A PuckGM trade-tool proposal—not a reported deal—would send Detroit’s Justin Faulk and Michael Rasmussen to Montreal for Josh Anderson and draft picks. The article conflicts on the return: its opening says three picks, while later sections specify two second-rounders.
Faulk, 34, is in the final season of his contract and would become an unrestricted free agent next July; Anderson’s $5.5 million cap hit also expires after this season. Rasmussen is under contract through 2027-28. Anderson scored 14 goals in 72 games last season and five more during Montreal’s run to the 2026 Eastern Conference Final.
The article’s analysis favors Detroit, citing roughly $19.5 million in projected cap space this season versus Montreal’s $2.8 million, Detroit’s need for scoring up front and Montreal’s depth on defense. It says Faulk and Rasmussen would offer Montreal veteran help and size at center, but concludes Detroit would gain future assets and neither team would be transformed.
