Montreal Canadiens Take Gamble on Josh Anderson for Max Domi Trade

The Montreal Canadiens have announced the acquisition of forward Josh Anderson in exchange for Max Domi and 2020 3rd-round pick (78th overall).

Rumours were swilling since the Montreal Canadiens were eliminated by the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs about how Max Domi may be on the move after an underwhelming second season with the team. Many questioned whether the Montreal Canadiens would offer Max Domi a contract extension. It looks like we have finally had those questions answered as the Montreal Canadiens have shipped out Max Domi and 2020 3rd round pick (78th overall) for power forward Josh Anderson. Coming off shoulder surgery, Anderson played just 26 games in the 2019-20 season with 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists).

On the other hand, Max Domi, who recorded who’s first year with the Montreal Canadiens was a career-best 72 points (28 goals, 44 assists) in 82 games, saw his production reach similar numbers that he had with the Arizona Coyotes with 44 points (17 goals, 27 assists) in 71 games played. In essence, the Montreal Canadiens traded the Arizona Coyotes Max Domi for Josh Anderson, gambling on the idea that Domi may not be able to reach the numbers he reached in his first year with the organization.

On paper, this looks like a vast overpayment for Josh Anderson, and for the time being, will continue to be as his career-high of 47 points  (27 goals, 20 assists) in 82 games played is nowhere near Domi’s. However, Anderson could potentially fill a need the Montreal Canadiens have been looking to fill for a long time. A big, physical winger who can contribute on offence. But this remains to be seen as Anderson has yet to play following his shoulder surgery, making this move a big gamble until proven otherwise.

One has to wonder what went wrong between Max Domi and the Montreal Canadiens. Domi has always shown a willingness and confirmed it himself that he is more comfortable playing at the centre position. However, the Montreal Canadiens are in need of a winger, leading to the belief that an abundance of centre depth and Domi not playing as well on the wing may have left to General Manager Marc Bergevin making this trade.