Columbus Blue Jackets
Montreal Has Early Advantage in the Anderson and Max Domi Trade
Far too early to claim a victor, the Montreal Canadiens seem to be winning the Josh Anderson and Max Domi trade.
One of the bigger trades this past offseason was a deal between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens. Specifically, the Canadiens traded forward Max Domi and a 2020 third-round pick (78th overall) to the Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Josh Anderson, just hours before the start of the NHL Draft. On the surface, the trade seemed to be a win/win for both teams. A healthy Anderson would give the Canadiens a power forward with scoring touch, and Domi was expected to help create more offensive chances for the Blue Jackets.
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Both teams have now played 12 games. Yes, that is only a small sample size, but it is enough to have a look at how each player is settling in with their new clubs.
Good Start for Anderson
The health status of players is always important. With Anderson, it was a major question mark. Before joining the Canadiens, there was concern about how Anderson might rebound after a shoulder injury required surgery in early 2020. That said, his only absence this season happened on January 31st when he left a game against the Calgary Flames with flu like symptoms.
In terms of production, Anderson has made a significant impact in Montreal. From the start of this season, he has played on the right side with center Nick Suzuki and Jonathan Drouin on the opposite wing. The trio have been a handful for other teams, and Anderson has collected eight goals and two assists in the process. As such, that line has also been a factor in the Canadiens current 8-2-2 record: good for top spot in the North division.
Domi Still Adjusting
Meanwhile, in Columbus, things have not gone as swimmingly for Domi. The Blue Jackets will likely continue line juggling with the addition of Patrik Laine, but for now, Domi has been playing on the left side with French center Alexandre Texier and Danish sniper Oliver Bjorkstrand on the right wing.
Bjorkstrand has had a great start to the season and currently leads the Blue Jackets in scoring with four goals and six assists. Unfortunately, Domi has not had the same success. He’s got only one goal to go with three helpers. There could be many reasons for the slow start. A new location, fresh teammates, a ‘unique’ head coach, and a team that plays a system that prioritizes the defensive side of the puck.
Those are several factors to consider in this way too early comparison. While many Habs fans are over the moon with this trade, there is still plenty of time before it is a clear win for GM Marc Bergevin. Case in point, Domi has been a relatively durable player and once put up 72 points in a single season. Anderson, on the other hand, has been somewhat susceptible to injury and his current career high in points sits at 47 (also in 2018-19).
Only time will tell, but so far the Canadiens have added a productive power forward in Anderson while Domi is still trying to carve out a definitive roll in Columbus.
NEXT: Jackets’ Max Domi Already In Coach Tortorella’s Dog House?
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