A Blockbuster Deal in the NHL
The Montreal Canadiens announced a trade that sends 23-year-old defenseman William Trudeau to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Brett Berard. The deal, confirmed by both clubs on Thursday, moves two promising prospects ahead of the upcoming season.
Berard, who turned 23 earlier this year, has spent the last three seasons split between the NHL and the AHL. In 48 NHL appearances he has recorded six goals and four assists, but his real impact has come in the minors, where he tallied 22 points in 41 games for the Hartford Wolf Pack during the 2025-26 campaign and previously posted a 25-goal rookie season in 2023-24.
Trudeau, also 23, arrives in New York after a solid stint with the Laval Rocket. He logged 20 points — eight goals and 12 assists — in 62 games this season and has accumulated 90 points in 260 AHL games over his career. The defenseman was originally selected by Montreal in the fourth round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
The trade reflects a strategic shift for both franchises. Montreal receives a forward with a proven scoring touch in the AHL and a track record of durability, while the Rangers gain a mobile blue-liner who can contribute offensively from the back end. General managers from both sides indicated that the move adds depth and flexibility as they shape their rosters for the next chapter.
Stat Sheet Snapshot
Berard’s AHL career totals stand at 93 points (40 goals, 53 assists) across 145 games, while Trudeau has posted 90 points (28 goals, 62 assists) in 260 AHL appearances. Both players are under entry-level contracts and will be eligible for arbitration after their third professional season.