It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re just over a week away from Christmas Day, but some general managers are already in a giving mood. There have already been a number of trades this season. However, more could be on the horizon. Some teams are having to rethink things and they may have to retool their rosters. This means that some players could be on the move before the trade deadline. One team that may have to do some trading is the Montreal Canadiens. This edition of NHL rumours deals with one forward that could be available.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Montreal Canadiens Forward Could Be Traded
Rumour: On the latest edition of Sportsnet’s Hot Topic, Sam Constantine, Justin Bourne, Luke Gazdic and David Amber discussed which players could be dealt sooner or later. One name that came up is Canadiens forward Josh Anderson.
Analysis: Anderson is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season. However, power forwards are often in demand for many rosters. The NHL is a copycat league and teams like the Florida Panthers have been successful being able to push teams around with their forward group.
Goals may not be coming in for the 30-year-old winger, but he could still prove to useful to a roster. The Burlington, Ontario native could be a smart play on the bottom-six for a roster that needs a little bit of size for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Anderson is 6-foot, 3-inches tall and 227 pounds and can throw his weight around. He’s also not afraid to mix if up if he has to. This could make him valuable to a roster that needs a bit of snarl for their depth forwards.
The scoring touch may not be there as in years past. However, he could provide defence, physical play and the occasional goal to a team that needs some help in the latter stages of important games.
What It Means
Montreal is still a season or two away from really being a post-season contender. The Habs have shown some flashes, but some early-season struggles may have consigned them to missing the playoffs.
Canadiens General Manager Kent Hughes does have a couple of pieces that could draw some trade interest. We’ve mentioned in previous editions of NHL rumours that defenceman David Savard could draw some interest from other teams.
Other players like Joel Armia and Christian Dvorak could be on the move with both forwards being unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. Hughes would probably like to get something in return instead of letting them walk away for nothing in the coming off-season.
Montreal could be a player in the trade market as there are a number of young prospects waiting for an opportunity. The team could also clear out salary to make a run at landing some prime free agents come July 1, 2025. We could see more moves by the Habs in a few months time and Anderson may be a part of that.
Main photo by: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumors: Montreal Canadiens Forward Trade Speculation appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.