The Josh Anderson thing
Columbus Blue Jackets power forward Josh Anderson hasn’t played since Dec. 14 and won’t play again this season. He underwent shoulder surgery last week and is looking at a lengthy four-to-six month rehab.
On an expiring contract and entering his final arbitration-eligible season, Anderson’s time with the Blue Jackets is widely expected to be at an end. And considering his size, offensive touch, his dominant form in the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs and his connection with Horvat, as his former junior teammate, Anderson is a favourite speculative trade target of Canucks fans.
We even brought up the possibility of Vancouver making a push for Anderson prior to the trade deadline, as an option
to make the club tougher.
Now here’s the thing, it’s worth bearing in mind that Anderson is a very unique player.
A true power forward.
As such, the acquisition cost is likely to be prohibitive. The Armies understands, in fact, that the possibility of a trade that would’ve sent Vincent Trocheck to Columbus in exchange for Anderson was discussed by the Panthers and Blue Jackets ahead of the NHL trade deadline.
And, as we understand it, it was Columbus that said no.