Things were looking bright for the Montreal Canadiens just a few weeks ago. A brief flirtation with a Wild Card spot had some whispering about the team potentially being buyers at the NHL trade deadline. However, a dismal 1-7-1 slump in their last nine games has dramatically shifted the narrative in Montreal. As Habs insider Stu Cowan reports, this recent skid has pushed the Canadiens firmly into “hard sell” territory. And one name consistently popping up in trade discussions: Josh Anderson.
Anderson’s Value on the Trade Market
The 30-year-old Anderson, with two years remaining on his contract at a $5.5 million AAV, isn’t having his most productive season. His 18 points in 56 games certainly fall short of expectations for a player with his cap hit. However, what makes Anderson so intriguing to playoff-bound teams isn’t his regular season scoring. It’s his unique blend of size, grit, and tenacity – qualities that become invaluable in the postseason. General Managers know that come playoff time, games get tougher, and players like Anderson, who can wear down opponents and create space, become difference-makers.
The Canadiens, while acknowledging the growing interest in Anderson, are reportedly not willing to simply give him away. They understand his value, particularly in a playoff setting, and will likely demand a significant return. The memory of the 2020 trade that brought Anderson to Montreal – Max Domi and a 3rd-round pick to Columbus – is still fresh. General Manager Kent Hughes will be looking to capitalize on Anderson’s reputation and playoff pedigree to bolster the Canadiens’ future.
Several teams are rumored to be interested in Anderson. Teams looking to add some muscle and playoff experience to their forward lines are the most likely suitors. His contract, while hefty, isn’t prohibitive for contenders willing to make a splash. The coming weeks will be crucial as the trade deadline approaches, and the Josh Anderson rumors are sure to intensify. Will the Canadiens move their gritty forward? And if so, what kind of package can they command? These are the questions dominating the NHL rumor mill right now.
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