Pierre LeBrun says Metro team have “already kicked tires” on $5,100,000 Montreal Canadiens forward.. Read more

As the NHL trade season heats up, insider Pierre LeBrun has dropped a significant piece of news regarding the future of a key forward on the Montreal Canadiens roster. LeBrun recently revealed that multiple teams in the Metropolitan Division have already “kicked tires” on a potential trade involving $5.1 million Montreal Canadiens forward, Josh Anderson. This revelation is sure to turn heads, as Anderson’s future in Montreal has been a topic of conversation for some time now, especially with the Canadiens in a rebuilding phase and looking to offload veteran players to free up cap space for the future.

But what exactly does this mean for both Anderson’s future and the teams potentially interested in his services? Let’s break down the details and explore the possibilities surrounding this trade rumor, what the Canadiens could be looking for in return, and why the Metropolitan teams are interested in acquiring the power forward.

Josh Anderson’s Current Situation with the Canadiens

Josh Anderson, who signed a seven-year, $38.4 million contract extension with the Canadiens in 2020, has been a key player for the team since joining Montreal via trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Known for his size, speed, and physicality, Anderson offers a rare combination of power forward attributes that are coveted in today’s NHL. His ability to disrupt opposing defenses, drive to the net, and contribute both offensively and defensively makes him an intriguing option for several teams.

However, despite his abilities, Anderson has not been able to consistently replicate his production from his 2020-2021 season. This dip in performance, coupled with the Canadiens’ ongoing rebuilding process, has led to growing speculation about his future in Montreal. While the Canadiens are looking to build around younger talent, Anderson remains one of their few established veterans with significant trade value, which could make him an attractive asset for teams looking to make a playoff push.

Why Metro Teams Are Interested in Anderson

The revelation that teams in the Metropolitan Division have already begun expressing interest in Anderson comes as little surprise. The Metro Division is one of the most competitive in the NHL, with several teams currently in playoff contention or looking to bolster their roster ahead of the trade deadline. Teams in this division are looking for players who can provide immediate help, and Anderson fits that mold perfectly.

Here’s a look at why Anderson could be an attractive option for Metro teams:

1. Physical Presence and Leadership: Anderson is a big-bodied forward at 6’3″ and 224 pounds. His physicality and tenacity make him an ideal fit for teams that want to add muscle to their lineup. As a veteran, Anderson also brings leadership experience, which could be valuable for teams looking to solidify their leadership core down the stretch.
2. Speed and Versatility: One of Anderson’s most enticing traits is his speed. He can stretch the ice and is difficult to stop once he’s on a breakaway. Teams in the Metropolitan Division are looking for players who can be dynamic on both ends of the ice, and Anderson’s ability to contribute in transition could be a big plus for teams like the New York Rangers or the New Jersey Devils, who thrive on speed and offensive pressure.
3. Two-Way Play: Anderson is not just a power forward; he also contributes defensively. His size and willingness to battle along the boards make him a strong asset in the defensive zone, and he’s often used on the penalty kill. This two-way play would be attractive to teams like the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Carolina Hurricanes, who value defensive reliability in their forwards.
4. Expiring Contract: Anderson is signed through the 2026-2027 season with an annual cap hit of $5.1 million. While this is a significant amount, it also means that teams would not have to commit to a long-term contract for Anderson, making him an attractive rental option for playoff-bound teams. His cap hit is manageable for contending teams, especially if Montreal retains some salary in the trade.

What Would the Canadiens Want in Return?

As much as Montreal may be willing to move Anderson to free up cap space and accelerate their rebuild, they will certainly be looking for the right return. LeBrun’s report suggests that Metro teams are kicking tires, but there’s still much to be determined regarding the specifics of any trade deal.

Here’s what the Canadiens could be looking for in a potential trade involving Anderson:

1. Draft Picks: As a rebuilding team, Montreal would likely prioritize draft picks, especially high ones. The Canadiens have a lot of young talent but need additional assets to continue their rebuild. A combination of second- or third-round picks in the upcoming NHL Draft could be part of the package Montreal is seeking for Anderson.
2. Prospects: Another key area of interest for the Canadiens would be acquiring young, high-potential prospects. Montreal has a deep prospect pool, but adding more talent to the system would speed up their rebuilding timeline. Teams like the Rangers or Flyers could potentially offer up some of their top young prospects in a deal for Anderson.
3. Salary Retention: Montreal may also look to retain some of Anderson’s $5.1 million salary in order to make him more attractive to teams that are up against the cap. By retaining a portion of Anderson’s salary, the Canadiens could increase their chances of landing a more valuable package of assets in return.

Possible Destinations in the Metro Division

Given the makeup of the Metropolitan Division, several teams could be in the mix for Anderson’s services. Let’s take a look at a few potential landing spots:

1. New Jersey Devils: The Devils are a team on the rise and are currently in playoff contention. They have a dynamic young core led by Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier, but adding a power forward like Anderson would provide them with a more balanced lineup. Anderson’s ability to generate space and contribute to both ends of the ice would complement New Jersey’s fast-paced, offensive style.
2. New York Rangers: The Rangers are another playoff contender looking for a mix of youth and experience. With their high-scoring top line, adding a physical presence like Anderson could give them a more well-rounded attack, especially come playoff time. Anderson’s experience and versatility would make him a valuable asset on the Rangers’ bottom six.
3. Carolina Hurricanes: Known for their defensive system and strong forward group, the Hurricanes could use Anderson’s physicality to add some grit to their lineup. Carolina is always looking to improve its depth and has the resources to acquire a player like Anderson, who could slot in as a middle-six forward.
4. Pittsburgh Penguins: Pittsburgh has been in the hunt for a top-six forward to complement their aging stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Anderson’s size, speed, and two-way game could give the Penguins that added element they need as they push for a playoff spot.

Conclusion

Josh Anderson has been a key figure for the Montreal Canadiens, but with the team in the midst of a rebuild, the $5.1 million forward may be on the move sooner rather than later. The interest from Metro Division teams is a strong indication that Anderson could be a valuable addition to a playoff-bound squad looking to add depth, physicality, and experience. Whether it’s the New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, Carolina Hurricanes, or Pittsburgh Penguins, Anderson’s future looks increasingly likely to be elsewhere, and Montreal will likely be looking for a strong return in terms of prospects, draft picks, or a combination of both. With trade rumors swirling, it’ll be interesting to see where Anderson lands, and how his presence could impact his new team down the stretch.