Bolduc fueled by Berube's criticism, focused on roster spot with Blues

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. -- Zachary Bolduc has a clear mind, his path pointing him in the direction of becoming a professional hockey player.

"For sure the mindset is different," the 20-year-old center said during St. Louis Blues development camp last month. "I'm turning pro this year, so for me, it's another step. I think I'm ready to try and achieve my goal this year."

But that doesn't mean the No. 17 pick in the 2021 NHL Draft doesn't remember the stark, constructive criticism given to him by Blues coach Craig Berube toward the end of training camp last season, before Bolduc was sent back to Quebec of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

"He's going to go back to juniors. He's not ready yet for this level," Berube said of Bolduc at the time. "He's got to go down and play with more pace in his game. I think that he has the ability with his feet to do a lot more than he does with the puck.

"He's got to skate more and make more plays and not just be a shooter. He's capable of doing more with his ability. And defensively, he's got to improve. He's got to be more responsible defensively, understand the responsibilities of playing good 'D' and checking."

Bolduc could have gotten discouraged being humbled in such a fashion, but instead used it as a motivating factor and had himself a banner season, leading Quebec to the QMJHL and Memorial Cup championships.

He tied for fourth in the QMJHL with 110 points (50 goals, 60 assists) in 61 regular-season games, and followed that with 19 points (11 goals, eight assists) in 18 playoff games, then six points (two goals, four assists) in four games at the Memorial Cup in Kamloops, British Columbia. That was after he had 99 points (55 goals, 44 assists) in 65 games for Quebec the previous season.

It was all quite a sendoff for Bolduc.

"[Berube] was honest, and that's the truth at the end. I knew it," Bolduc said. "He didn't have to say it. I knew it at the end of the camp that I didn't play the hockey that I was able to play.

"It's going to be on me to bring my game that I played in junior here and play at another level for sure because the level's going to be higher, it's going to be faster and guys will be bigger. I just have to be the best version of me."

Bolduc played more responsibly, was on Quebec's penalty kill and learned some of those traits from Hockey Hall of Fame member Patrick Roy, Quebec's coach.

Did that coaching help make Bolduc ready for the NHL this season? His play will let the Blues know.

"I think I am," Bolduc said. "I'll work hard this summer to achieve that goal, but at the same time, I'm not the one who's making the decision at the end."

Photos: Jonathan Roy