via NHL.com
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has acquired forward Joey Anderson from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for forward Andreas Johnsson.
Anderson, 22, split his 2019-20 season between the New Jersey Devils and Binghamton Devils (AHL). In 18 games with New Jersey, he recorded four goals and two assists, and had 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) in 44 games with Binghamton. In 53 career NHL games, Anderson has recorded eight goals and five assists. The Roseville, Minn., native has 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 57 career AHL games. Prior to beginning his professional career, he had 64 points (23 goals, 41 assists) in 75 games with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, capturing an NCHC Championship in 2017 and earning recognition on the 2017 NCHC All-Rookie Team before winning a Frozen Four title with the Bulldogs in 2018.
Internationally, Anderson has represented the United States at the U17, U18 and U20 levels. He captured a silver medal at the 2014 U17 World Hockey Challenge and a bronze medal at the 2016 IIHF World U18 Championship. He later skated in the 2017 World Junior Championships, capturing a gold medal, and captained the United States to a bronze medal finish at the 2018 World Junior Championships.
Anderson was originally selected by the New Jersey Devils in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.
Alright, Leafs fans...here is your thread on what the Leafs are getting in Joey Anderson:
— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) October 10, 2020
Anderson comes to Toronto with a chip on his shoulder. He wasn’t really given the chance to develop in NJ for various reasons.
However, when NJ signed him - they viewed him as someone who could be like Blake Coleman.
— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) October 10, 2020
Anderson was really good in NCAA/WJC, but fell off due to lack of development after that. You can’t write off a player because of his numbers without considering the player’s situation- especially if they are young.
— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) October 10, 2020
He skates very well, wins a TON of puck battles, makes excellent and quick/simple decisions with the puck, can PK very effectively and has good hands at the net front.
— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) October 10, 2020
The Leafs have a ROBUST development staff and if he develops to the “Coleman-type” that would be very good for the Leafs.
He’s gotta work on OZP to create more chances. But right now, he’s physical, skates well and makes good decisions with and without the puck.
— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) October 10, 2020
I firmly believe he can be a strong piece on the 3rd line that can shut down other teams and contribute, too. He won’t make risky decisions like the previous 3L wingers did
FWIW, Devils believed he’s the type of player who helps you win playoff games. For TOR, that’s important.
— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) October 10, 2020
While TOR gave up the better player, they needed to clear salary. They also needed to add pieces that brought different elements. Anderson is exactly that. Less skilled, but tougher, more defensively sound, better puck mgmt. Leafs needed that, badly.
— Rachel Doerrie (@racheldoerrie) October 10, 2020