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The NHL trade season is always a time of speculation, negotiations, and shifting player movements, and one player who has been at the center of recent trade rumors is Montreal Canadiens forward **Josh Anderson**. Despite ongoing contract extension discussions, an insider has revealed that the $5.1 million forward is “likely to get dealt” before the NHL trade deadline. This has caught the attention of Canadiens fans, the media, and rival teams looking to strengthen their roster. Let’s dive into what this trade rumor means for Anderson, the Canadiens, and what may be ahead for the 29-year-old forward.

### Josh Anderson’s Situation with the Canadiens

Josh Anderson, who was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 2020 trade, has been a player with a high upside but also a considerable level of inconsistency throughout his time in Montreal. Anderson’s combination of size, speed, and physicality made him an attractive asset for the Canadiens, who were looking to add a power forward to their lineup. However, Anderson’s play has been a mixed bag, with stretches of brilliance often followed by periods of quiet play, leading to frustration for both the team and its fanbase.

Despite these inconsistencies, Anderson has been able to put up decent numbers, and his blend of power and speed is still something many NHL teams value. Over the past couple of seasons, Anderson has posted solid point totals, though he’s yet to truly break out as a consistent scoring threat. Nonetheless, his potential as a top-six forward has kept him on the radar of many teams, and the recent insider report only adds fuel to the fire surrounding his future in Montreal.

### Extension Talks and the Growing Uncertainty

The recent reports regarding Anderson’s potential trade have come amid contract extension talks between the Canadiens and the forward. Anderson is currently under contract through the 2025-26 season with a $5.1 million cap hit, and while discussions about a possible extension were believed to be ongoing, it seems that the Canadiens are weighing their options carefully.

According to an NHL insider, despite the fact that Anderson and the Canadiens have exchanged numbers regarding a potential new deal, the forward is “likely to get dealt” before the trade deadline. This comes as a bit of a surprise, considering the fact that both sides were in talks about extending Anderson’s stay in Montreal. The fact that trade speculation has heated up suggests that the Canadiens front office might have some reservations about Anderson’s future with the team, or perhaps they see an opportunity to deal him for assets that better align with the team’s long-term vision.

One factor contributing to this uncertainty may be the Canadiens’ current rebuild. With the team in the midst of a youth movement, general manager Kent Hughes may be looking to move veterans like Anderson in order to stockpile future assets, such as draft picks or younger players, in an effort to accelerate the rebuilding process. With Anderson’s contract still relatively manageable at $5.1 million per year, he could be an attractive trade target for playoff-contending teams seeking to add a physical, two-way forward to their lineup.

### What Anderson Brings to the Table

Josh Anderson’s value as a trade asset lies in his physical style of play, speed, and versatility. A 6’3″, 224-pound forward, Anderson has the power to bully opposing defenders and create space for his teammates. His speed allows him to get up and down the ice quickly, often using his physicality and quick bursts to generate scoring chances. Although not known for his goal-scoring consistency, Anderson has the ability to contribute offensively, especially when playing alongside skilled linemates who can capitalize on his plays.

Anderson’s physical presence is his most prominent asset. In today’s NHL, players like Anderson, who combine size and speed, are still highly valued, especially by teams looking for depth scoring or looking to add a “heavy” presence to their forward corps. Anderson’s ability to contribute on both ends of the ice as a two-way forward also makes him an appealing trade piece for any team looking to improve their depth heading into the postseason.

However, Anderson’s inconsistency has often been a point of frustration for the Canadiens. While capable of being a force on the ice, there are stretches where his production doesn’t match his potential, leaving the team in need of more reliability from one of their top forwards. This inconsistency may be the primary reason the Canadiens are exploring the possibility of moving him despite the ongoing extension talks.

### Potential Trade Destinations

If Josh Anderson is indeed traded before the deadline, several teams around the league could be interested in acquiring him. Here are some potential suitors:

**1. Playoff Contenders Looking for Depth**
Teams like the **Boston Bruins**, **Colorado Avalanche**, and **Toronto Maple Leafs** could be interested in Anderson as they look to bolster their forward depth for the stretch run. With the playoffs in mind, these teams could value Anderson’s physicality and ability to contribute in both a checking role and as a secondary scoring threat. The Bruins, in particular, have been rumored to be in the market for a big-bodied forward like Anderson, especially as they look to add size and speed to their already stacked lineup.

**2. Teams in Need of a Top-Six Forward**
Clubs like the **Edmonton Oilers** or **New Jersey Devils**, who are in the playoff hunt and could benefit from a player of Anderson’s skill set, might make sense as trade partners. Both of these teams have high-scoring offenses but lack a true power-forward presence. Anderson could fit in well alongside a playmaking center, bringing his physicality to create space and make room for others.

**3. Rebuilding Teams Seeking to Add Assets**
For rebuilding teams, acquiring Anderson might not be ideal unless the Canadiens are willing to retain salary or take on a bad contract to increase the return. Teams like the **Arizona Coyotes** or **Chicago Blackhawks** might consider bringing in Anderson as a veteran presence to help guide their younger players. However, unless they see him as a long-term piece, these teams would likely only pursue Anderson if they could acquire him for a relatively low price in terms of assets.

### The Impact on the Canadiens

If the Canadiens go ahead with a trade involving Anderson, it could be part of a broader strategy to continue their rebuild. Moving Anderson would open up space for younger players to assume bigger roles, particularly among the team’s emerging forwards. The team could look to use the assets acquired in any potential deal to bolster their future prospects, either through draft picks or young, developing players.

While it would be a tough decision for the Canadiens to part with a player of Anderson’s size and potential, it could be a smart move in the long run if it brings them the right assets. In this case, the Canadiens may be prioritizing long-term growth over short-term success, aligning with their overall strategy of rebuilding into a contender for the future.

### Conclusion

The recent trade rumors surrounding Josh Anderson point to a potentially significant move for the Montreal Canadiens before the NHL trade deadline. While Anderson’s future with the team appeared secure with contract extension talks underway, the ongoing speculation suggests that a trade could be in the works. Whether it’s for the sake of a rebuild, financial flexibility, or simply to upgrade the roster, Anderson’s departure could represent a major shift for the Canadiens as they continue their journey toward a more competitive future.

For Anderson, a potential trade represents both an opportunity and a challenge. Whether he ends up with a Stanley Cup contender or a rebuilding franchise, he will be looking to make an impact wherever he goes. One thing is certain: the next few weeks will be crucial for the Canadiens, Josh Anderson, and the future direction of the team.