Connect with us

Columbus Blue Jackets

Things Don’t Look Good for Josh Anderson and Columbus Blue Jackets

Both Darren Dreger and Pierre LeBrun of TSN seem to think that Josh Anderson’s time in Columbus might be coming to an end.

What was already a long injury but wasn’t supposed to last all season, Darren Dreger of TSN tweeted on Thursday that Josh Anderson could be done for the rest of the season thanks to his shoulder issues. He may require surgery. 

Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic (subscription required) added that he believes the Blue Jackets and Anderson could be “likely headed to an offseason divorce”. Anderson will be a restricted free agent this summer and the assumption is the two sides will find a way to move on from one another.

LeBrun writes:

I can only deduce is that there’s been a difference of opinion between the players’ camp and the team on how to proceed in terms of the injury and recovery.

All of which suggests this is likely headed to an offseason divorce. He’s RFA this summer but will be one year away from UFA status. Therefore, it makes no sense for the Blue Jackets to allow an arbitration award to walk Anderson right to July 1, 2021, and get nothing in return for him.

Losing Anderson would feel like somewhat of a gut punch for the organization. At the same time, things were seemingly going in the wrong direction and the team likely needs to trade him before he returns and, perhaps, doesn’t produce. LeBrun believes the Blue Jackets will try to salvage the most value they can.

Anderson scored 27 goals during the 2018-19 season and was a true power forward so there will obviously be teams who show interest. Those teams will just have to feel confident he can get his game back.

If Dreger is right and Anderson is done, this might be it for him in Columbus.

Related: Dorion Wants Mark Borowiecki to Be a “Senator for Life”. Why So Different?

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

More News

Discover more from NHL Trade Talk

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading