NHL Rumours: Josh Anderson Contract Extension Looms

Jan 10, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) scores a goal on Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) in the second period at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Dan Mount, EditorThe Montreal Canadiens are at the centre of many NHL rumours at the moment, and your friends at Last Word on Sports have you covered. The latest NHL rumours concern a potential contract extension for power forward Josh Anderson. Let’s get into the details in this round of NHL rumours.

>Rumour: On Thursday, on Insider Trading, TSN’s Darren Dreger reported that a contract extension for Josh Anderson with the Montreal Canadiens should be expected in the near future. He said that leading up to the season, General Manager Kent Hughes asked Anderson to be patient while the Canadiens focused on upgrading their forward group via trade, but that an extension should be expected sooner rather than later.

>Analysis: A Josh Anderson contract extension has been expected since Anderson announced at the Montreal Canadiens season opening golf tournament that he wanted to remain in Montreal and that he expected contract discussions to get underway soon. With his performance to start the season, a new contract may be imminent.

NHL Rumours: Josh Anderson Contract Extension with Player and Team PerspectivesJosh Anderson’s PerspectiveAnderson was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens on October 6, 2020 for centreman Max Domi and a third-round pick. He was then signed to a contract extension by the general manager at the time, Marc Bergevin, and Anderson is now in the final year of that seven-year contract that has a cap hit of $5.5 million.

>Anderson has enjoyed playing in Montreal but initially struggled under Coach Martin St. Louis. He has since adapted to St. Louis’ systems and has become a very useful depth power forward. Anderson has a tendency to shine in a playoff atmosphere, earning him the moniker “Playoff Andy”. In last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, he provided physicality and depth scoring in Montreal’s trip to the Eastern Conference Final. Anderson has started the season with four goals and two assists in seven games. He is currently shining on a line with Alex Newhook and Chris Kreider, a line that evolved out of injury troubles.

>Dreger noted that Anderson’s agent is Darren Ferris, and that agent’s preference is to let expiring contracts drift into free agency so the player’s value can be accurately assessed on the open market. Dreger also noted that Anderson’s desire is to stay in Montreal, which Anderson made clear at the September golf tournament. He recently confirmed his continued interest in a radio interview with BPM sports.

Oct 13, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) plays the puck against Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn ImagesMontreal Canadiens PerspectiveThe Montreal Canadiens are entering their contention window, and one of the roster improvements they have identified is a need for size and physicality throughout the lineup. With that wish list in mind, it is reasonable to expect that they would be interested in retaining the services of Josh Anderson. That said, they have been focused on upgrading their top six, and Anderson is better suited for a bottom six role at this stage. This does not diminish his value in Montreal, having recently been named alternate captain with the departure of Brendan Gallagher.

>The Habs will also be aware of their contract situation. They have managed to retain top assets at a reasonable price tag, with the view to using the saved salary cap on a high-end asset. They will want to retain Anderson for a reasonable price, while also considering term. Anderson will be 33 years old at the end of this contract. The Habs may be inclined to allow him to end his career in Montreal for the right price tag, but if Anderson is looking for a pay increase, the term will likely have to give.

The Last WordJosh Anderson is an important player for the Montreal Canadiens, and they are interested in retaining his services for the right term and dollar value. What he brings in leadership and as a depth power forward cannot be easily replaced. The feeling is mutual in this instance, as Anderson loves playing for the Montreal Canadiens and wants to stay. It appears that the only remaining piece is for the two parties to negotiate a deal that works for both sides, and that may come in the very near future.

>Stick around for more NHL rumours as the season rolls along.

>Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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