Anderson's destined path lands him with Habs

TL;DR

Anderson Traded to Habs: Josh Anderson was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Max Domi and a third-round pick.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)[[2]](https://theathletic.com/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal)
Seven-Year Deal: He signed a seven-year, $38.5 million contract extension with Montreal shortly after the trade.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)
Family Ties: Anderson's father grew up in Montreal as a Habs fan, his mother is related to Peter Mahovlich, and he attended a playoff game there on his 16th birthday.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

The story at a glance

The article profiles Josh Anderson's trade to the Montreal Canadiens and his deep personal connections to the team and city. It traces his family roots—father Gary from Dollard-des-Ormeaux and a lifelong Habs fan, mother Michelle related by marriage to Canadiens great Peter Mahovlich—and Anderson's own childhood visit to a playoff game at the Bell Centre. This is reported soon after his October 6, 2020 trade from Columbus and subsequent contract signing, highlighting how his path led to the team he seemed destined for.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

Key points

Anderson, a 6-foot-3 power forward, was traded October 6, 2020, for Max Domi and Montreal's third-round pick (78th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)[[3]](https://puckpedia.com/player/josh-anderson/transactions)
Signed a seven-year extension worth $38.5 million (average annual value $5.5 million) on October 8, 2020.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)
On his 16th birthday in 2010, chose to watch Canadiens playoffs at Bell Centre against Pittsburgh Penguins.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)
Demonstrated exceptional work ethic from age 18 months on backyard rink, doing 50 push-ups daily by kindergarten without prompting.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)
Late growth spurt: from about 5-foot-6 to 6 feet over one summer before OHL, initially disrupting his skating but overcome through weight room and practice.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)
Early coaches noted his drive; named captain in novice/pee-wee for practice ethic, responded to benching by vowing improvement.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

Details and context

Anderson grew up in Burlington, Ontario, where his father replicated a Montreal-style backyard rink. Gary Anderson emphasized bodyweight exercises like push-ups from age 5-6, fostering a discipline that persisted. As a small, shifty playmaking center in youth hockey, he shifted to right wing in OHL with London Knights after his growth spurt turned him into a physical presence.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

The growth spurt challenged his coordination—Gary initially thought he'd lost his skating edge—but Anderson adapted by bulking up and refining skills, leading to his NHL path with Columbus before the trade.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

He embraces Montreal's pressure: "You’ve got to thrive under pressure... it’s a market that loves to win. It bleeds success."[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

Key quotes

Anderson on Montreal's intensity: “Well, you’ve got to thrive under pressure. You can’t hide from it... I’m looking forward to that, and I can’t wait to play that first game in the Bell Centre.”[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

Gary Anderson on his son's trait: “Yeah, that’s easy... It’s work ethic.”[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

Why it matters

The arrival bolsters Montreal's need for size, physicality, and scoring depth on the wing in a win-now push. For Canadiens fans, it means a committed power forward with local roots who fits the high-pressure market. Watch Anderson's adaptation to the Bell Centre spotlight and line chemistry in the coming season.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

What changed

Before the trade, Anderson was a restricted free agent with Columbus Blue Jackets after shoulder surgery limited him to one goal in 26 games the prior season. Now he is a locked-in Canadiens winger on a long-term deal with the team of his family's fandom. The shift happened October 6-8, 2020.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

FAQ

Q: What family connections does Josh Anderson have to the Canadiens?

A: His father Gary grew up in Dollard-des-Ormeaux playing minor hockey and was a devoted Habs fan. His mother Michelle's uncle by marriage is Peter Mahovlich, 19th on the team's all-time scoring list. Anderson himself attended a Canadiens playoff game at Bell Centre on his 16th birthday.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

Q: How did Josh Anderson develop his work ethic?

A: From 18 months old, he skated daily on the backyard rink and ate dinner in skates. By kindergarten, he did 50 push-ups morning and night without reminders, and early coaches named him captain for practice dedication.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

Q: What was Anderson's growth spurt like?

A: He went from about 5-foot-6 at OHL drafts to 6 feet over one summer, initially struggling with skating as his father noticed during tryouts. He adapted through weight training and hard practices to become a 6-foot-3 power forward.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)

Q: Why does Anderson embrace playing in Montreal?

A: He sees the pressure as accountability that demands consistency and winning. "It’s a market that loves to win. It bleeds success," and he wants to thrive there.[[1]](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2146668/2020/10/19/josh-andersons-arrival-completes-a-journey-that-was-destined-to-end-in-montreal/)