​The Montreal Canadiens have announced the signing of forward Brett Berard to a one-year, two-way contract for the 2026-27 season. The team acquired Berard from the New York Rangers last month in a deal that sent defenseman William Trudeau to New York. This move adds a young, versatile forward with both NHL and AHL experience to the Canadiens’ organization as they shape their roster for the upcoming season.
Berard appeared in 13 games with the Rangers last season, recording zero points while collecting 17 hits. The outing marked a contrast to his productive 2024-25 campaign with the Rangers, during which he tallied six goals, 10 points, and 53 hits over 35 career NHL games. Although his recent stint in the NHL did not yield scoring for Berard, the prior season highlighted his potential as a two-way contributor who can bring offensive upside and physical presence to the table.
Much of Berard’s development year occurred in the American Hockey League with the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 41 AHL games during the 2025-26 season, he produced six goals, 16 assists, and a total of 22 points. His time with Hartford showcased his ability to drive offense at the pro level while continuing to adapt to higher levels of competition. The AHL production, combined with his glimpses of NHL potential, positions Berard as a candidate to push for a role with the Canadiens through training camp and into the regular season.
Over four seasons in the AHL, Berard has accumulated 145 career games, recording 40 goals, 53 assists, and 93 points, along with 158 penalty minutes. This body of work demonstrates his sustained offensive capability and physicality, as well as his willingness to contribute in a variety of ways. The Canadiens will be evaluating Berard’s fit within their system, tempo, and depth at forward as they assess his potential to add depth scoring and energy to the lineup.
The one-year, two-way contract suggests that Berard’s path to the NHL with Montreal will be contingent on his performance in training camp and how he adapts to the Canadiens’ system. A two-way deal provides him with the opportunity to split time between the NHL and the AHL, depending on his development, consistency, and the team’s needs throughout the season. For Berard, this contract represents a chance to prove he can be a versatile contributor who can play at multiple positions and bring both scoring and grit.
Looking ahead, Berard is poised to compete for a spot on Montreal’s roster. His track record indicates he possesses offensive talent and a willingness to engage physically, two traits that NHL teams value for depth and lineup versatility. The Canadiens will be counting on his proactive play, work ethic, and continued improvement in the coming months to determine whether he can break through to regular duty with the NHL club.
Fans and analysts will be watching Berard closely during training camp as Montreal assesses its forward options and identifies players who can contribute immediately and in the long term. If he lands a role with the Canadiens, Berard could add more depth to the team’s forward group and potentially serve as a reliable call-up option when the lineup requires an additional spark or energy. The signing underscores Montreal’s focus on developing and integrating young players who have already demonstrated confidence and a tangible skill set at the pro level.
In summary, Brett Berard’s signing with the Montreal Canadiens on a one-year, two-way contract for 2026-27 marks a new chapter in his professional journey. With prior NHL experience, solid AHL production, and a strong willingness to compete, Berard aims to earn his spot in the Canadiens’ lineup through a productive training camp and a determined push for a meaningful role during the upcoming season. The Canadiens are hopeful that his versatility, speed, and two-way game can enhance their depth and provide a valuable option for coach’s challenge and roster management as they pursue success in the 2026-27 campaign.