Renowned journalist Frank Seravalli was scathing in his latest article for Daily Faceoff, returning to what he calls Kent Hughes’ “serious mistake.”
In 2022, when Josh Anderson was at the peak of his value, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens did not take advantage of the many tempting offers that several aspired teams were making to obtain the sturdy winger before the playoffs.
Today, however, with a disappointing performance and a heavy contract, Hughes could have a second chance to correct this mistake.
At 30 years old, Josh Anderson continues to attract interest in the NHL. Despite a modest production of six goals and 15 points in 40 games this season, he remains an attractive player thanks to his speed, his physical power and his efficiency on the penalty kill, a role in which he has reinvented himself.
Although he is no longer the offensive forward we hoped for, he remains a useful presence on the ice and in the locker room.
However, his $5.5 million per year contract through 2026 represents a challenge for interested teams.
A salary retainer could be necessary to facilitate a transaction, but this would involve complex strategic choices for Kent Hughes, since the Canadiens are already using two of their three salary retention spaces for Jake Allen and Jeff Petry, the latter of whom will however be released on July 1 next.
According to Frank Seravalli, several teams remain intrigued by Anderson, particularly for his playoff potential.
With his rugged playing style and ability to impose himself physically, he could be a valuable asset to an aspiring team.
The challenge for Kent Hughes will be to determine if the offer he receives will be attractive enough to justify parting with a player who, despite his limitations, contributes to the team’s current success.
With the trade deadline set for March 7, the Canadian finds himself in a delicate position. After a start to the season where the team exceeds expectations and remains in the playoff picture, the prospect of seeing important players like Anderson or Jake Evans leave could break the morale of the locker room.
As Seravalli points out, trading players while the team is in or near the top-8 could be seen as a mixed message.
However, players like Evans, David Savard or Joel Armia, all at the end of their contracts or almost, could represent a good bargaining chip for teams looking for depth.
Hughes will have to weigh the pros and cons: strengthening the team’s future or capitalizing on current momentum.
The question surrounding Anderson remains complex. On the one hand, his contract represents a significant burden for a rebuilding team.
On the other hand, his physical presence and experience make him a useful asset, especially if the Canadian qualifies for the playoffs.
As Seravalli mentions, Anderson could be a “nightmare” for opponents in the playoffs, but the Canadian still needs to get there.
Kent Hughes still has the opportunity to take advantage of Anderson, despite his 2022 mistake. However, he will have to carefully navigate a market where teams are focused on maximizing each transaction.
The pressure is on, because every decision, whether retaining or trading a key player, will have significant repercussions on the future of the team and its current dynamic as the CH attempts to qualify. for the series.
Anderson’s future in Montreal could well be decided in the coming weeks, and this time, Hughes cannot afford to miss the train.
Josh Anderson could also find his way into a larger deal involving a big-salary player like Elias Pettersson.
His $5.5 million per year contract through 2026, while imposing, could be used to balance the finances in a major trade.
It is not for nothing that his name circulates extensively on social networks in Vancouver.
The Canucks, looking for physical reinforcements and elements capable of shining in the playoffs, could see in Anderson an opportunity to add a robust dimension to their attack.
Despite his declining offensive output, his style of play corresponds to what many aspiring teams are looking for: a fast, powerful player ready to impose himself in crucial moments.
In a possible trade for Elias Pettersson, Anderson could become a throw-in salary allowing the Canucks to absorb part of the Swedish center’s colossal $11.6 million contract.
This role as an addition in a transaction would explain why his name keeps coming up in the rumors.
To acquire Elias Pettersson, the Canadian will have to offer a huge return. Kirby Dach, whose value is skyrocketing thanks to his recent performance, would become the centerpiece of the trade. He would offer the Canucks a young center capable of replacing Pettersson in the medium term.
Added to this would be the 13th overall pick in the 2025 draft, a valuable asset for Vancouver, and Logan Mailloux, despite his current doubts, due to their dire need for a right-handed defenseman.
Josh Anderson, as an additional salary, would complete the trade by providing an immediate physical contribution to Vancouver.
For the Canucks, this package would offer a blend of youth, immediate potential and physical experience, addressing many of their needs.
But it won’t be enough. It is clear that Vancouver will want Juraj Slafkovsky to be in the deal and Kent Hughes will never accept that.
Kent Hughes, despite the “mission impossible” aspect of a transaction of this magnitude, has not said his last word in the Elias Pettersson case.
The inclusion of Josh Anderson as a salary piece could facilitate a deal, especially if Vancouver sees him as an asset heading into the playoffs.
With a return including Dach, Mailloux and the 13th pick, Hughes will not be able to convince the Canucks to let their star player go.
Nick Suzuki should have been offered…or Juraj Slafkovsky…
In the meantime, Kent Hughes needs to find a way to get rid of Josh Anderson, even in a minor trade.
To think that he had the chance to exchange it for the moon…
