Value of: J Anderson (50% retention for 2 more years)

[iago]

It sounds like JA should stay in Montreal.

 

[Richard88]

I get that it’s fun to crap on habs fans but I think Anderson at 2.75 would actually garner a lot of interest around the league

Not like a 1st+ return though, which means there’s no point in Montreal burning a retention slot because he plays a role for them and they have enough 2nd/mid picks already

Exactly. It just makes more sense as a value proposition, for the Habs to use that retention slot on retaining a guy like Savard/Evans/Armia on an expiring contract down to absolutely dirt cheap to completely maximize the return on whichever of them...

Especially because that means they'll also have all their retention slots back and cleared up to use on whatever they feel like next year, and the year after that. Which is more compounding potential "value" to be had on guys. Whereas Anderson...you're locked in to that slot being used and you only get that "value bump" for retention one time over the course of three years.


I think if Josh Anderson is going to be moved with multiple years remaining on his deal...it'd be more likely a case of taking back some other sort of "bad contract" with similar term, rather than retention. But the Habs don't necessarily have a lot of incentive to even move him at all right now. He's still a useful enough player for them...and the price a team will pay isn't likely to move the needle much for the Habs who are already overflowing with mid picks and prospects.

For the 3rd rounder Anderson would return at 50%, not worth the retention slot the Habs must utilize.

Here is the truth... Anderson isn't traded until the next deadline a year+ from now when he's a rental.

The better play is to use the last retention slot on Dvorak (expiring) and get the same 3rd round pick without having to burn the retention slot over over two seasons.

Logical posts here. As you guys said it doesn't make sense for Montreal to use a retention slot for 2.5 seasons in this instance, unless the return is a 1st... Stranger things have happened and I could see a GM doing that at 50%, but it seems somewhat unlikely.

That said, maybe there's another way without Montreal using a retention slot. With the cap floor rising considerably the next 2-3 years there's going to be more teams interested in taking on dead money to reach the cap floor. Anderson's caphit the next two years is $5.5m, but his real salary is only $5m and $3.5m, so a third team wanting help to reach the cap floor and retaining 50% would receive a caphit of $2.75m X2 while paying $2.5m and then $1.75m. Still seems unlikely it would happen this year though, but at next years deadline that might be something to consider.

 

[Richard88]

Colorado have long had an interest in Josh Anderson due to his skating. I wonder if they'd be willing to put together a decent offer for Anderson if he came at 50% retention.

The Avs typically dont trade 1sts unless they absolutely have to, i.e. the only 1st's they've traded lately was for Sean Walker to dump Johansen, and for Kuemper, both of which were necessary moves rather than by choice. So a 1st for Anderson at 50% probably isn't realistic. They have 2 2nd rounders in this year's draft, but no 3rd rounders. So the logical offer would need to involve one or both of the 2025 2nd's (from Carolina and NYR). The NYR 2025 2nd might end up being pretty high if NYR continue trending downwards, would that be a good enough pick to get a conversation started?

 

[ReHabs]

Colorado have long had an interest in Josh Anderson due to his skating. I wonder if they'd be willing to put together a decent offer for Anderson if he came at 50% retention.

The Avs typically dont trade 1sts unless they absolutely have to, i.e. the only 1st's they've traded lately was for Sean Walker to dump Johansen, and for Kuemper, both of which were necessary moves rather than by choice. So a 1st for Anderson at 50% probably isn't realistic. They have 2 2nd rounders in this year's draft, but no 3rd rounders. So the logical offer would need to involve one or both of the 2025 2nd's (from Carolina and NYR). The NYR 2025 2nd might end up being pretty high if NYR continue trending downwards, would that be a good enough pick to get a conversation started?

I would prefer if Hughes didn't get caught with his pants down by Sakic and the Avs for a third straight time. Thanks.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Colorado have long had an interest in Josh Anderson due to his skating. I wonder if they'd be willing to put together a decent offer for Anderson if he came at 50% retention.

The Avs typically dont trade 1sts unless they absolutely have to, i.e. the only 1st's they've traded lately was for Sean Walker to dump Johansen, and for Kuemper, both of which were necessary moves rather than by choice. So a 1st for Anderson at 50% probably isn't realistic. They have 2 2nd rounders in this year's draft, but no 3rd rounders. So the logical offer would need to involve one or both of the 2025 2nd's (from Carolina and NYR). The NYR 2025 2nd might end up being pretty high if NYR continue trending downwards, would that be a good enough pick to get a conversation started?

