Rangers, Canadiens agree to rare trade, flip Brett Berard for William Trudeau
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- The New York Rangers traded restricted free agent winger Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens for restricted free agent defenseman William Trudeau, marking the first trade between former GM Jeff Gorton and current GM Chris Drury since Gorton's 2021 departure.
- Berard, a 2020 fifth-round pick with six NHL goals and 10 points, showed promise in the 2024-25 season but struggled in 2025-26; he was projected to have difficulty securing a spot on the Rangers' roster due to competition.
- Trudeau, a 2021 fourth-round pick, has yet to debut in the NHL but has been a consistent AHL contributor over four seasons; he is viewed as a solid, all-around defenseman who may find more opportunity in New York’s less crowded defensive lineup.
- The Rangers aim to address organizational defensive needs with Trudeau, who would require waivers to be assigned to the AHL, while Montreal gains a feisty, high-motor winger with scoring potential for a bottom-six role.
