Samuel Bolduc

July 2023 – With a breakout season in Bridgeport (10 goals and 25 assists in 56 games), Bolduc is poised to play full-time with the Isles in 2022-23 as the pending RFA signed a two-year, one-way contract back in June worth $800k annually. 2021-22 was a stellar year for the 6’4 defensemen as he was selected to represent Bridgeport at the AHL All-Star game and also appeared in 17 games with the Islanders, scoring his first NHL goal in the process. James Iacovone

February 2023 – Bolduc scored his first NHL goal earlier this month. He’s earned a couple of call-ups as he’s had a very strong season with Bridgeport. He is sixth on his AHL squad in points and in points per game all while playing a reasonably effective defensive game. He’s taken a significant step since last season, in which he scored just seven points and perhaps more importantly, he’s remained healthy. His upside is not particularly tantalizing, but he is a bright spot in a relatively shallow prospect pool. Graham Montgomery

June 2022 – As if COVID weren’t enough, injuries continue to thwart Bolduc’s development. He was sidelined for Bridgeport’s post-season after a disappointing 57-game, seven-point schedule. He’s got the size and the talent to impress at training camp, but good health is vital. Mark Allan

March 2022 – After a promising AHL rookie campaign (six goals and eight assists in 24 games), Bolduc’s production with Bridgeport has cratered (one goal and two assists in 42 games). The strapping defenseman might be suffering the lingering effects of an injury that prevented him from attending the Isles’ NHL training camp and the start of the AHL campaign. The 21-year-old should still have a bright future. Mark Allan

July 2021 – Admittedly in just a 24-game schedule, the tall and talented blueliner nonetheless finished second in Bridgeport scoring with 14 points, including six goals. The 20-year-old will likely spend all or most of the 2021-22 season in the AHL, where he’ll get more of the pro experience he needs to make the next step up. Mark Allan

March 2021 – The skilled 6-4 defender leads Bridgeport in scoring after seven games with five points, including two scores. Perhaps more impressively, his plus/minus is even for the 2-5 Sound Tigers, who have scored 15 times while allowing 24 goals. Bolduc is a future stalwart on the NYI blueline. Mark Allan

February 2021 – Bolduc already has two goals and three assists in five appearances after a Covid-delayed start to the AHL schedule. He’s looking more and more like a future Islander. Mark Allan

January 2021 – Barry Trotz recently compared the 2019 second-round pick to Washington point-generating blueliner John Carlson. Bolduc’s former QMJHL coach Bruce Richardson responded by saying perennial Norris Trophy candidate Victor Hedman is a better comparison. Either way, the Isles hope Bolduc can resume his development soon in his pro debut with Bridgeport. The AHL is scheduled to begin its pandemic-delayed season Feb. 5. Mark Allan

May 2020 – The imposing physical specimen signed a three-year, entry-level contract with an AAV of $925,000. The 6-4, 210-pounder is coming off a QMJHL personal-best 43 points (eighth-highest among league blueliners) in 61 outings. Three goals and 16 assists with the man advantage adds to an intriguing 19-year-old package of size and skill. After 22 goals and 72 assists in 189 appearances over four seasons in the Quebec league, the 2019 second-rounder’s next challenge is the AHL. Mark Allan

March 2020 – Already a physical specimen, the two-way blueliner has steadily increased his scoring in the QMJHL, from 14 to 37 to 43 in 60 games so far this season. After registering seven goals and 16 points in 32 appearances with the middle-of-the-road Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, Bolduc erupted for four goals and 27 points in his first 28 outings after a trade to the powerhouse Sherbrooke Phoenix. Barring injury, the move guarantees him junior playoff participation for the third straight year, and could provide invaluable Memorial Cup experience. Showing signs of being dominant at times in the QMJHL, Bolduc sometimes falls in love with his slapshot, and could benefit from mixing in a good wrist shot more. His skating is good for a big boy, powered by a long, strong stride. Especially considering his size, he could be more physical, but it might not be in his nature. His passing can be inconsistent and he does not always make the best decisions, but that might be just inexperience. Simplifying his game could make him more effective. Currently unsigned, he is a good candidate for an NHL entry-level deal before the 2020-2021 QMJHL campaign. Islander fans can be excused for fantasizing about a future Twin Tower pairing with Noah Dobson, another 6-4 defenseman from the Q.  Mark Allan