William Trudeau’s NHL arrival has taken a winding route, and Thursday night brings it to a familiar building.
The Nashville Predators defenceman will dress against the Canadiens at the Bell Centre, the same organization that once leaned on him heavily in the minors and the team that never really had a clear opening for him on its blue line. For Trudeau, it’s a chance to skate in front of the club that developed him, now wearing different colours and carrying a job he wasn’t always sure would materialize.
There were stretches when the 5-foot-11, 200-pound veteran wondered how long the wait would last. He never doubted he belonged in the NHL, but he did admit there were times the whole process wore on him.
"How do you never lose hope?" the defenceman said, repeating the question, after the Nashville Predators' optional morning skate Thursday at the Bell Centre.
The Canadiens had reason to trust Trudeau in the AHL. Over the years, the Rocket used him as a steady, reliable piece, the kind of player who didn’t flash every night but could be counted on to do his job. In 260 career minor-league games, he put up 28 goals and 62 assists.
Still, the path upward in Montreal looked crowded. Trudeau was behind 2023 first-round draft choice David Reinbacher and Adam Engstrom on the organization’s depth chart, making a breakthrough there unlikely.
A move in June seemed to open the door. Trudeau was traded to the New York Rangers for forward Brett Berard, and he thought that might be the break he’d been waiting for.
Instead, he was one of the Rangers’ final cuts and figured AHL Hartford was next. Then Nashville claimed him off waivers on Sept.
His NHL debut finally came last Saturday at home against Dallas. He logged 12:15, finished with two hits, a shot and one block. On Tuesday in Toronto, he added another shot while playing 10:38.
Andrew Brunette said Thursday that Trudeau will be in the lineup against the Canadiens, and the coach has been fine with what he’s seen so far. Nashville has been going with 11 forwards and seven defencemen, and Trudeau has been paired with Adam Wilsby.
The timing also worked out for the rookie off the ice. He was able to line up at least 30 tickets for family and friends.
"It stays a hockey game, but playing at the Bell Centre against the Canadiens is pretty special," Trudeau said. "At the same time, it's hockey.
I still have a job to do. I'm trying to stay focused."
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