Canadiens Re-Sign William Trudeau to One-Year Deal Amid Rising Expectations
It’s official—William Trudeau will remain in the Canadiens system for at least another year. The 22-year-old defenseman from Varennes, Quebec, has just inked a one-year, two-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens. While this move may not dominate national headlines, it carries real significance for both the team and the player himself. Let's talk about why.
Trudeau has been a quietly consistent presence for the Laval Rocket, Montreal's AHL affiliate, since making his professional debut in the 2022–23 season. Last season, he suited up for 68 games, scoring five goals and tallying 14 assists. He added three assists during the playoffs as well. Those aren’t flashy numbers—but what stands out is his +14 rating, which was good for sixth on the team. That stat speaks volumes about his impact on the ice, even if he’s not racking up highlight-reel plays.
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Physically, Trudeau brings some muscle to the blue line. At 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, he plays a heavy game, unafraid to get involved in the gritty corners and shut down rushes with smart positioning. He’s known for being one of the more physical defenders on the Rocket roster, a quality that Montreal's front office seems eager to retain. His presence was clearly missed when he got injured during the playoffs—his absence left a noticeable gap on the team as they fell in the Eastern Conference Final.
This new contract doesn’t guarantee Trudeau a spot on the Canadiens' NHL roster this coming season, but it keeps the door open. Being a two-way deal, he’ll likely start in Laval again, but he’ll be closely watched. With 198 career AHL games under his belt and 70 total points (20 goals and 50 assists), he’s developing the kind of experience that could lead to an NHL call-up if injuries or trades shake things up.
Trudeau was originally drafted by Montreal in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. And though he hasn’t made his NHL debut yet, the Canadiens clearly see potential worth investing in. Re-signing him now—especially as other RFAs like Sean Farrell and Marc Del Gaizo also signed one-year deals—signals that Montreal is still actively shaping its defensive depth chart.
This isn’t a blockbuster signing, but it’s a smart, strategic one. William Trudeau may not be a household name yet, but this new contract gives him another year to prove that he belongs on hockey’s biggest stage. And if development and opportunity line up just right, we could see him wearing the Habs jersey at the Bell Centre sooner than later.
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