The Montreal Canadiens have been one of the more active teams on the trade market this offseason, and the steady business could continue. Veteran winger Josh Anderson is rumored to be available, as GM Kent Hughes is trying to allocate some resources, and shift around his finances.
Anderson, 31, has two seasons left on his contract at $5.5 million AAV, which also includes a five-team no-trade clause. The Canadiens power forward had a down season last year, scoring just 15 goals and 27 points in 81 games. Not necessarily the production Hughes was expecting out of him considering he's making $5.5 million against the cap.
The Canadiens are over the salary cap currently, however can move Carey Price to LTIR and be compliant. As for Anderson, here's three teams who could show interest on the trade market:
Columbus Blue Jackets
Anderson is a familiar face in Columbus, as he was originally a 2012 fourth-round pick of the Blue Jackets. He'd go on to spend six seasons with CBJ, and now, the team is trying to improve and take the next step to the playoffs as soon as next season, and Anderson would give them a big boost when it comes to their forecheck and secondary scoring. Columbus has a slew of young NHL ready talent, so there could easily be a deal constructed if the Blue Jackets show legitimate interest.
Anaheim Ducks
The Ducks shouldn't be taken lightly anymore. They had a huge second half to last season, they have one of the best young cores in the league, and GM Pat Verbeek has done a nice job sprinkling in some veteran talent with the likes of Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund up front. Anderson would give them a power forward for their right side, and with tons of cap space and an aggressive GM, don't be surprised if the Ducks pull this off.
Calgary Flames
GM Craig Conroy is always open for business and isn't shy to make a move. The Flames have been taking calls on defenceman Rasmus Andersson, but if Montreal wants him, they'll need to give up much more than just Anderson. The Flames could use some more size up front, and some scoring punch from right wing, and with their $15.4 million in cap space, don't be surprised to see Conroy make a couple more moves before training camp. Anderson would be a great fit in Calgary.
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