A Swap of AHL Stalwarts
The Montreal Canadiens have traded defenseman William Trudeau to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Brett Berard. The deal, announced by the team, involves two players currently navigating the transition between the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL).
Logjam on the Canadiens’ Blue Line
William Trudeau, 23, was a fourth-round pick (113th overall) by the Montreal Canadiens in the 2021 NHL Draft. Over the past four seasons, he played exclusively for the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate. Despite his development, he never received a call-up to the NHL.
The Canadiens’ decision to move Trudeau stems from a surplus of left-shot defensemen within the organization. According to team reports, the depth chart at the position made his path to the NHL roster stagnant. Furthermore, the organization is currently integrating younger prospects, including Bryce Pickford, Owen Protz, and Luke Mittelstadt, who joined the professional ranks following his NCAA career in April 2024.
Berard’s Path to Laval
The Canadiens acquired Brett Berard, a 22-year-old forward originally selected by the New York Rangers in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft. Standing 5-foot-9, Berard has spent four seasons in the AHL. He has also gained limited NHL experience, appearing in 35 games for the Rangers during the 2023-24 season and 13 games during the 2024-25 campaign.
Berard is expected to report to the Laval Rocket. Both players involved in the transaction are set to become restricted free agents (RFA) on July 1.
Hughes Refines the Minor-League Roster
This transaction marks the second minor-league trade executed by Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes within 24 hours. On Thursday, the organization traded forward Luke Tuch to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Hunter McKown.
Like the Trudeau-Berard swap, the Tuch-McKown deal involved two players who are approaching restricted free agency. These moves suggest a broader effort by the Canadiens’ front office to reorganize their minor-league depth and evaluate players nearing the end of their current contract status before the summer free agency period begins.
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