Montreal Canadiens powerhorse Josh Anderson unlikely to be trade bait

It’s been a long time since the Montreal Canadiens attempted a “re-whatever they call it” that extensive and obvious. It’s been so long, in fact, that many Habs’ fans were likely not born the last time it happened. Most fans and members of the media have embraced it, but there are still growing pains and confusion among them, making the experience a bit… challenging.

If one needs examples, one should simply read social media outlets after Tuesday’s loss to the New Jersey Devils. With the Montreal Canadiens coming out of a three-game winning streak, some were back to expecting them to win every game, or so it seems. Trade everyone; push the panic button!

Josh Anderson may not be trade bait with the Montreal Canadiens.

Several names are being targeted. Some are deservedly so due to cap space and low production. Others, not so much. One of those names not deserving the negative attention is Josh Anderson. And it all started with some of the traditional media outlets being all over him while he was serving his two-game suspension for hitting Alex Pietrangelo from behind.

That’s all it took for some fans to chime in, and it became a week of criticism, leading all the way to trade talks. Since then, of course, trade rumours about Anderson have been fuelled by the discussions started in Montreal.

Usefulness

Of course, other NHL teams are interested. Even the Columbus Blue Jackets regret having traded him to the Canadiens for Max Domi – who has since moved on – and a third-round pick! This may surprise some, but if the Canadiens put this guy on the trade block, you will have 31 other teams enquiring.

Here are some facts:

• Anderson has five goals in 15 games played (suspended two games), a pace for 27 goals this season. His five goals are tied for third on the team with Mike Hoffman.
• He tops all Canadiens’ forwards with 31 hits. Second, on the team is Juraj Slafkovsky with 13, then Dach with 10.
• He has only three giveaways all season, placing him first on the Habs amongst regulars in the line-up.
• He’s eighth amongst forwards in ice time (14:17) and ninth for power play ice time (1:17).
• The guy stands at 6-foot 3-inches, 218 lbs, and skates like the wind.
• While he will never be nominated for the Selke Trophy, he is not a liability defensively.
• He is aggressive, cuts hard to the net, wins puck battles in the corners, and generates turnovers in the offensive zone.
• When he’s on the ice, opponents must be aware and keep their heads up.
• He has a very good shot.
• Since joining the Canadiens, he averages under 25 goals per 82 games.
• He will drop the gloves if or when needed.
• He has displayed excellent leadership qualities since joining the Habs.
• He wants to be in Montreal!

Now point out his supposedly lower hockey IQ (like it’s a tested theory). Support your beliefs by trying to predict the future (injuries, lower production, etc.). Claim that his $5.5 million cap hit will become a burden down the line. But when you look at tangibles, at facts, there are multiple reasons, most listed above, why the Canadiens are lucky that Marc Bergevin pried that guy from the Blue Jackets. And that’s why Kent Hughes doesn’t want to trade him.

“Oh, but if there’s an overpayment,” they will say. What is an overpayment, an offer the Habs can’t refuse? A first-round pick? He’s worth much more than that to Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki for their peace of mind and freedom on the ice and to the Canadiens as an organization.

Just like trading Jake Allen would make little to no sense (unless a blue-chip goaltender comes the other way), don’t hold your breath if you wish Josh Anderson would get traded this season. Look towards other, less productive, and less critical forwards instead.