Montreal Canadiens head coach Kent Hughes needs to make up ground in solidifying a roster that would be dominant during the next few years. The reason I say 'need' is that, in my opinion, the GM has not quite committed to building the team in a fancy manner.
This aspect is believed to be supported by the team's success in making the playoffs twice over the last five years, since 2021, despite a strong push during that time. The Habs have interesting forwards and defensemen who would be considered valuable assets to management if the right deal were made available.
I will compile a list of players on the Montreal Canadiens roster in the coming days, who I believe need a fresh start elsewhere and could potentially be traded to an opposing team looking to improve or reduce their salary.
Josh Anderson of the Montreal Canadiens
The first player that comes to mind would be Josh Anderson. While he is a good second-to-third-line forward, his gameplay has declined with the Canadiens, and he is in dire need of a fresh start with another club.
He is, however, a solid forward with size and grit, who can command the level of gameplay when on the ice. His agility is quite impressive, and he has a good scoring touch. When he is on the ice with the right players.
His value, if made available, could fetch a player like Teddy Blueger of the Vancouver Canucks, where he would fit into the system quite comfortably and retake charge of his career. Teddy Blueger is a solid centerman.
His gameplay has picked up, and the Canucks have made it clear they have made him available through trade. His value comes with a solid past two years, where he has racked up over 20 points in both campaigns, incredibly similar to Josh Anderson.
Comparing the Two Respective Forwards
Anderson's approach to the game is to keep his linemates involved with a playmaking ability. He uses his size to gain puck control, meanwhile, using his grit to make plays on ice. He is a stellar teammate and knows how to shut down plays.
He knows when to score goals to keep his team in the game in opportune moments and is quite capable of playing in the middle of the six lineup. He is a flexible forward who can adapt to any play or formation needed.
Teddy Blueger is a forward much alike Anderson, who has a good IQ of the game and can score at the right moments of the game. His gameplay is stellar compared to Josh Anderson's and can be a savvy playmaker on the ice for his team.
Blueger is a force to be reckoned with, thanks to his physical ability and plenty of grit, which complement his gameplay style well and would work well with his teammates. He would be a welcoming addition to the team with a fresh set of wheels.