Samuel Bolduc Bio
Samuel Bolduc (born December 9, 2000) is a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman currently playing for the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Los Angeles Kings of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 6 foot 4 inches tall and weighing 220 pounds, the left-shooting blueliner combines size with mobility, a profile that made him a second-round selection of the New York Islanders in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Bolduc has spent the early portion of his professional career splitting time between the AHL and the NHL, establishing himself as a dependable depth defenceman with offensive upside.
After four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Bolduc turned professional in 2021 and has since represented several organizations within the Islanders and Kings systems. His journey from a junior prospect in Quebec to a North American professional has been marked by steady development and key milestones, including an AHL All-Star selection and his first NHL goal.
Early Life and Background
Samuel Bolduc was born on December 9, 2000, in Laval, Quebec, Canada. Laval, located just north of Montreal, is part of one of Canada’s most passionate hockey regions, where youth hockey is woven into the fabric of the community. Growing up in this environment provided Bolduc with early and consistent access to competitive hockey, allowing him to develop his skills against strong competition from a young age. His physical attributes, including his tall frame and sturdy build, were evident early and would later become central to his identity as a defenceman.
Bolduc’s progression through minor hockey in Quebec prepared him for the jump to major junior hockey. By the time he reached draft eligibility, his combination of size, skating, and hockey sense had drawn the attention of scouts across the QMJHL. His development during these formative years laid the foundation for a professional career that would begin shortly after his draft year.
Path to Hockey
Bolduc’s path to professional hockey ran through the QMJHL, one of the three major junior leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League. He began his major junior career with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, where he established himself as a steady, two-way defenceman with the ability to contribute offensively. His play with the Armada earned him recognition as a top NHL prospect heading into his draft year.
On December 15, 2019, Bolduc was traded to the Sherbrooke Phoenix, where he continued his development. Later that same year, he was selected 57th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. Shortly after, on April 30, 2020, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Islanders, officially beginning his professional career. The transition from major junior to professional hockey represented a significant step, and Bolduc was assigned to the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, the Bridgeport Islanders, to begin his pro journey.
Samuel Bolduc Career
Early Career (2021–2022)
Bolduc began his professional career with the Bridgeport Islanders of the AHL during the 2020–21 season. Despite the challenges of starting a professional career amid a shortened pandemic-affected schedule, he made an immediate impression. He was named to the 2020–21 AHL Atlantic-Division All-Star Team, an early indication of his potential and a sign that the Islanders’ organization viewed him as a key prospect within their system.
He continued to develop his game with Bridgeport over the following seasons, refining his defensive play while adding offensive contributions from the back end. His steady progression in the AHL kept him firmly on the Islanders’ radar as a future NHL contributor.
AHL Breakthrough and NHL Debut (2021–2023)
Bolduc’s AHL performance during the 2022–23 season was strong enough to earn him a selection to the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic, where he represented Bridgeport as the team’s sole representative. This honour reflected his emergence as one of the top young defencemen in the league and brought him further attention from across the NHL.
Bolduc made his long-awaited NHL debut on January 23, 2023, in a 5–2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Less than three weeks later, on February 7, he scored his first NHL point, a goal, against the Seattle Kraken. It was the game-winning goal in a 4–0 Islanders victory, a memorable milestone for the young defenceman. He finished the 2022–23 NHL season with two goals and three points in 17 games, and he also appeared in two of New York’s playoff games, gaining valuable postseason experience.
New York Islanders Era (2023–2025)
Following his NHL debut season, Bolduc signed a two-year contract with the New York Islanders on June 20, 2023. The deal signalled the organization’s continued belief in his development and their intent to keep him within their system. Over the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, Bolduc split time between the NHL roster and the Bridgeport Islanders, working to solidify his role as a reliable depth defenceman.
During the 2024–25 season, however, Bolduc featured in just one regular-season game with the Islanders. At the conclusion of that season, he departed the organization as a free agent, opening the door to a new chapter in his career.
Los Angeles Kings Era (2025–Present)
On July 2, 2025, Bolduc signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Los Angeles Kings, marking a fresh start in the Western Conference. The move offered him a new opportunity to compete for playing time within a different organizational structure and to showcase his skills in a new environment.
Bolduc was assigned to the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, where he has continued his professional development. His tenure with the Kings system represents a pivotal period as he looks to re-establish himself as a regular contributor at the NHL level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bolduc’s game is built around his size and mobility. At 6 foot 4 inches and 220 pounds, he uses his frame effectively along the boards and in front of the net, while his left shot allows him to play the point on the power play. Defensively, he relies on his reach and positioning to break up plays, and offensively, he contributes with a hard, accurate shot from the blue line. His combination of physical tools and steady decision-making makes him a versatile option for coaches.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Bolduc’s most notable career moments is his first NHL goal against the Seattle Kraken on February 7, 2023, which doubled as the game-winning marker in a 4–0 shutout victory. His selection to both the 2020–21 AHL Atlantic-Division All-Star Team and the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic further underscore his consistent recognition as a top performer at the AHL level. Being drafted 57th overall in 2019 and signing his first NHL contract stand as foundational milestones in his young career.
Samuel Bolduc Career Wins
As a defenceman in a team-oriented sport, Samuel Bolduc’s career is measured less by individual win totals and more by his contributions to team success across the QMJHL, AHL, and NHL. His win totals at each level reflect his role as a steady, two-way presence on the back end.
QMJHL Highlights
During his time with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Sherbrooke Phoenix, Bolduc was part of competitive QMJHL rosters and contributed to his teams’ efforts over four major junior seasons. His play during this period helped establish him as a legitimate NHL prospect and ultimately led to his second-round selection in 2019.
AHL and NHL Performances
In the AHL, Bolduc has been a consistent contributor for the Bridgeport Islanders, earning multiple All-Star recognitions along the way. His NHL appearances with the New York Islanders, including two goals and three points in 17 games during the 2022–23 season, marked his arrival at the top level of professional hockey.
Samuel Bolduc Family
Family Background and Hockey Origins
Samuel Bolduc was raised in Laval, Quebec, a region with deep roots in Canadian hockey culture. Growing up in this hockey-rich environment helped shape his early development and fostered his passion for the sport. Details about his parents and any family members involved in hockey are not widely documented in public sources.
Personal Life
Bolduc maintains a relatively private personal life. He has not publicly disclosed information regarding a spouse or children, and he continues to focus on his professional hockey career. His residence during the hockey season is tied to his current team assignments within the AHL and NHL systems.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a significant transition for Samuel Bolduc. After spending the 2024–25 campaign with the New York Islanders organization, where he appeared in just one regular-season NHL game, he entered the offseason as a free agent. On July 2, 2025, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Los Angeles Kings, beginning a new chapter with a Western Conference franchise.
Assigned to the Kings’ AHL affiliate, the Ontario Reign, Bolduc has continued to work on his game and compete for a chance to return to the NHL lineup. His role with the Reign provides him with consistent playing time and an opportunity to demonstrate the skills that have defined his career to this point.
Looking ahead, Bolduc’s one-year deal places him in a contract year, giving him added motivation to perform at a high level. A strong showing in the AHL, combined with potential NHL call-ups, could position him for a more substantial contract and a more permanent role at the NHL level in the seasons to come.