A day after Marc Bergevin traded Max Domi to Columbus for Josh Anderson, he was able to sign the 6’3 forward to a seven-year deal worth $38.5 million. This includes a $5.5 AAV. Anderson missed most of last season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery. As such, he only tallied one goal along with three assists in 26 games played.
For his career, he’s scored 65 goals along with 50 assists in 267 NHL games. Anderson had his best season back in 2017-18 when he amassed 47 points on 27 goals through 82 games.
This can be seen as a huge gamble for the Habs GM due to the fact that the native of Burlington, ON had reconstructive surgery on his injured shoulder. That said, there’ll be no way to know if the operation will affect or impair him. Most players who have injuries reconstructed tend not to play the same way they did prior.
As such, we’ll have to wait and see until Anderson hits the ice to get a look at his condition. Like previously mentioned, this is what the Canadiens needed, a player with size, grit and skill that can provide offence.
Majority of Montreal’s forwards tend to be on the small size and tend to get pushed around. It seems Bergevin is going all in this season and says that the retool is working faster than expected.