With Josh Anderson’s contract not being resolved, there are a few members of the Columbus Blue Jackets that gain from Anderson missing from camp.
Forward Josh Anderson has yet to sign any sort of deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and things are reportedly are still far away from even doing so. It’s unfortunate for the fans that one of the Jackets’ young pieces is out of action indefinitely, but there are several players in the CBJ organization that are probably not that sad about the situation.
Sonny Milano
In the first round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Sonny Milano 16th overall. With such a high selection, Sonny came into Columbus with high expectations. These have not yet to be met, but now seems to be the time.
Sonny Milano needs to take advantage of Josh Anderson being out. Milano has skill, but this has yet to land him a spot on the Columbus Blue Jackets roster in a full time capacity. Milano has shown flashes in Cleveland, but he has not tallied a point in any of his five NHL games in Columbus. Anderson being out will give Milano a better chance to make the club out of camp if Anderson’s deal is not done before opening night.
Vitaly Abramov
Vitaly Abramov had a strong showing in the prospects tournament in Traverse City, but this does not do much except add to his expectations. Abramov, like Milano, needs to relish the fact that Anderson is out. Vitaly is a skilled winger, but Anderson being there would severely limit his chances to make the Jackets.
Abramov would still have had a chance to make the team with a good camp regardless of Anderson, but his chances skyrocket with Anderson out. Vitaly flies around the ice and should impress coaches, and he could be a tough cut without a proven player ahead of him.
Related Story: Anderson Deal Reportedly Not Close At All
Matt Calvert
While Matt Calvert is as close as it comes to a lock to make the roster, his responsibilities may grow with Josh Anderson out of the lineup. Calvert could move up to the third line with Anderson out. This push gives Calvert more ice time and a chance to show his worth in the final year of his contract.
Matt Calvert is probably gone in the offseason, so any chance to move up the lineup will have to be taken advantage of. Calvert plays a gritty game like Anderson, but does not have the same size and strength to be a perfect replacement.
Each of these three players have their own reasons for wanting Anderson to take as much time as possible in his contract dispute. But if they don’t do anything with the opportunity presented to them, it won’t matter in the grand scheme of things as they will probably not find a lot of ice time in Columbus.