Canadiens Ink William Trudeau to One-Year Deal, Strengthening Blue Line Depth in Laval
The Montreal Canadiens continued to check off their offseason to-do list this week, re-signing defenseman William Trudeau to a one-year, two-way contract. The deal, announced Thursday, ensures the 22-year-old stays in the organization for another season as he continues to develop within the Canadiens’ system.
Trudeau, a left-handed defenseman, was originally drafted by Montreal in the fourth round (113th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. While he has yet to make his debut at the NHL level, he has quietly become a reliable contributor on the blue line for the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate.
Last season, Trudeau suited up for 68 regular-season games with Laval, posting five goals and 14 assists. He added three more assists during the Rocket’s playoff push, appearing in eight postseason contests. Known for his physical edge, Trudeau’s presence was missed late in the Calder Cup Playoffs, as an untimely injury kept him out of crucial games, including the Eastern Conference Final. His absence left a noticeable void in Laval’s defensive corps, one that ultimately may have contributed to the team’s elimination.
Over the course of his AHL career, Trudeau has played in 198 games, tallying 20 goals and 50 assists. While his offensive production has been modest, his value lies in his consistency, work ethic, and tough, stay-at-home style of play. He’s become one of Laval’s more dependable blueliners, bringing a blend of grit and calm decision-making that coaches appreciate. Though still developing, Trudeau is viewed as a solid depth option who could push for an NHL look if injuries strike the Canadiens’ blue line during the 2025–26 campaign.
The one-year, two-way nature of the contract reflects where Trudeau currently stands in the organization’s depth chart. He’ll most likely spend the bulk of the season with Laval, but the deal allows for flexibility if the Canadiens need to call him up due to injuries or other roster moves. A two-way contract means his salary will differ depending on whether he plays in the AHL or the NHL, making the arrangement cap-friendly and low-risk for Montreal’s front office.
Trudeau becomes the second restricted free agent to re-sign with the Canadiens this summer. Earlier in the offseason, the club came to terms with forward Sean Farrell, another promising young player who’s trying to carve out a long-term role in the organization. Like Trudeau, Farrell was qualified by the Canadiens—an essential step in retaining the rights to restricted free agents (RFAs)—and quickly signed a new deal.
Still on the RFA list for Montreal are goaltender Jakub Dobeš and defenseman Jayden Struble. Both players were extended qualifying offers and remain in discussions with the team. Each represents a key piece of the Canadiens’ long-term depth, particularly in the goaltending department, where Dobeš is considered one of the top young prospects. Negotiations for both players are ongoing, and the organization is expected to finalize those contracts in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, a notable RFA who won’t be returning is goaltender Cayden Primeau. The Canadiens had qualified the 25-year-old netminder earlier in the offseason but opted to trade him to the Carolina Hurricanes. Primeau has since agreed to terms with his new team, ending his time in Montreal after years of development and NHL-AHL shuttling. His departure clears a path for Dobeš to assume a more prominent role in Laval, assuming he inks a new contract.
For Trudeau, the 2025–26 season will be another critical step in his growth. With nearly 200 AHL games under his belt, he’s proven he can handle the rigors of pro hockey at that level. Now, he’ll look to build on that experience and show Canadiens management that he’s ready for the next step. While an NHL roster spot out of training camp may be a long shot given the current depth chart, his reliability and physicality make him a strong call-up candidate.
More broadly, the Canadiens continue to invest in their young core and organizational depth. While marquee moves like the trade for Noah Dobson may steal the headlines, signings like Trudeau’s are vital to building a complete and sustainable roster. Injuries are inevitable over an 82-game season, and teams need NHL-ready reinforcements waiting in the wings. Trudeau fits that mold—an AHL veteran who’s inching closer to an NHL opportunity.
It’s also worth noting that the Canadiens’ development pipeline has improved in recent years. Players like Trudeau, Farrell, and Struble reflect a growing trend of homegrown talent working its way up the ranks in Laval before knocking on the NHL door. For a franchise that has long relied on free agency or trades to fill depth roles, this shift bodes well for long-term success.
The Canadiens’ management team, led by general manager Kent Hughes, has emphasized patience and internal development. Re-signing players like Trudeau on short-term, low-risk deals allows the organization to evaluate their progress while maintaining roster flexibility. If Trudeau takes another step forward this season and continues to round out his game, he could force himself into NHL consideration—especially if injuries open the door.
As for the Laval Rocket, Trudeau’s return is a big win. He brings familiarity, leadership, and physical presence to a group that will again be aiming for a deep playoff run. With several other young prospects likely to join Laval this fall, Trudeau’s experience will be key in stabilizing the defensive unit.
In summary, William Trudeau’s new one-year, two-way deal might not be a headline-grabbing transaction, but it represents another savvy move by the Canadiens to secure a dependable, developing talent within the organization. While he’s not NHL-bound just yet, Trudeau is well-positioned to continue honing his skills in Laval, with an eye on making that elusive jump to the big league. Whether as a future role player or a reliable injury replacement, he remains a valuable piece of Montreal’s broader hockey puzzle.
