Montreal's search for a gritty forward may have woken up one Canadiens player

Sometimes, all it takes to get a player going is a subtle jab from the front office and media. The rumor mill said the Montreal Canadiens were searching for a gritty forward for their bottom-six. Meanwhile, it's no surprise that the rumor got the attention of Josh Anderson, who is supposed to be the Canadiens' resident gritty forward. Anderson hasn't said anything publicly, but his play has done some talking.

The Canadiens played three games since Elliotte Friedman's report on last week's Saturday Headlines. Montreal defeated the Philadelphia Flyers the following day, with Anderson grabbing an assist. Montreal lost the next game 8-2 to the Seattle Kraken, but Anderson scored his first goal since October 10 and was an even rating despite the crooked score.

It was another disappointing game for the Canadiens on Thursday night when the Washington Capitals beat them 6-3. It wasn't a tremendous individual night for Anderson, who was a -3. However, one of the major gripes for fans about Anderson is how he has stretches where he is invisible. He shredded the invisibility cloak and showed a glimpse of being the gritty forward the Canadiens are looking for, recording five hits and a fight with Tom Wilson.

After Friedman's report, Anderson also had three hits against the Flyers. It was the first time in six games that he had three or more hits, which showed that something must have woken him up before that game. Anderson must be feeling the heat if the Canadiens acquire that gritty forward, as he's starting to look like the player they may trade or send to the press box.

Christian Dvorak has to be extra forward once Patrik Laine comes out. However, adding the gritty forward will push someone else out of the lineup. Martin St. Louis values the penalty killing of Jake Evans and Joel Armia. He also has a soft spot for Brendan Gallagher, and Oliver Kapanen and Emil Heineman have yet to do anything to justify putting them in the press box. Anderson may have seen the writing on the wall and realized it was time to step up his game and cement his spot.

It could be too little, too late for Anderson. However, the front office and the rest of the league need to see that he is capable of waking up and being the force he was meant to be. The fanbase may already be turned on him and want to see a trade happen, but at the least, he could increase his value with a few more good games.