Habs Mailbag: Canadiens Growing Impatient with Josh Anderson
The Canadiens’ management seems to be running out of patience with Josh Anderson, as indicated by their recent moves and plans for the upcoming off-season. It appears likely that Filip Mesar will spend the next season playing in Laval, while GM Kent Hughes is expected to pursue forwards with scoring capabilities.
The question arises: has the team’s patience with Josh Anderson worn thin? Anderson’s lackluster performance this season, coupled with the team’s need for offensive firepower, may prompt them to explore trading him, possibly for Anthony Mantha from the Vegas Golden Knights.
While coach Martin St. Louis showed considerable patience with Anderson this season, the upcoming season may see a different approach, especially if Hughes can acquire forwards who can contribute offensively. Given Anderson’s disappointing nine-goal season and his significant contract, it’s doubtful that other teams, including Vegas, would show interest. Additionally, the Canadiens are already retaining a substantial amount of salary for next season, limiting their options.
Regarding player effort in contract years, while teammates may not explicitly assist each other, there may be instances where players push harder, given the uncertainty of their future. The Canadiens’ effort to help Juraj Slafkovsky reach a bonus milestone in the final game of the season exemplifies this.
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As for Filip Mesar, after a brief stint with the Laval Rocket, he returned to the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL. He showcased steady development with impressive statistics, indicating a promising future. It’s anticipated that Mesar will join Laval next season, further advancing his NHL aspirations.
With a surplus of young defensemen in Laval and Montreal, there’s potential for a trade to acquire a power forward while maintaining a strong defensive core. Hughes, armed with multiple draft picks, recognizes the need to bolster the team’s offensive firepower. Players like Lane Hutson and Logan Mailloux, who demonstrated readiness for NHL play, alongside trade assets like Justin Barron and Jordan Harris, make for an intriguing off-season ahead for the Canadiens’ GM.