I think if we were to retain 50% for the rest of this season and two more seasons, we would expect a late 1st rounder at a min. I get it, Anderson has been bounced around these boards for a while now but he has also been bounced all over our roster over the years as well. That same thing happened to Lehkonen and I'm sure the Avs are very happy with Lehkonen. MSL has finally found a stable spot for him and the results show this year.

Anderson's "popularity" on social media chat forums is low but I just don't see it being that low with actual NHL GM's. In the past with a lower cap, it was more difficult to move. At 50% retention with a much higher cap? Come on man.. that has a lot of value. It's not that easy to acquire a big man that skates like this and plays physical... for $2.75M AAV. For 3 playoff runs? I think some of you are guilty of not wanting to pay the 1st rounder because you are afraid of what other fans say. Throw the popular bandwagon party out the window... it's not true reality.

I wish Anderson was a bit younger and locked up for 5 years today. The only reason why I am offering him at 50% retention is because his term left doesn't really fall in line with our window (Maybe his last season does). Curious to see what we can get for him with this retention but not getting the traction on these boards anyways. Habs are not after 2nd or 3rd rounders at this point in time. We are loaded with them already and it's a weak draft after pick 20 ish.

 

[Richard88]

I think if we were to retain 50% for the rest of this season and two more seasons, we would expect a late 1st rounder at a min. I get it, Anderson has been bounced around these boards for a while now but he has also been bounced all over our roster over the years as well. That same thing happened to Lehkonen and I'm sure the Avs are very happy with Lehkonen. MSL has finally found a stable spot for him and the results show this year.

Anderson's "popularity" on social media chat forums is low but I just don't see it being that low with actual NHL GM's. In the past with a lower cap, it was more difficult to move. At 50% retention with a much higher cap? Come on man.. that has a lot of value. It's not that easy to acquire a big man that skates like this and plays physical... for $2.75M AAV. For 3 playoff runs? I think some of you are guilty of not wanting to pay the 1st rounder because you are afraid of what other fans say. Throw the popular bandwagon party out the window... it's not true reality.

I wish Anderson was a bit younger and locked up for 5 years today. The only reason why I am offering him at 50% retention is because his term left doesn't really fall in line with our window (Maybe his last season does). Curious to see what we can get for him with this retention but not getting the traction on these boards anyways. Habs are not after 2nd or 3rd rounders at this point in time. We are loaded with them already and it's a weak draft after pick 20 ish.

Fair points. I agree that it would probably take a 1st at 50%, maybe even with a plus. i was just presenting what the thought process would realistically be from the Avs perspective. There's probably no deal to be made here unless CMac changes the way he operates and is willing to send a 1st.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Fair points. I agree that it would probably take a 1st at 50%, maybe even with a plus. i was just presenting what the thought process would realistically be from the Avs perspective. There's probably no deal to be made here unless CMac changes the way he operates and is willing to send a 1st.

No doubt about it, Sakic does not like to trade 1st rounders (even late 1st rounders). GM's on contenders do make these moves more than what Sakic has. I respect that angle from the Avs.

If I was on the other side, I'd want to acquire Anderson at $2.75M as well and for cheap. It's just business and I take no offense to it. Thank you for not trashing Anderson like some others do. He's got game and he can really help a contender. I've brought up the Anderson talk lately but I do feel that NHL GM's will call Hughes about Anderson as we get closer to the TDL. Maybe a quick conversation but they will inquire. He does has term left and if you are going to pay futures you rather not, it's better than just a rental. What winger that is available at this TDL is better than Anderson? I have not really dug into that list.

 

[Habs Halifax]

For the 3rd rounder Anderson would return at 50%, not worth the retention slot the Habs must utilize.

Here is the truth... Anderson isn't traded until the next deadline a year+ from now when he's a rental.

The better play is to use the last retention slot on Dvorak (expiring) and get the same 3rd round pick without having to burn the retention slot over over two seasons.

Well, for 3 playoff runs at $2.75M, I think that 3rd rounder talk is a massive reach in the devalue side of things. And you know it! That makes no sense at all and if a Habs fan said that (situation reversed), you and many others would laugh them to death.

Probably says Anderson is not traded this season. I agree there. But I do see several GM's knocking on this door and yeah, no GM in their right mind is going to ask for 50% retention and only offer a 3rd rounder. Come on man. That would be a value contract for a contender and someone with skating/size/physicality who plays the PK very well. 3 playoffs and signed until age 33... that is the sweet spot with Anderson IMO. It's the next contract at age 33+ you want to avoid!

