Columbus Blue Jackets: Josh Anderson Worth The Wait
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Josh Anderson were in a contract stalemate that bled into training camp, but this hasn’t stopped Anderson.
Josh Anderson adds size and speed to the Columbus Blue Jackets line up. This combination pays off dividends for the Jackets on both sides of the ice. Anderson is a force in the checking game and has also been a threat offensively.
Anderson actually is leading the Blue Jackets in goals with eight and is third on the team with 12 points only trailing Artemi Panarin and Oliver Bjorkstrand. This is a pleasant surprise for the Jackets with Anderson only scoring 17 goals last season in 78 games.
Difference
Last season Anderson was good, but he seemed to be lacking confidence early in the season as he had to fight to earn full-time duty with the Jackets. This season Anderson is flowing with confidence. Josh is not afraid to come into the zone with speed and make a play himself.
The young winger even has earned limited time on the power play. This is a shocking development because of his style of play, but he has truly been flying around the ice and has earned that extra responsibility.
Anderson has also moved up in the line up from the past season. Josh has earned the promotion to the second line and is playing with the Jackets most talented player in Artemi Panarin. If I would have said the Panarin and Anderson would be on the same line before the season, you would have called me crazy.
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Looking Forward
The Columbus Blue Jackets knew they had a talented player in Josh Anderson, but they could not imagine he would have started the season this hot. Anderson has been a driving force for the Blue Jackets and has been one of the most consistent Jackets forwards.
While Anderson will not finish the season leading the Jackets in goals, he will still be a big cog in the Jackets success. Anderson on nights that he does not score can still impact the game physically. The young winger will continue to impress.