Trade Pitch Has Red Wings Acquiring $13.5M Gritty Forward to Bolster Top-Six Depth…see more…
As the NHL offseason continues to heat up, the Detroit Red Wings have once again found themselves in the middle of trade speculation—this time involving a high-priced, high-impact forward known for his grit, physicality, and leadership. A new trade proposal circulating through NHL circles has the Red Wings acquiring a $13.5 million forward in an attempt to strengthen their top-six depth and accelerate their push toward playoff contention.
While no deal is imminent, the idea has sparked serious debate among fans and analysts alike, raising questions about Detroit’s strategy, salary cap management, and commitment to finally taking the next step in their rebuild.
The Trade Proposal: A Gritty Veteran Forward with Playoff Pedigree
The forward in question is none other than Josh Anderson of the Montreal Canadiens—a player long admired by front offices across the league for his combination of size, speed, and toughness. Anderson, 30, carries a $5.5 million cap hit for the next two seasons, with $13.5 million remaining on his contract.
Originally acquired by Montreal from the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2020, Anderson has become known for his power-forward game, willing physical presence, and knack for showing up in the postseason. However, his offensive production has fluctuated, and the Canadiens, still in their own retooling phase, may be open to moving him to clear cap space and recoup assets.
The trade pitch making the rounds involves Detroit sending a mid-round pick—potentially a third or fourth—and a young roster player (such as Jonatan Berggren or Joseph Veleno) to Montreal in exchange for Anderson, with the Red Wings banking on his experience and style to add missing elements to their forward corps.
Why Anderson Could Fit in Detroit
Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman has prioritized building a team that can withstand the physical demands of playoff hockey. While the Red Wings made progress in the 2024-25 season, narrowly missing out on a playoff spot, one common critique was the lack of physicality and tenacity in their top-six forwards.
Anderson, despite his inconsistency in the regular season, fits that mold of a playoff-style winger—someone who can complement skill players like Dylan Larkin, Alex DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond with his forechecking pressure and ability to win puck battles.
“I wouldn’t call it a blockbuster, but it’s a very ‘Yzerman-like’ move,” said NHL analyst Mike Rupp on NHL Network. “Josh Anderson might not be lighting up the scoresheet, but he brings the kind of edge Detroit has lacked. He’s hard to play against, and he knows what it takes in the playoffs.”
In addition, Anderson’s style of play may open up space for Detroit’s young forwards. DeBrincat, in particular, could benefit from having a physical linemate who can draw defenders and create room for the sniper to operate.
The Cap Hit Dilemma
Of course, the biggest obstacle to such a trade remains Anderson’s $5.5 million cap hit, which many around the league view as a significant overpay for a player who has not scored more than 21 goals in a season since 2018-19. For Detroit, who still has money to spend under the cap, the question becomes whether they are willing to absorb that price tag—or demand salary retention from Montreal.
The Canadiens could theoretically retain a portion of Anderson’s contract (up to 50%), which would make the move far more palatable for the Red Wings. In exchange, the return price would increase, possibly shifting from a mid-round pick to a second-rounder or a more NHL-ready prospect.
Montreal is reportedly willing to discuss retaining salary in the right deal, especially if they believe the return helps their long-term rebuild under GM Kent Hughes.
What Detroit Would Be Giving Up
Detroit has quietly stockpiled a number of young, skilled forwards over the past few seasons, including Marco Kasper, Berggren, Veleno, and Elmer Söderblom. While not all of them are guaranteed top-six players, they represent potential depth and cap-controlled assets that Yzerman may be reluctant to part with—especially for a player like Anderson, whose offensive ceiling has shown signs of decline.
Berggren, 24, could be a key name in talks. Despite strong performances in the AHL and brief NHL stints, he hasn’t fully cracked the Red Wings’ lineup. He’s the type of player Montreal may covet as they continue building around youth and speed.
Still, the move could be a classic “win-now” signal from Detroit’s front office—a message that the time for stockpiling has passed and the time for results is here.
Fanbase Divided
The proposed deal has already divided the Red Wings faithful.
Supporters see it as a chance to bring in a veteran with playoff grit, one who could immediately elevate the team’s physicality and add balance to a skill-heavy lineup.
Critics, however, worry about the long-term implications of adding a declining asset with a hefty contract—particularly when young prospects could be on the move in return.
“I like Anderson as a player, but not at $5.5 million,” wrote one fan on Reddit’s r/DetroitRedWings forum. “This team has been building the right way—patiently. Now’s not the time to panic and overpay for leadership.”
What Comes Next
As of now, this trade remains hypothetical. But it may signal a broader shift in Detroit’s offseason strategy. The Red Wings have already made moves to improve their blue line and goaltending, but questions remain about their offensive balance and ability to withstand the rigors of postseason play.
If Steve Yzerman believes the window to compete is opening now, this kind of gritty, veteran addition could be the first of several dominoes.
Detroit fans will be watching closely.
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Social Media Caption:
Red Wings trade buzz 🔥 A pitch has Detroit acquiring gritty $13.5M forward Josh Anderson from Montreal. Smart veteran move or cap-space mistake? 🧐 Let’s break it down. #LGRW #NHLTradeRumors #RedWings #JoshAnderson
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