Monster trade rejected for Josh Anderson in Montreal!

Earlier this season, Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes had said that he would not trade forward Josh Anderson unless he got a massive offer for his services.

Now, insider Pierre LeBrun reports that the Canadiens were offered a first-round pick for Anderson, but Hughes turned it down.

It is easy to understand how Anderson is getting attention on the trade market with how he’s stepped up his game in Montreal, especially since Cole Caufield’s season came to an end due to injury. In Anderson’s last five games, Anderson has put up has scored three goals, and has five goals in 12 games in the month of January so far.

While the Canadiens aren’t actively shopping him, Hughes probably thought about the presented offer because turning it down. I mean this year’s draft, if the pick was for this summer, is deep and filled with young promising prospects. But Anderson’s value is higher. One executive has confirmed to Montreal Hockey Now that all eyes have been on the Habs’ forward lately.

“You watch games like tonight, and he looked like the best player on both teams,” said the executive regarding Anderson’s play against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. “That kind of ability, especially in tough, rivalry games is exactly what teams want to add at Trade Deadline. I’d be very interested to see if someone pays the price. Teams will be calling for sure.”

And if they keep calling, they better offer more than a first-round pick if they want Hughes to make a deal.

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