Photo credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
Kent Hughes has one small item left to take care of after completing a trade with the Anaheim Ducks.
The trade, completed on Monday, sent Sean Farrell to Anaheim in exchange for the young winger.
It was a swap of similar player profiles between two organizations. And, more importantly, another trade involving restricted free agents (RFAs).
The key detail comes from Marco D’Amico.
Pastujov is in fact a restricted free agent, which means the Canadiens still need to get him under contract.
There is nothing unusual or concerning about this situation.
It’s a routine administrative step whenever a team acquires a player whose contract has not yet been finalized, but it’s still an interesting detail worth noting.
So don’t be surprised if Pastujov, who recorded 57 points in 71 games last season, is eventually announced as the Canadiens’ newest signing.
Ducks fans wanted Sasha Pastujov in the NHL before his trade to the Canadiens
Marco D’Amico also pointed out an interesting detail.
Ducks fans were hoping to see Pastujov recalled to the NHL on several occasions last season, but it never happened.
That says a lot about how the player was viewed in Anaheim.
Fans saw him as someone ready to contribute at the NHL level, stuck in the AHL despite his undeniable talent.
That makes the acquisition even more intriguing for Montreal.
D’Amico himself described the trade as an interesting one for the Canadiens. Betting on a productive forward that another fan base was eager to see in the NHL is exactly the type of move that can pay significant dividends.
The ball is now in Hughes’ court.
Finalizing Pastujov’s contract is now another item on the general manager’s to-do list.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Kent Hughes still has one move to make after acquiring Sasha Pastujov from the Ducks
Does Sasha Pastujov deserve a real opportunity to crack the Canadiens’ roster this season?