Josh Anderson done in Montreal? Major statement emerges
Photo credit: NHL Trade Rumours
This season, Josh Anderson is certainly the biggest disappointment for the Montreal Canadiens. Despite numerous opportunities provided by Martin St-Louis, he has been unable to raise his game.
Indeed, after scoring 21 goals in 69 games last year, expectations were high for the 29-year-old forward, who was considered an important element in the Tricolore's lineup. Unfortunately, number 17 has never been able to find his stride, becoming a lamentable burden for the organization.
Moreover, with only nine goals and ten assists, Josh Anderson is on track to have his worst season since entering the NHL. Considering he has a salary of $5.5 million per year until 2026-2027, his performance is clearly not living up to his lucrative contract.
Once again, the plans of the Blue-Blanc-Rouge's general manager are hindered by the poor decisions made by his predecessor, Marc Bergevin. The former GM of the CH left him with several bad deals, a reality that greatly affects the team's salary cap and potential acquisitions in the free agent market.
Is Josh Anderson about to leave the organization?
Appearing on TVA Sports, Tony Marinaro and Jean-Charles Lajoie discussed the options available to Kent Hughes to finally end the association between Josh Anderson and the Montreal Canadiens. Although the two journalists would use different strategies, the conclusion is the same: the management needs to get rid of the right winger.
For his part, JiC believes that the Canadiens must retain 50% of his contract to find him a new destination via the trade market. However, if such an avenue cannot be realized, he suggests that Kent Hughes buy out Josh Anderson to allow the organization to move on.
"Lajoie believes it is imperative for the Canadiens to sever ties with Anderson. He proposes retaining 50% of his $5.5 million contract to facilitate a trade or to proceed with a complete buyout of the remaining three years of his current agreement." - Via NHL Trade Rumors
As for Tony Marinaro, JiC's solution does not really appeal to him, as it would have a significant financial impact. According to him, Kent Hughes should consider the strategy used with Joel Armia, namely demoting Josh Anderson to the American League to send a serious message.
"Marinaro, on the other hand, suggests demoting Anderson to the Laval Rocket (AHL), in hopes of emulating the turnaround that Joel Armia experienced earlier this season." - Via NHL Trade Rumors
Even though I'm tired of seeing number 17 deliver disappointing performances night after night, I tend to side with Tony Marinaro. A contract buyout would have repercussions on the team's salary cap for six seasons, which is far too long. In my opinion, the best possible scenario is to hope for a revival of the forward next year in order to potentially trade him at a discount at the trade deadline.
Certainly, it will be interesting to see how Kent Hughes wishes to navigate this thorny issue.
| POLL |
11 AVRIL | 156 ANSWERS Josh Anderson done in Montreal? Major statement emerges Should the Canadiens do whatever it takes to cut ties with Josh Anderson? |
| Yes | 86 | 55.1 % |
| No | 70 | 44.9 % |
| LIST OF POLLS |
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