Among the many young defensemen within the Canadiens organization, the name William Trudeau doesn’t come up often. However, the 21-year-old Quebec native is having another outstanding camp.

• Read also: Martin St-Louis calls for patience with Patrik Laine and Kirby Dach

• Read also: Far from John Tortorella or Patrick Roy

• Read also: The Josh Anderson of sunny days in Brossard!

“I don’t really have a choice. Everyone comes here with a knife between their teeth, even when we play against fellow players. “We all have the same goal,” Trudeau told reporters on Friday.

In the shadow of Lane Hutson, Logan Mailloux, David Reinbacher, Adam Engström, Justin Barron and Jayden Struble, he believes he can “muddy the waters.”

“It’s motivation. I’m still getting used to it, it’s not the first time I’ve shown up at a camp [dans cette situation]», supported Trudeau, who also made a surprise appearance in the fall of 2023 before being sent to Laval, where he had been an important element of the missile brigade.

While not exactly known for his offensive talents, the 2021 fourth-round pick has now scored in each of the first two intrasquad games. It’s just the beginning of camp, but it’s encouraging.

“I’m a defenseman who still reacts well to the forecheck, I make the right decisions and don’t do anything with the puck, I place it well and I have a good first pass,” Trudeau described.

If the young man from Varennes tries to reduce his long appearances this summer, he wants to focus on his defensive game during the Canadian camp.

“I have to prove to the leaders that I am able to defend well in my zone. And I have gained weight this summer, I want to use my body more,” Trudeau said.

“A nice problem”

The head coach also noticed that the left-back was a complete player.

“William has offense, robustness and a defensive game,” analyzed Martin St-Louis, showing a small smile. It’s about being consistent in all those departments and continuing to try to make things complicated for us. We have a lot of good young defenders and that’s a big problem.”

Trudeau, who dropped the gloves a few times last season, also used the camp to observe the work of David Savard, a shot-blocking specialist.

“It’s fun to spend time with him and have him on my team. He’s a really good person. When he’s on the ice, I try to pay attention to little things,” said the man who made up ground in shorthanded play in Laval.

The speed of Brandon Gignac

If there’s another Quebecer looking to grab attention, it’s Brandon Gignac. The Rocket’s leading scorer in 2023-2024 with 19 goals and 36 assists got his first taste of the NHL last February, scoring his first goal in the Bettman Circuit.

“I will do everything to come back!” promised the 26-year-old striker.

Although Gignac is responsible for two white goals on Friday and is one of the fastest skaters on the ice, he often stays under the radar.

“In my career, I’ve never really had the odds on my side. I’m trying to turn things around and show the organization that I’m capable of playing in this league,” the Repentignois summed up.

In cooperation with our partners