If we are using a retention spot, it's probably with Savard or Armia. Why would we do that with Dvorak and get a 3rd rounder? It would be better to use that on Savard or Armia and get something better. Many of you are going to be shocked at how many 2nd and 3rd rounders are traded at this TDL... it's a weak draft after pick 20. 2nd rounders are more like 3rd rounders in this draft. Right out of Bob M mouth. I bet you most of the top 10 teams (if not all) will trade their 1st rounders.

At the end of the day, The Habs have had tons of picks since 2017 and we have loads more in this draft. It's very possible the Habs make minor moves. If a team wants Dvorak for a 3rd rounder (or worse), Habs will say sure but if you can't fit it in your cap, that is not our problem. Go try to get another team to retain in a 3 way trade. Otherwise, we will just let Dvorak expire. For as much as he is not valued by many fans, he is valued in our room and is our best faceoff guy. Many other Habs fans will disagree but I can see Dvorak back in a depth role next year (13th or 14th forward maybe)... if he is interested in a $1.5M contract for one year.

 

[Richard88]

No doubt about it, Sakic does not like to trade 1st rounders (even late 1st rounders). GM's on contenders do make these moves more than what Sakic has. I respect that angle from the Avs.

If I was on the other side, I'd want to acquire Anderson at $2.75M as well and for cheap. It's just business and I take no offense to it. Thank you for not trashing Anderson like some others do. He's got game and he can really help a contender. I've brought up the Anderson talk lately but I do feel that NHL GM's will call Hughes about Anderson as we get closer to the TDL. Maybe a quick conversation but they will inquire. He does has term left and if you are going to pay futures you rather not, it's better than just a rental. What winger that is available at this TDL is better than Anderson? I have not really dug into that list.

Thanks, that all makes sense. Anderson would definitely have suitors with retention.

Other bottom 6 wingers available at the TDL that also got mentioned in Frank Seravallis trade board yesterday are Bjorkstrand, Armia, Tanev, Frederic, Evans, Gourde, Nyquist. Likely none of them would warrant a 1st (maybe Evans), so GM's would probably be more willing to trade for them instead of Anderson. But Anderson does have term though, and intangibles like size and speed. Guess we'll see. Whatever the case I think if his name is out there the Avs will definitely be a team kicking tyres.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Thanks, that all makes sense. Anderson would definitely have suitors with retention.

Other bottom 6 wingers available at the TDL that also got mentioned in Frank Seravallis trade board yesterday are Bjorkstrand, Armia, Tanev, Frederic, Evans, Gourde, Nyquist. Likely none of them would warrant a 1st (maybe Evans), so GM's would probably be more willing to trade for them instead of Anderson. But Anderson does have term though, and intangibles like size and speed. Guess we'll see. Whatever the case I think if his name is out there the Avs will definitely be a team kicking tyres.

Both Evans and Anderson (50% retention) would be great adds for the Avs depth. Not sure if we can agree on the return but I can see the Avs turning their depth around by adding these two and also getting Evans to stay like Lehkonen.

I have no idea what Gorton/Hughes will do. I think they are delaying the extension with Evans until the TDL so they can see what the offers are first. Lets say they are getting difficulty with low offers (2nd and B prospects) for Evans but at the same time, he is asking for 5x $4.5M (which is too much).... It's very possible they keep him and reengage on July 1st. Do you see any team giving Evans his max deal? I think if that is what he is after, he might get it from a cap floor team.

Gourde is one I like. Great skater and works very hard. His takeaways/60 is still very solid at age 33.

 

[Richard88]

Is there a hockey trade to be made between the Avs and Montreal for Anderson?

For example Colton + 2nd for Anderson (50%). If Montreal trade Dvorak, Evans, and Armia I suppose they may want replacements with a bit of term, and Colton can play C and wing.

Colton would have to waive his NTC though which might be an obstacle unless it is to NJ where he's from. Maybe do a three-way then:

To NJ: Colton
To COL: Anderson (50%)
To MTL: pick from COL, pick from NJ/or a player from NJ like Mercer?

 

[General Fanager]

Not much talk about Anderson trades these days but I can see it picking up, as we get closer to the TDL. Lebrun quote: I do think teams will call the Habs again about Anderson.

