Joey Anderson
The New Jersey Devils never really wanted to lose Joey Anderson, but they wanted to make a big move two offseasons ago, and they took on the three years left for Andreas Johnsson. Obviously, Johnsson hasn’t been what the Devils hoped for in the long run. He had his moments, but he had 11 points in 50 games his first season and then 35 this past season. He did get a little bit better, but this is not the trade they thought it would be.
Anderson has played six games in the NHL since being traded. That’s likely not what he was hoping for, either. This trade seems to be a loss all around. Maybe it’s time to reverse the trade. While the Maple Leafs won’t want Johnsson back on the roster, they might be willing to give the Devils Anderson back.
The way he played three seasons ago, Anderson would be a great asset to the Devils today. The Devils have been trying to build the bottom six now that the top six is close to solidified. Anderson had 42 points in 56 games in the AHL this past season.
Anderson would be a welcomed addition to the Devils’ lineup. It’s a player that was universally loved, and while most said they understood the trade, nobody was happy he was leaving. He’s a winner in college who brought that mentality to the Devils. He needs to make his way back to the team that drafted him.