The Montreal Canadiens are never shy of a few rumors involving virtually any player on their current roster. We mentioned the Toronto Maple Leafs being highly interested in Ben Chiarot, and we mentioned the rumor that Tyler Toffoli could be headed to Calgary, which ended up being correct. The latest rumor involves power forward Josh Anderson.
The gritty 6’3″ 227 lbs right winger has always drawn plenty of interest around the NHL. Players of his size and skill don’t show up at every corner. Many General Managers have expressed interest in the 27 year old despite his offensive inconsistencies and his history of injuries.
His current cap hit of $5.5 million that runs until the end of the 2026-27 season, which also includes an 8 team no trade list until 2024 and a 5 team no trade list until 2027, does however make a few people nervous. Power Forwards have notoriously shorter careers than the norm and this contract would take Anderson to his age 33 season when he hits free agency. He can very well be on his way out of hockey by then unless he adapts to a different role.
All that being said, Josh Anderson is valuable to the current edition of the Canadiens in many ways and that has been proven by a recent Twitter poll we conducted.
Sources have whispered to us that some teams have inquired about the asking price for Josh Anderson.
— A Winning Habit (@FSAWinningHabit) February 19, 2022
If a decent offer is made and given that we're on the cusp of a full scale rebuild, do you trade him? Comment why!#Habs #GoHabsGo #CH #NHL #Hockey #HockeyTwitter #NHLTwitter
In a poll that generated over 1000 votes, 55.8% of you said they did not want to see Josh Anderson traded. Some of the comments left were very interesting and frankly, on point.
It's has to be a pretty good return. Habs don't need to raze the whole team, just sell off some key vets.
— Marco D'Amico (@mndamico) February 19, 2022
Unless you get a massive offer, he'll have relatively the same value over the next three seasons.
This is an excellent point as some people tend to forget that a rebuild does not necessarily mean we have to get rid of every player. Some players like Anderson want to stay here and are very respected in the locker room and can prove to be excellent mentors for the younger players. Even our own John Wiens chirped in with a similar agreement.
It better be an amazing return. Decent won’t cut it.
— Hockeyisgood (@Jaydubyajrjr) February 19, 2022
As previously mentioned:
It would HAVE to be a great offer. A cap hit of 5.5 million, 6’3 legitimate power forward isn’t something that grows on trees. Untouchable? Definitely not, but it would have to be a hell of an offer
— Chris Dobson (@MrCDobson) February 19, 2022
There are some however that are very open to trading Anderson at almost any cost.
Bucket of pucks? 🤣
— Kevin J. Baker (@deankevinbaker) February 19, 2022
Much more inclined to trade Gallagher than Anderson.
— DK (@Donkay_) February 19, 2022
Yes trade him. His market value is much higher than the value he brings to a team. No reason to have him rostered
— AJ #FantilliForCalder (@GenoManager) February 19, 2022
The Brendan Gallagher mention is an interesting one because despite his loyalty and history with the team, many are ready to give him up in a trade because of, you guessed it, his contract. A $6.5 million cap hit which also runs until 2027 for a small gritty player with a history of recent serious injuries is overpaying. No matter how good a leader you are. That being said, the Canadiens need veterans on the team that can lead by example.
It’s one thing to have skill, but you can’t buy experience obtained on and off the ice.