HabsWorld.net -- 

The Habs have signed another one of their 2021 draft picks, announcing on Friday that they’ve signed defenceman William Trudeau to a three-year, entry-level deal.  The contract breaks down as follows:

2022-23: $750,000 NHL salary, $80,000 AHL salary, $92,500 signing bonus, $82,500 games played performance bonuses, $10,500 CHL salary
2023-24: $775,000 NHL salary, $80,000 AHL salary, $92,500 signing bonus, $57,500 games played performance bonuses
2024-25: $775,000 NHL salary, $80,000 AHL salary, $92,500 signing bonus, $57,500 games played performance bonuses

The 20-year-old was a fourth-round pick in 2021 (113th overall) following a strong showing with Charlottetown of the QMJHL.  He went back to the Islanders last season and produced at a similar per-game level, notching eight goals and 36 assists in 68 games while adding 11 points in 14 playoff contests.  That had him seemingly on the bubble for getting signed by the June 1st deadline.

However, Trudeau was one of Montreal’s better performers in the rookie tournament and made a good enough impression in main camp to go to Laval instead of back to Charlottetown for his final junior season.  For now, he’ll remain with the Rocket but he’s someone that’s on the fringes of the lineup although the absence of Gianni Fairbrother for the entire season gets him one step closer to a lineup spot.  If that changes, he still can be sent back to junior.  Either way, his contract will not slide which means Trudeau will burn the first year this season and will count against the 50-contract limit.

Trudeau’s Stats: