On Friday, TSN's Darren Dreger added further context on TSN 690 radio about the Montreal Canadiens' extension talks with depth forward Josh Anderson. Dreger said that before the season began, Anderson made it "abundantly clear" he would like to remain with the Canadiens.
After learning of that commitment, general manager Kent Hughes turned his attention to potential trades for what Dreger described as impact players, most notably Kirill Marchenko. Hughes has also been searching for a second-line center and a potential top-six forward.
Because of Anderson's commitment, Dreger said Hughes is in "no rush" to begin extension talks with the power forward, though the club still views him as a priority.
Dreger also noted that this year's free agent class is a bit weaker and Anderson's agent, Darren Ferris, is typically known for taking his clients' negotiations to free agency, which has sparked some discussion about Anderson potentially parting ways with Montreal. Dreger's reporting likely pours cold water on those rumors and reaffirms Anderson's position.
The news comes on the heels of a hot start for the 32-year-old, who has four goals and two assists for six points through Montreal's first seven games. Anderson has been a consistent 25- to 30-point player over the last several seasons, and his fast start gives him a major edge toward producing some of his best numbers in years as he plays for a new contract.
His best season came in 2018-19 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, when he recorded 27 goals and 20 assists for 47 points in 82 games. The Burlington native has not topped 32 points since, but he could very well do so this season as his minutes are among the lowest of his career at 13:34 per game, yet he is still producing. Anderson is not one of the team's most offensively skilled forwards, but he adds major value in other areas, including time on the second penalty kill.
Since joining Montreal before the 2020-21 season, he has played 428 games, the second most of any Canadiens player behind only Nick Suzuki, and has recorded 99 goals and 65 assists for 164 points. One of his most underrated stats is that 13 of those goals were game winners, the third-most on the roster during his tenure.
Anderson’s Physical Edge Will Prove Vital in the Playoffs
The former fourth-round pick brings most of his value through force as the most physical forward on the Canadiens' roster, a trait that will be needed in the playoffs. Anderson has 920 hits since joining Montreal, a 210-hit lead over the next closest player, and he continues to lead the team in hits with 15 this season.
That physicality has occasionally put Montreal in penalty trouble with Anderson leading the team in penalty minutes during his tenure with 439 and already has ten this season.
Between his clutch goals, his physical presence when the games matter most and his meaningful role on the penalty kill, Anderson has still made a strong case for a new deal that keeps him in Montreal for the rest of his career and should sign his extension in short order.
Add us as a preferred source on Google