Why it's trending
The trade is notable because Pastujov, a former third-round pick, has yet to make his NHL debut despite strong AHL numbers, and Farrell, a Hobey Baker finalist, has limited NHL experience. The swap of young RFAs attracts attention from fans tracking prospect development.
The Montreal Canadiens and Anaheim Ducks completed a minor-league trade on Monday, with the Canadiens acquiring forward Sasha Pastujov from the Ducks in exchange for center Sean Farrell, according to announcements from both teams.
Pastujov, 23, was selected by Anaheim in the third round (66th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. He has yet to appear in an NHL game but recorded 21 goals and 36 assists in 71 AHL games for the San Diego Gulls in the 2025-26 season, per Sportsnet. Overall, he has 48 goals and 124 points in 160 AHL games, according to NHL.com.
Farrell, 24, was drafted by Montreal in the fourth round (124th overall) in 2020. He played six NHL games with the Canadiens at the end of the 2022-23 season, scoring one goal. In the AHL with the Laval Rocket in 2025-26, he set career highs with 17 goals and 53 points in 72 games, ranking among team leaders in assists and points, the Ducks' official site reported.
Both players are restricted free agents pending new contracts, TSN noted. Farrell, a former Hobey Baker Award finalist and ECAC Player of the Year at Harvard, now joins Anaheim's organization, while Pastujov, who has yet to debut in the NHL, will join Montreal's prospect pool. The deal gives each team a different forward archetype—Pastujov a left wing with scoring touch, Farrell a center with playmaking ability.
Timeline
- Farrell Selected by Canadiens
Montreal picks Sean Farrell 124th overall in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft.
- Pastujov Selected by Ducks
Anaheim selects Sasha Pastujov 66th overall in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft.
- Farrell Makes NHL Debut
Farrell plays six games with the Canadiens, scoring one goal, after finishing his college career at Harvard.
- Both Players Set Career Highs
Pastujov records 21 goals and 57 points for San Diego; Farrell posts 17 goals and 53 points for Laval.
- Trade Announced
Canadiens acquire Pastujov from Ducks for Farrell; both are restricted free agents.
Questions people ask
Who is Sasha Pastujov?
Sasha Pastujov is a 23-year-old left wing drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in the third round (66th overall) of the 2021 NHL Draft. He has yet to play in the NHL but has 48 goals and 124 points in 160 AHL games.
Why were Pastujov and Farrell traded?
The trade allows both teams to swap forward prospects with different skill sets. Pastujov is a scoring left wing, while Farrell is a playmaking center. Both are restricted free agents in need of new contracts.
Are Pastujov and Farrell NHL-ready?
Both players have strong AHL performances but limited or no NHL experience. Pastujov has not played an NHL game; Farrell has six games. They may compete for roster spots in training camp.
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