Penguins Conference Rival Makes Intriguing Move as Young Skilled Defenseman Hits Waivers

The Montreal Canadiens have placed William Trudeau, a young, skilled defenseman, on NHL waivers today. As of this posting, teams will have just under 24 hours to submit a claim for him, including GM Kyle Dubas of the Penguins.

Michael Milne, who was placed on waivers yesterday by the Minnesota Wild, has cleared, ads no teams have put in a claim for him.

Trudeau needs to clear waivers to be assigned to the AHL Rocket for this weekend's AHL action. The Canadiens also sent down David Reinbacher earlier on Thursday morning, but he does not have to pass through waivers.

Both players have been on the ice with the Rocket this week at practice. This is a good step for the Rocket's defense, which also re-added Marc Del Gaizo, who was also recently sent down by Montreal after being on the road with the Canadiens without seeing any game action.

Joshua Roy was also sent to Laval, and the Canadiens have the luxury of not needing to call anyone up unless an injury issue pops up, as they now have a full healthy roster.

The team hopes that Reinbacher will be able to get a full run of games, as his development has taken a hit with several injuries over the last three seasons, but he is still listed as one of their top prospects.

Penguins GM Kyle Dubas wants to get younger, so perhaps putting in a claim for Trudeau can help with that, as well as put a fork in Montreal's plans for the defenseman's development.