To Quote Erik Karlsson, That’s Canada for You!
He is right about the hype around a potential return to the Ottawa Senators and constant media speculation about Josh Anderson going to the New Jersey Devils.
For years, those North of the Border have wanted to connect Anderson and the Devils. As it was last summer and remains to the day, there is no truth to those rumors.
In speaking with several sources close to Full Press Hockey, the Devils have no interest in acquiring Josh Anderson, and the Montreal Canadiens do not want to move defenseman Arber Xhehaj.
“It remains the same with Montreal; they are looking to move Anderson, but the interest level from New Jersey is not there at all,” one source told Full Press Hockey.
We know the Canadiens want to move on from Anderson’s hefty contract. Anderson has three more seasons left at $5.5 million and has a modified no-trade clause. First, he would have to waive the no-trade clause to come to New Jersey. Through the 2023-24 season, Anderson has an eight-team no-trade list. From the 2024-25 season through the end of his contract in the 2026-27 season, he has to submit a five-team no-trade list.
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As we saw with Allen, he initially had New Jersey on his no-trade list. Allen was traded to the Devils after waiving his no-trade clause. It could be the same for Anderson. However, it does get easier for Montreal to trade him. But again, Anderson still has some control. Plus, why would a team like the Devils or any team take on that cap hit without retention and more pieces attached?
The Devils will be interested in a number one goalie this summer, along with adding a veteran defenseman and size to their lineup. As Full Press Hockey has reported, the Devils turned down deals that involved Dawson Mercer acquiring a number one goalie, such as Juuse Saros and Connor Hellebuyck. However, that does not mean Alexander Holtz is not in play.
We know that Holtz was part of the deal that would have seen the Devils acquire Jacob Markstrom from Calgary before it was pulled back at the last minute. Again, Holtz will probably be part of any deal because of the potential. Again, the Devils will hate to see a player like that flourish elsewhere, but you have to give up something to get something.
But to give up Holtz for Anderson and Xhekaj is not in the cards, especially from the Montreal side.
“The Canadiens do not want to move Arber Xhekaj. There is no appetite to do so. They view him a core piece of their defense,” another source told Full Press Hockey.
Again, the deal does not make sense for either side. Why would the Devils take on a huge contract and Montreal part with a young defenseman like that? Not to mention giving up picks and Holtz for Josh Anderson and Xhekaj, which benefits neither team. New Jersey would need more help from Montreal’s side, especially retention help.
It is just more futter from Noth of the Border.
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