Detroit Red Wings acquire $38.5M powerforward in trade proposal with the Montreal Canadiens
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The Detroit Red Wings acquire an ideal power forward in a trade proposal with the Montreal Canadiens.
There are still many trade rumors going around ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
Heavy.com recently floated the idea of a one-for-one deal that would see the Red Wings land an intriguing forward from the Montreal Canadiens: Josh Anderson.
However, it would be surprising to see such a deal happen, in my opinion.
Heavy.com Has Josh Anderson Traded For J.T. Compher In New Proposal
The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta put Anderson at the 22nd spot on his summer trade watch board.
The Canadiens are over the cap and moving Anderson's $5.5M AAV deal would solve that issue.
Per Pagnotta:
"The Habs are currently over the salary cap (yes, they have the Carey Price get out of cap jail free card in their pocket, if needed), and remain active in the trade market. They want to add a No.2 centre, that's no secret. Moving Anderson could be an option to help free up extra cap space. He owns a 5-team no-trade list."
Trading him for a player who makes nearly the same salary wouldn't work.
The 30-year-old veteran has a $5.1M AAV contract. Although the Habs need a center, going after an aging player with a big contract doesn't fit with the Canadiens' GM philosophies.
Hughes has consistently stated he only makes moves that improve Montreal in the long run. Swapping a valued locker room veteran for a bottom-six center like Compher doesn't achieve that.
Anderson may not have the biggest impact on the scoresheet, but he remains respected in the Canadiens' room and brings an edge that few others on the roster provide. Trading him for Compher would likely frustrate both the fans and the players.
The Habs veteran tallied 15 goals and 12 assists in 81 games last season, battling through injuries and inspiring his teammates all season long.
As for Compher, he had 32 points in 76 games with the Wings last year.
For all those reasons, this deal feels more like speculation than something the Canadiens would ever entertain.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
| POLL | ||
AOUT 23 | 370 ANSWERS Detroit Red Wings acquire $38.5M powerforward in trade proposal with the Montreal Canadiens Would you like to see the Detroit Red Wings going after Josh Anderson on the trade market? | ||
| Yes | 140 | 37.8 % |
| No | 230 | 62.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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