Signing Anderson a risk that paid off for Montreal

MONTREAL — It seemed like a risk at the time. A seven-year contract for a guy who scored one goal last season, was limited to 26 games and suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.

That seven-year, Us $38.5 million contract the Canadiens signed with Josh Anderson last October might come back to haunt general manager Marc Bergevin — or whomever succeeds him. But so far the big, physical winger has been a godsend for Montreal.

Anderson scored two goals, including the winner in the third period, as the Canadiens staved off a late Edmonton rally to defeat the Oilers, 4-3, Wednesday night at Rogers Place.

Anderson’s first goal, early in the second period, came a remarkable 11 seconds after Connor Mcdavid had tied the score 1-1. The 6-foot-3, 226pound Anderson, acquired in an October trade from Columbus for Max Domi and a third-round draft choice, now has 17 goals and 24 points in 41 games. Only Tyler Toffoli, with 22 goals, has produced more for Montreal this season.

“You see, when his feet are moving all the time, how good he is,” said goaltender Jake Allen, who stopped 22 shots for the win and finally had some offensive support. “He’s among the upper echelon skaters in the league once he gets his big frame moving. Good luck stopping that guy coming down the wing — 230 pounds of muscle, no fat. The guy has a hell of a shot, too.

“He’s a game-changer when he gets his feet going and playing hard and heavy. When he’s playing like that, he’s tough to stop.”

With an annual salary cap hit of US$5.5 million, Anderson’s tied with Jonathan Drouin as the team’s highestpaid forwards. But unlike Drouin, who has been held to two goals this season — last scoring two months ago — Anderson actually is paying dividends.