NHL regular.

Is the message the same at the different levels? I know what Boldy does well, Bannister said.

Its the things that he doesnt do well that he has to do better to maintain a spot in the NHL.

Were not asking anything that he cant do.

A lot of it doesnt take skill, its just work and smarts.

The skill aspect for him, those things come easy for him: the way he shoots the puck, the way he skates.

Its the harder areas of the game that hes going to have to get better at.

For now, Bolduc will have the luxury of proving himself alongside the Blues top two offensive weapons.

We all can shoot the puck, Bolduc said.

We all can pass it, so for me, its just you go where you have to go.

If its your turn to go to the net, you have to go to the net.

You just have to always be ready with these guys because you never know when that pass is going to come.

For me, its just play my game.

Bring my speed, bring my game into their game..

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