Predators place William Trudeau on injured reserve

Some unwelcome news in Smashville this early in the season.

On Friday, the Nashville Predators announced that defenseman William Trudeau has been placed on injured reserve. The team added that he is considered week-to-week with an upper-body injury.

The Predators have yet to specify what exactly is ailing Trudeau or even when he was hurt. The 23-year-old was reportedly injured during the first period of the team’s matchup with Trudeau’s former team, the Montreal Canadiens. When the second period began, he wasn’t seen on the Nashville bench, with the team revealing that he wouldn’t return later in the contest. He logged just 4:39 of ice time across seven shifts.

Trudeau wasn’t the only Pred injured in the contest. Forward Mavrik Bourque also suffered a UBI, though the Preds managed to come away with a 5-2 victory.

Per the league’s IR rules, Trudeau won’t be eligible to return to the lineup until Oct. 17, when the Predators host the St. Louis Blues.

The rookie had appeared in three of Nashville’s first four games of the 2026-27 season. He has yet to score a point, but has an even plus/minus while averaging 9:11 of ice time.

Trudeau made his way to Smashville right before the start of the season. After spending the first four seasons of his pro career with the Laval Rocket, the Canadiens’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Varennes, Que. native signed a one-year, two-way contract with the New York Rangers in July. However, he was placed on waivers during training camp and the Predators claimed him on Sept. 26.

Trudeau is playing on a league-minimum cap hit of $850,000, with a minor-league salary of $200,000 and a guaranteed salary of $235,000.

Trudeau has scored 28 goals and 62 assists for 90 points in 260 regular-season games in the AHL, with three assists in 15 Calder Cup Playoff games.

The Predators (2-1-1) are back in action Saturday as they visit the Ottawa Senators.