Canadiens place William Trudeau on waivers

The Canadiens put Trudeau on the wire for the purpose of sending him down to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Laval Rocket.

The 23-year-old started the 2025-26 season on the Habs roster, listed as non-roster/injured, due to the fact that he was hurt. Trudeau had suffered a torn pectoral muscle during the offseason, which kept him out of training camp. The news came not long after he signed a one-year, two-way contract to stay with the organization for another season. The deal carries an NHL cap hit of $775,000, a minor-league salary of $90,000, and a guaranteed salary of $100,000.

Trudeau was originally taken by the Habs in the fourth round, 113th overall, in the 2021 NHL Draft. After finishing up his junior career with the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, he turned pro with Laval in the fall of 2022. The Varennes, Que. native has since been a constant in the Laval lineup, proving he can be a viable asset at both ends of the rink.

After posting over 20 points in his first two seasons with the Rocket, Trudeau’s offensive production took a step back last year, delivering five goals and 14 assists for 19 points in 68 games, with a plus/minus of +14. He also registered three assists in eight postseason games, as Laval made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Final before being eliminated by the Charlotte Checkers.

Trudeau has yet to appear in an NHL game.

In 208 AHL games, both regular-season and playoffs, he has scored 20 goals and 53 assists for 73 points.

Minnesota Wild forward Michael Milne, the only player placed on waivers on Wednesday, cleared and will be joining the team’s primary affiliate, the Iowa Wild.