Anderson, who was a 2016 third-round pick for the New Jersey Devils, has split his time this season between playing at the AHL level with the Toronto Marlies and NHL level with both Toronto and Chicago. He scored three points in 14 games for Toronto at the NHL level and has five points in 18 games with the Blackhawks.
Despite his recent stint with the NHL, Anderson has been more successful at the AHL level, where he has scored 27 points in 30 games this season and has a total of 120 points across 163 career AHL games. It appears that his abilities as a difference-maker at the AHL level were the driving force behind the Blackhawks' decision to waive him. This move is likely aimed at benefiting the team's affiliate, the Rockford IceHogs, who are currently fighting for the fifth and final playoff spot in the AHL's Central Division against the Chicago Wolves. If Anderson clears waivers and lands in Rockford, he will be expected to play a significant role as an offensive forward for the team.