Montreal Canadiens Acquire Brett Berard in Trade with New York Rangers
The Montreal Canadiens have completed a trade with the New York Rangers, acquiring forward Brett Berard in exchange for defenceman Wiliam Trudeau. Both players are restricted free agents, with Berard having played 13 games for the Rangers last season but failing to register a point. In the AHL, Berard had a more productive season with six goals and 22 points in 41 games for the Hartford Wolfpack. The 23-year-old winger also had six goals and 10 points in 35 NHL games with the Rangers during the 2024-25 season, after being drafted by the team in the fifth round of the 2023 draft.
On the other side of the trade, Trudeau, a fourth-round pick in 2021, has yet to make his NHL debut. He spent the season playing for the Laval Rocket, where he recorded eight goals and 20 points in 62 games. This trade marks the second consecutive day that the Canadiens have made a move involving restricted free agents, following the trade of Luke Tuch to the Columbus Blue Jackets for centre Hunter McKown.
The acquisition of Brett Berard adds depth to the Canadiens' forward group, bringing in a young winger with NHL experience and potential for growth. Meanwhile, the departure of Wiliam Trudeau provides the Rangers with a promising defenceman who has shown his skills in the AHL and is poised to make his mark in the NHL. Both teams are looking to strengthen their rosters and make strategic moves as they prepare for the upcoming season.