Canadiens, Blackhawks complete surprising trade? THN reports
Photo credit: TSN
Rebuilding phases could lead to Josh Anderson's move from Montreal to Chicago.
Both the Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks are navigating through their respective rebuilding stages, with eyes on reshaping their teams for future competitiveness.
Amid these shifts, rumblings from the league suggest that the Blackhawks have set their sights on Canadiens forward Josh Anderson, potentially adding a new element to their offensive lineup.
Anderson, known for his rugged style on ice, made waves when he was with the Columbus Blue Jackets, prompting the Canadiens to bring him aboard with hopes of beefing up their attack.
Despite the high expectations, his tenure in Montreal hasn't quite hit the mark that many had anticipated.
As he progresses into the fifth year of his seven-year $38.5 million contract, with a cap hit of $5.5 million annually, the forward's performance has been underwhelming, to say the least.
During his time with the Canadiens, Anderson's availability has sparked interest across the league, particularly during trade deadlines and off-seasons.
Although Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes has been hesitant to pull the trigger on a trade, the dynamics within the team are shifting.
As Montreal pivots from its older core to fresher faces, a player of Anderson's caliber�who brings scoring prowess and physicality�might now find a fitting arena in Chicago's lineup.
Chicago is well-positioned to take on Anderson's contract, boasting $6.6 million in cap space. The Blackhawks also possess significant draft capital, presenting an enticing trade scenario for the Canadiens.
This financial and strategic flexibility makes a potential deal more than just speculation.
« Last season was a disaster for Anderson. He stayed relatively healthy but couldn't do anything consistently and seemed to slow down the line he was on.
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 »
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 »
The potential for a trade between the Canadiens and Blackhawks remains a topic of keen interest and speculation as both teams work diligently on their roster strategies.
Whether these discussions will result in a deal remains to be seen, but the NHL landscape is ripe for such strategic moves as teams look to balance talent and financials in pursuit of the ultimate goal: the Stanley Cup.
Source: Habsetllnh.com
Kent Hughes trade involving Josh Anderson? THW surprises
Kent Hughes trade involving Josh Anderson? THW surprises
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20 JUILLET | 57 ANSWERS Canadiens, Blackhawks complete surprising trade? THN reports Should the Blackhawks consider Josh Anderson in a trade with the Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 26 | 45.6 % |
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