The Montreal Canadiens have had quite a following of scouts this season, but one team that has been more present of late is the New Jersey Devils.
The Devils have sent three different representatives to the Bell Center over the last two weeks to scout the Canadiens, despite the two clubs not being set to play each other for another month.
Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald is currently testing the market to try and add a top-six forward with term to his roster to help New Jersey win now and in the immediate future.
In an interview with The AthleticFitzgerald admitted to being on the hunt for a forward that is locked into a contract, whom the club could control for more years to come.
“If it’s possible, I’d like to add a top-six winger,” Fitzgerald said in his interview with The Athletic. “And I’d like to be able to control the player (past this season) and grow. I’d be willing to give up assets to do that, and I’ve got to know, ‘What does that look like?’”
Although many teams, including the Devils are rumored to be involved in trying to acquire Timo Meier from the San Jose Sharks, a recent report from San Jose Hockey Now indicates that Meier is looking for a long-term contract worth $9M on an annual basis. .
On top of the steep price Fitzgerald would have to pay to acquire Meier, offering that kind of contract to Meier could also impact contract negotiations with Jesper Bratt, who could then easily demand the same salary, if not more.
That’s why the Devils are keeping their eyes on some possible alternatives like Vladimir Tarasenko and Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Anderson.
Potential Alternative
Although Josh Anderson is not the same kind of talent as Meier, he is a player the New Jersey Devils have liked in the past.
His $5.5M cap hit could be more easily incorporated within the Devils’ current salary structure without throwing them out of whack or impacting other negotiations.
Anderson also brings a significant element of grit and toughness that the Devils currently lack, with only one forward, Yegor Sharangovich, in their top 9 that’s 6’2 or above.
Anderson’s spike in goal-scoring of late, and his ability to play in all situations, makes him an attractive asset for a team like the Devils, who are very much in the market for a power forward.
The Canadiens aren’t shopping Josh Anderson, but have listened to offers on him throughout the last year; always remaining open to opportunities that could improve their club long-term.
With the Canadiens set to make some big decisions this spring, the Devils will be an interesting team to follow, as they continue following Montreal in preparation for the NHL Trade Deadline.
**This article does not suggest the trading of Josh Anderson, it is simply a report.**
New Jersey Devils Very Interested in Montreal Canadiens Forward