No idea how aggressive teams would get but I can see some solid offers being made. Big boy that skates well and can play physical. Seems to have stablized himself in a 3rd line role and a great penalty killer.

He is overpaid for sure but he is worth more to The Habs than they would get for him. They are better off keeping him for that bottom 6

 

[Habs Halifax]

He is overpaid for sure but he is worth more to The Habs than they would get for him. They are better off keeping him for that bottom 6

We have to remember his contract was set up to be overpaid in the first half but fair in the 2nd half (of that 7 year term). Two things happened... Covid and Anderson was bounced all over our roster with weak center depth. It's not very far off from how Lehkonen was managed on our roster. I stand firm on that. With stability and consistent linemates, you can see what Anderson can do.

You are probably not wrong that he will stay and it will age very well in the last 3 years (including this season). That $90M+ cap should have happened 3 years ago if not for Covid.

 

[Richard88]

Both Evans and Anderson (50% retention) would be great adds for the Avs depth. Not sure if we can agree on the return but I can see the Avs turning their depth around by adding these two and also getting Evans to stay like Lehkonen.

I have no idea what Gorton/Hughes will do. I think they are delaying the extension with Evans until the TDL so they can see what the offers are first. Lets say they are getting difficulty with low offers (2nd and B prospects) for Evans but at the same time, he is asking for 5x $4.5M (which is too much).... It's very possible they keep him and reengage on July 1st. Do you see any team giving Evans his max deal? I think if that is what he is after, he might get it from a cap floor team.

Gourde is one I like. Great skater and works very hard. His takeaways/60 is still very solid at age 33.

Avs already added Drury who is looking good at 3C, and also have Parssinen, Colton, and Kelly who can play C in the bottom 6, so I don't think they're going to be a team involved in the Evans sweepstakes even though he'd definitely be a nice fit.

Ditto for Gourde. The Avs ideally need an upgrade on Mittelstadt but at this point Gourde isn't really that. He's more of an elite 3c than a 2C.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Avs already added Drury who is looking good at 3C, and also have Parssinen, Colton, and Kelly who can play C in the bottom 6, so I don't think they're going to be a team involved in the Evans sweepstakes even though he'd definitely be a nice fit.

Ditto for Gourde. The Avs ideally need an upgrade on Mittelstadt but at this point Gourde isn't really that. He's more of an elite 3c than a 2C.

Seems to be a 2C and top 4RD shortage. Habs are looking for both and we would like an upgrade on Dach as well. Not like either fan bases hate Mittelstadt or Dach but we want better. I actually think both players will be good centers but my problem is it will take a few more years to fully mature.

Who's your 4th line center?

 

[Richard88]

Seems to be a 2C and top 4RD shortage. Habs are looking for both and we would like an upgrade on Dach as well. Not like either fan bases hate Mittelstadt or Dach but we want better. I actually think both players will be good centers but my problem is it will take a few more years to fully mature.

Who's your 4th line center?

Yeah there's definitely a shortage of top 6 C's and top 4 RHD's. Those are the Avs two biggest needs as well.

Mittelstadt was good in last years playoffs, and also PPG through the first 20 or so games this year, but then fell off completely. Seems like he just doesn't have the stamina to play in Bednars fast-paced system for a whole season. But on most teams he'd be a fine 2C, as he was when he arrived in Colorado with fresh legs.

If there's a 2C replacement out there then I'm sure CMac would listen to offers on Mittelstadt. Or maybe they try Necas at 2C and see if that works. If it does then Mittelstadt would surely get traded, either for a RHD or a forward, or alternatively just for futures.

The Avs center depth right now is Mackinnon-Mittelstadt-Drury-Kelly. Then there's also Colton who was the teams 3C last year and parts of this year, and Parssinen who has probably done enough to earn more looks at C but there just isn't the spot for him with Mackinnon, Mittelstadt, and Drury holding down those spots.

 

[IIxGURUxII]

I dunno man .. Anderson at 50%.. as an Oilers fan I'd pay a first for that

 

[Habs Halifax]

Yeah there's definitely a shortage of top 6 C's and top 4 RHD's. Those are the Avs two biggest needs as well.

Mittelstadt was good in last years playoffs, and also PPG through the first 20 or so games this year, but then fell off completely. Seems like he just doesn't have the stamina to play in Bednars fast-paced system for a whole season. But on most teams he'd be a fine 2C, as he was when he arrived in Colorado with fresh legs.

