Canadiens Anderson Attracting Trade Interest According To Insiders

The Montreal Canadiens were the subject of a few interesting discussions on the latest episode of the Ray and Dregs Hockey Podcast.

Hosts Darren Dreger and Ray Ferraro touched upon the possible interest in Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser, the trade market logjam, as well as Josh Anderson’s trade value.

Boeser recently requested a trade from the Canucks. Given his age and production levels, the American winger could be a perfect fit on a rebuilding team such as the Canadiens.

“Both the team and Brock Boeser think it’s a good thing to explore change for Brock Boeser,” said Dreger. “It won’t be easy from either side, because he still has some term on his deal. We know Montreal has a few intriguing possibilities on the trade front. You throw a name like Brock Boeser in the equation, and I would expect that is going to gain some interest.”

The potential for a Boeser-based trade is slightly complicated according to Ferraro, due to the abundance of forwards available on the trade market.

As for Anderson, who has been the subject of trade talk throughout the year, Dreger confirmed he remains one of the hottest commodities on the NHL trade market.

“There’s a lot of speculation around Josh Anderson and what the Montreal Canadiens might do,” said Dreger. “I would look at Calgary, I would look at any team, any team that’s in the market for a forward, and know that they have expressed interest in Josh Anderson in Montreal.”

🎙️NEW POD🎙️#NHL trade winds starting to pick up: #Canucks & Boeser, #Yotes & Chychrun, #NJDevils interested in #GoHabsGo's Anderson?? 👀

+ Ray in Dallas for #TexasHockey/#LeafsForever and Marner vs. Robertson 🔥🔥

presented by @Canadian_Club
🎧👇https://t.co/vx7FOo6E42 pic.twitter.com/bJ8Utu3fmx

— The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast (@rayanddregs) December 6, 2022

Dreger goes on to state the Canadiens are in no hurry to trade the 28-year-old forward, regardless of the high level of interest.

“The issue that you have is a pretty obvious one, Montreal doesn’t have cap issues anymore, they like what Josh Anderson brings to that group on and off the ice. And when he’s playing well and playing consistently, he’s a player most teams would want. He’s a player that has those “power forward” qualities to him.”

But both Dreger and Ferraro agreed Anderson is not likely to land in New Jersey.

At least not for the time being.

“I don’t think Jersey needs anything right now,” said Ferraro.

He clarified the Devils may want to add a physical element to their lineup, and that Anderson would fit the bill, but the cost of acquisition may keep the Canadiens and Devils from reaching an agreement on a possible trade.

“Maybe you like Josh Anderson and you don’t like the price,” said Ferraro. “And maybe you look at the player that’s next door to Josh Anderson whoever that may be. And say “there, we can add some size for a little less cost”. If you’re Jersey, why would you even think of tinkering with anything right now?”

As for the price tag, Dreger mentions Kent Hughes is looking for a young asset, one that aligns with the core players who will act as a foundation for the rebuild.

“Montreal, just to wrap up here, is going to want something that’s age specific and that’s addressing their future. That doesn’t sound like something that Tom Fitzgerald and the New Jersey Devils are going to want to do.”

If you’d like to hear more episodes of the Ray and Dregs podcast, check out their Youtube channel.