Columbus Blue Jackets: Nothing’s Wrong with Josh Anderson’s Holdout

There are only ten days until the Columbus Blue Jackets open the season and Josh Anderson is still unsigned. This leaves many hoping the team moves on from him, but he isn’t doing anything wrong.

Josh Anderson’s holdout has been a major storyline for the Columbus Blue Jackets, especially since the start of training camp. Though ideally he would’ve been signed long ago, I don’t have a problem with his holdout.

The fact that Anderson still isn’t with the Blue Jackets isn’t the best look for him. Training camp is crucial in developing not only strength and stamina to last a season, but forming chemistry with teammates.

On one hand, Anderson deserves a tiny bit of spite from the organization. On the other, there’s nothing wrong with Josh Anderson playing his cards in the negotiation process.

Expansion Draft Proved His Worth

The Columbus Blue Jackets were determined to keep Josh Anderson away from the Vegas Golden Knights. This was apparent when they gave up a first round pick to save Anderson, among others, from the draft.

When discussing a new contract, how are Anderson and his representatives not going to bring this up? If he’s valuable enough to save from expansion, there’s a point in thinking his value might be a little higher than what the Jackets are offering.

Related Story: Comparing Anderson Situation to Johansen

Right now, Josh Anderson has some leverage on his side. He’s only 23 years old and has been trending upwards the last few years.

When you’re a professional athlete, you can’t work for 50 years. Who knows how long Anderson can stay in the league, but him trying to maximize his contract is perfectly normal if you ask me.

Job security is something everyone wants, and I’m sure Josh Anderson is no different. Yeah, his absence during training camp sucks, but I’m not convinced that the Blue Jackets will be better if he’s not on the team.

Lineup Versatility

Let me be clear, I understand that Josh Anderson’s ceiling is most likely a bottom six winger. His value isn’t as a sniper or playmaker.

To me, when I think of someone who is a “hockey player”, Josh Anderson is the type of guy that comes to mind. I want him on my team because of his physicality, ability to make big plays and to step in for another guy in case of injuries, slumps, etc.

The Blue Jackets are also short a center right now. If Anderson takes a spot on the wing, it gives the team flexibility in searching for their fourth center.

Maybe Boone Jenner will fit back in at center, a spot he’s played before, or Nick Foligno will get a chance. No matter what the Jackets want to try, Anderson solidifies a spot on the wing, giving them one less problem.

It looks like Pierre-Luc Dubois is more comfortable on the wing, so center depth is an issue.

I’m hoping for Josh Anderson to get a deal done before the regular season. He can be trusted on the ice, he just needs to get there.