Montreal Canadiens: Josh Anderson Motivation Ahead of Rebound Year

The Montreal Canadiens acquired forward Josh Anderson from the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for Max Domi and Montreal’s third-round pick (78th overall) in 2020 on Tuesday.

General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens Marc Bergevin made a high-risk/high-reward move in both acquiring and signing forward Josh Anderson. However, if the deal does in fact pay off, it will be seen as a bargain as the team will have finally acquired the big, fast scoring-winger they have been searching for since Bergevin’s initial hiring in 2012.

On the other hand, if the results do not arise, it would be a significant blunder in the General Manager’s tenure. Regardless, it will be a long while until one will be able to determine whether the it was worth it so for the time being, the move makes loads of sense.

Regarding the acquisition, Marc Bergevin had this to say:

"“Players who play that style of game, a big guy who skates very well, who has the scoring touch, and who plays physically… there are not a lot of those in the NHL. So when we kicked the tires and saw that he might be available, that was someone who, for the needs of the team, was important to acquire. The price we had to pay, as we know, was Max, so we made the trade to acquire him.”"

Following a long-term commitment in the form of a 7-year deal with an AAV of $5.5 million deal for forward Josh Anderson, we take a look at the conference call he held with the Montreal media and what the newest member of the Montreal Canadiens had to say.

In regards to the elephant in the room, a shoulder surgery that kept Josh Anderson on the sidelines for nearly an entire season, Josh Anderson reaffirmed that feels ready to go and that he is in full health:

"“I wanted it to be 100% before you play playoff hockey, because it’s such a different game in the playoffs. That being said, if Columbus was able to move past Tampa, I was going to be ready. I was practicing hard, doing battle drills, and I felt great. But then again, I didn’t want to put myself in jeopardy and come back early.”"

It is clear Anderson was well aware of the significant surgery he went under and that were he to return to play too early, he would create further issues for himself in the form of a lingering injury. It is a good sign that the forward was nearing a return whilst in the Toronto bubble as the main concern in this acquisition is whether or not Anderson could return to his 2018-19 form where he  recorded 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists) or whether his shoulder would remain an issue.

Were Anderson not to properly heal, his shot may be permanently affect. Another matter to take into consideration is that team doctor’s submit medical reports on players teams are interested in acquiring and if there was a glaring issue, an acquisition may not have occurred for the Montreal Canadiens.

Looking ahead, Anderson is looking to put a tough year behind him as he gets a fresh start with a Montreal Canadiens team that was in a desperate search of a player of his style of play. And he wants to make those intentions clear:

"“I’m going to come in this year, I’ve never been more confident in myself. I’ve been working for this opportunity for eight months now, so, I’m going to thrive off it and and do some good things.”"

It has been a long time since Anderson has played NHL hockey and while it still may be longer with the new season only expected to start sometime in the new year, it is a perfect opportunity to regain his form on the Montreal Canadiens in the top-6 alongside potentially Nick Suzuki or Jesperi Kotkaniemi.