What happened: The one-for-one deal closes Farrell’s Montreal tenure after six NHL games and one goal. Pastujov joins the Canadiens after producing 21 goals and 57 points in 71 games for San Diego last season.
Why it matters: Montreal turns a 2020 fourth-round pick into a forward selected 66th overall a year later. Anaheim gets the only player in the deal with NHL experience, while Montreal adds last season’s more productive AHL scorer.
By the numbers: Pastujov averaged 0.80 points per game last season, compared with Farrell’s 0.60. Farrell has 125 points in 186 career AHL games, a 0.67 points-per-game rate.
What to watch: Their next contracts and 2026-27 assignments will determine whether the swap affects NHL depth or primarily reshapes the clubs’ AHL groups.