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Montreal Canadiens: Three Players Who Raised Their Stock In Training Camp

By Ken MacMillan

Sep 30, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mattias Norlinder (59) plays the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman Mattias Norlinder (59) plays the puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman William Trudeau. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2023; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens defenseman William Trudeau. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports /

William Trudeau

William Trudeau was a fourth round pick of the Canadiens in the 2021 NHL Draft. He played the following season with the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL and put up eight goals and 44 points in 68 games before adding seven goals and 11 points in 14 playoff games.

He turned pro last season and earned a role with the Laval Rocket. Though there were several young defenders in the organization, Trudeau was able to carve out a big spot in the Rocket lineup for himself and became one of their most trusted defensemen throughout the season.

The 20 year old left shooting defenseman ended up leading Rocket defensemen in points with 27 in 60 games. He displayed a quickness and intelligence on the ice that allowed him to defend well by being in the right position and also transition the puck up ice in a hurry with his acceleration and speed.

Though he played well for the Rocket, he was overshadowed heading into this year’s Canadiens training camp. With other young players entering with higher pedigree like Kaiden Guhle, David Reinbacher, Jordan Harris, Logan Mailloux and Justin Barron, Trudeau was far down the list of players to watch when training camp opened.

However, he stood out in scrimmages, practices and preseason action and heads in to his second AHL season with the Rocket as a player that needs to be watched closely thanks to his strong training camp. He is yet to make his NHL debut, but that won’t be far off if he continues his strong play into the AHL regular season.

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