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A look at Josh Anderson, a key piece of Habs’ rebuild

2022-09-26 12:17:30 Updated on 2022-09-26 12:22:10

The Montreal Canadiens are slowly moving through the rebuilding phases, a pace that is difficult to tolerate for field hockey fans in Quebec.

Josh Anderson, the colossus of the rebuild

The team won't be dominant in the short term, and probably not in the medium term...

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

The fact remains that night after night, fans need a reason to get to the Bell Centre and fill a seat. One of those reasons, in 2022-23, could be Josh Anderson.

Josh Anderson, the colossus of the rebuild

Anderson arrived in Montreal in 2020-21 and was expected to be one of the key pieces in the end of the cycle planned by GM Marc Bergevin.

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

In the meantime, things have changed. Anderson is now in the midst of a rebuild, which he hopes will be completed before his contract expires.

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

Anderson can believe it, as he is only 28 years old.

Josh Anderson, the behemoth of the rebuild

The forward is still under contract for five seasons, including 2022-23.

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding behemoth

However, since his annual impact on the salary cap is $5.5M, Anderson must produce. But not necessarily offensively (17 and 19 goals per season in Montreal)...

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding behemoth

No, Anderson must play with spirit first and foremost.

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

His speed, explosion and toughness make him a formidable player, even if he's not the most talented.

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding behemoth

His best career offensive production came in 2018-19 with the Columbus Blue Jackets, with whom he scored 27 goals.

Josh Anderson, the colossus of the rebuild

So he can't be expected to fill the opposing goal. He is, however, given the responsibility of accompanying his more talented teammates well.

Josh Anderson, the behemoth of the rebuild

A fourth round pick of the Jackets in 2012, the Ontario native from Burlington is 6'3 and weighs over 225 pounds. A train!

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

Or a horse? His teammates nicknamed him Powerhorse, when he arrived with the tricolour!

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

Regardless of the nickname choice, Anderson still has the same mission: to create space on the ice.

Josh Anderson, the colossus of the rebuild

By "playing big", the right winger allows smaller players to maneuver as they please, or at least more freely. Same goes for the more skittish ones.

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

Historically, this type of player is abundant with the Habs. Initially, Jesperi Kotkaniemi was one of Josh Anderson's linemates.

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

That still leaves Suzuki, Drouin, Caufield and company, who could benefit from having a piece like Anderson.

Josh Anderson, the colossus of the rebuild

One thing is certain, Anderson has to be useful. Some observers believe he is a highly paid third line player. That would be true if he wasn't involved...

Josh Anderson, the rebuilding colossus

But for now, there's no doubt about the big winger's dedication, so there's a real possibility that he could finish his seven-year contract with the Habs in 2027.