If there's a 2C replacement out there then I'm sure CMac would listen to offers on Mittelstadt. Or maybe they try Necas at 2C and see if that works. If it does then Mittelstadt would surely get traded, either for a RHD or a forward, or alternatively just for futures.

The Avs center depth right now is Mackinnon-Mittelstadt-Drury-Kelly. Then there's also Colton who was the teams 3C last year and parts of this year, and Parssinen who has probably done enough to earn more looks at C but there just isn't the spot for him with Mackinnon, Mittelstadt, and Drury holding down those spots.

Is Landeskog coming back for the playoffs? What a big boost that would be

I dunno man .. Anderson at 50%.. as an Oilers fan I'd pay a first for that

I think many teams would. $2.75M for 3 playoff runs. That is very good value for a very good 3rd liner and someone with size/skating/physicality. I really do think he would help a contender and is not a pure rental. A late 1st is basically a shot at getting someone like Anderson anyways. It's very rare to hit on a top 6F or top 4D with a late 1st and 2nd rounders. Many fans don't realize this. Possible but not probable.

Many Habs fans would take that late 1st in a heartbeat but our actual GM might not. Anyways, pay attention to this more as we head near the TDL... I think Gorton/Hughes will get phone calls for Anderson because teams are looking for a piece that is not just a pure rental.

 

[I Hate Blake Coleman]

...Anderson & Engvall is a typical terrible comparison (shockingly from a Leaf fan)...Anderson is a heavy physical forechecker with underrated speed, sticks up for teammates against anyone including League Heavy's, & has become a solid defensive player...nope, he hasn't lived up to that contract, but anyone thinking he couldn't nab a decent asset with retention (not that I think the Habs will retain to move him) when he's just the type of player many teams are looking for in a Playoff push are just fooling themselves...

He also sucks in the playoffs and can't produce. I'm not seeing what everybody else is when it comes to Anderson. Yes he's big but who f***ing cares if he's mediocre at playing hockey?

 

[General Fanager]

We have to remember his contract was set up to be overpaid in the first half but fair in the 2nd half (of that 7 year term). Two things happened... Covid and Anderson was bounced all over our roster with weak center depth. It's not very far off from how Lehkonen was managed on our roster. I stand firm on that. With stability and consistent linemates, you can see what Anderson can do.

You are probably not wrong that he will stay and it will age very well in the last 3 years (including this season). That $90M+ cap should have happened 3 years ago if not for Covid.

If the cap really is going up so aggressively, He would be a good "leader/bigbrother" type guy to keep around. There will be a lot of young guys on the team in the coming years

Assuming of course his play remains the same.

 

[Habs Halifax]

If the cap really is going up so aggressively, He would be a good "leader/bigbrother" type guy to keep around. There will be a lot of young guys on the team in the coming years

Assuming of course his play remains the same.

Doesn't hurt to see what you can get today but I to tend to agree that he brings value to this team with his term left.

 

[vokiel]

Nice, fairly recent, article about Anderson:

https://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/hockey/montreal-canadiens/article537765.html

For those talking about Anderson's point production, consider he is playing on a line with Christian Dvorak and Brendan Gallagher.

Strange I was considering the fact that Dvorak was playing on a line with Anderson and Gallagher.

 

[TS Quint]

...next compare cherries with Fire Engines cuz they're both red...

I’m also comparing a center to a winger and Namestikov is clearly the better player.

Find me a better comparison and save the boo hoos for the Habs board because no one else cares.

 

[Richard88]

I dunno man .. Anderson at 50%.. as an Oilers fan I'd pay a first for that

The more I think about it I think that I would too. But the Avs don't have their 2025 1st and I'd hesitate to move the 2026 1st until we've resolved the 2C situation and found a 2nd pairing RHD to bump Manson down (eg. Seth Jones?). Can't be spending prime assets on non-premium positions (i.e. bottom 6 wingers) if there are bigger needs to be resolved first!

 

[TS Quint]

Most people are just here to belittle and make fun of Anderson. That is pretty clear at this stage. I doubt they have watched him play to even have any credibility on his style.

It’s about “style” now? Dear lord…. Please quantify style. His “style” is his jersey to Habs fans. It clearly gives him 10x value on his actual production.

Maybe the Habs need to start recognizing that “style” and give him more TOI as he sits 9th in forwards on (to politely say) a rebuilding team, 12th in shot share and 3rd on his line in shot share….damnit I did it again, if forgot it’s not about the stats and results, it’s about “style”.