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Anderson to TOR?!%?

February 14, 2020, 1:00 PM ET [16 Comments]
Thomas Townsend
Columbus Blue Jackets Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Just looking at the score from last night's game makes a CBJ fan cringe. Why can't the CBJ beat the teams lower in the standing?

Given that the Jackets were down a goal with less than 2 minutes and scored with an empty net on the road to force overtime isn't a bad result. They can put that game behind them quickly as the Rangers come to town tonight.

Josh Anderson hasn't skated since the December 14 game in Ottawa. He has 4 points in 26 games this season that has seen him in and out of the line up with multiple injuries. His cap his is $1.85M this year, but will be an RFA in the off-season. Being an RFA means that you (the player) don't get to decide to leave. True, he could sign an offer sheet, but those have been few and far between in recent history. And the CBJ would have the opportunity to match it and retain Anderson.

So, why there a trade rumor about him going to Toronto? Josh is on TSN.com's Trade Bait list and sits at #38 of 40. He hasn't exactly been needed in Columbus this season. And Andreas Johnsson of the Leafs just suffered an injury that will have him out most if not all of the regular season.

Toronto currently occupies the 3rd spot in the Atlantic Division with 68 points. Columbus sits atop the Wild Card standings with 71 points. If Toronto drops out of the 3rd spot in the Atlantic they would be in direct competition with Columbus for the WC spot. I'm also not sure of what TOR would be willing to offer. Their primary want from a trade deadline deal would be a blue liner, not necessarily a forward. My guess is they would be willing to spend some of their capital on a defensmen before a forward. Columbus would be looking for scoring, which if TOR was trading for a forward they would also want to keep. Would the deal would mean futures coming back? That would be okay, but even a 1st rounder would be late given that the Leafs make the playoffs and potentially make a run.

On many levels, to me at least, trading Josh to Toronto doesn't make much sense. No NHL scoring in return, late 1st round pick (if they even offer something that high) and sending a player to a team that the CBJ could/would be in direct competition with to make the playoffs.

I don't see Jarmo giving away Anderson, especially to an Eastern Conference team. But at the right price I think it could happen. Anderson's play hasn't been missed this season as the team continues to push for a playoff spot. But a healthy (and scoring) Anderson could be the boost in the line up this team could use.

Good Luck and Go Jackets!
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