Another day and another post on Josh Anderson and Matt Duchene. I’m sure many tired of this but it seems like every couple days we get some new information on either the Duchene or Anderson front. Yesterday it was Elliotte Friedman writing the following in 31 Thoughts

4. I’m a big believer in the Lou Lamoriello, “If you have time, use it,” philosophy, so, when it comes to unsigned players, the next pressure point is the start of the season. That said, I’m surprised that Josh Anderson remains without a deal. Columbus went the extra mile to keep the edgy, rapidly improving forward from Vegas, and others.

It is believed, for example, that Colorado asked for him in Matt Duchene talks, only to be rejected. Word is the Jackets want a three-year term to protect against Anderson’s upcoming salary arbitration eligibility, but the two sides are nowhere close on value. Another source indicated Anderson used Tom Wilson as a comparable. The Washington forward signed for two years and $4 million, but that did not bridge the gap, either. Anderson’s agent, Darren Ferris, declined comment. This is a huge year for the Blue Jackets, too.

Now we have a pretty good idea what both sides are asking for in this negotiation. Anderson is looking for a two year deal at $2M per which is not unreasonable at all. It’s a little high in terms of the dollars but you can negotiate down from there, and settle in around the $1.8 where he should be. The Jackets understandably want that third year of control but don’t want to want to compensate Anderson appropriately for that. If Anderson is to give up his arbitration rights by taking a three year deal he needs to be compensated with more money.

The Jackets are playing hardball and Anderson is starting to look at other options.

RFA Josh Anderson,still at an impasse with CBJ,on term and dollars...looking to go to Europe next week...and perhaps play in 2018 Olympics.

— John Shannon (@JSportsnet) September 22, 2017

As I've said all along the Jackets value Anderson highly, and Friedman confirmed that further with the Jackets unwillingness to include him as part of a Duchene deal. The Jackets have put themselves in a bad spot, they like Anderson enough to not trade him, but not enough to pay him a fair market deal.

The fact that Colorado was rejected after asking for Anderson is mind-blowing. Anderson is a fine player, but Matt Duchene is a very good player and when he's at his best a star. The Jackets have the personnel to replace Anderson; if Colorado is interested in him there is no reason he shouldn’t be a part of the package.

As Friedman says, this is a huge year for the Blue Jackets. They need to figure out what their plan is for Josh Anderson and figure it out quickly.

You can follow me on Twitter @PaulBerthelot

Join the Discussion: » 5 Comments » Post New Comment

» Blue Jackets extend John Tortorella

» Blue Jackets extend Hockey Operations Staff

» Thoughts on the Blue Jackets Traverse City roster

» How the Blue Jackets can get more national coverage

» Just how bad is the Blue Jackets prospect system?