Montreal Canadiens and Blackhawks complete expensive trade? Journalist surprises
Both the Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks are currently working through their rebuild phase and it appears that the Blackhawks may be interested in Canadiens forward Josh Anderson.
The Canadiens had high hopes for Anderson as his tough style of play when he was with the Columbus Blue Jackets was touted as a possible upgrade for the Montreal offense. Since his arrival, he has not performed as well as they'd hoped.
Currently, Anderson is in his fifth year of his seven-year deal that was worth $38.5 million and he currently holds a cap hit of $5.5 million. Several teams have contacted the Canadians during the trade deadlines and off seasons to see if Anderson is available. General manager Kent Hughes has resisted in making a trade but that appears to be changing.
With the Canadiens turning the page on their old core to their new core, a player like Anderson would have value especially for a team like the Blackhawks who could use his scoring touch and physicality in their offense.
The Blackhawks currently hold $6.6 million in cap space and could accommodate his salary fully, the Blackhawks also hold heavy draft capital which could be beneficial for the Canadiens, so a deal is certainly plausible.
He had the worst season of his career, with nine goals and 20 points; whether it was injuries catching up with him or a loss of confidence, it's hard to know why he struggled so much.
If he stays healthy this season, he could bounce back for another 20-goal campaign.
With a few teams close to the cap, Anderson's $5.5 million contract could be attractive, especially if Hughes can convince other GMs that last season was an anomaly and that Anderson can be a reliable power forward.»
- Trege Wilson
It remains to be seen on whether the two general managers can make a deal or even willing to make a deal but, in the meantime, speculation will continue as both teams work on upgrading their rosters.
Source: Habsetllnh.com
Kent Hughes trade involving Josh Anderson? THW surprises
| POLL | ||
Should the Blackhawks consider Josh Anderson in a trade with the Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 47 | 47.5 % |
| No | 52 | 52.5 % |
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