The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Monday that right-winger Josh Anderson underwent successful shoulder surgery to repair a posterior labral tear in his left shoulder. He is out for 4-6 months, terminating the chance of a return this season.
Josh Anderson Injured
Anderson was injured in the Blue Jackets game against the Ottawa Senators on December 14th. Anderson left the game favouring his shoulder and did not return.
So far this season, Anderson has scored one goal and added three assists for four points. In addition, Anderson has recorded 17 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers were 48.2 percent Corsi For and a relative Corsi of -4.7.
Over his six-year NHL career, Anderson has played solely for the Blue Jackets. He has scored 65 goals and added 50 assists for 115 points in 267 career games. He was drafted by the Blue Jackets in the fourth round, 95th overall in the 2012 NHL draft.
Anderson could not have gotten injured at a worse time in his career. With this being a contract year for the 25-year old, Anderson and the Blue Jackets were hoping for a similar season like last year. Anderson was a key cog on a Blue Jackets team that upset a stacked Tampa Bay Lightning team in the first round.
What This Means for the Future
Anderson is a rare type of player in today’s game. Anderson can provide physicality and goal-scoring that not many others can match. While this is a serious down year for Anderson, he has reached the 25 goal plateau before. Some teams will certainly be interested in signing him to a low-risk contract.
Even with the recent rash of injuries, the Blue Jackets are holding onto the second Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. It will be an uphill climb for the Blue Jackets going forward, but they continue to prove people wrong. While many people wrote them off, the Blue Jackets have found team chemistry and have gone on some nice runs this season. Their next game sees them play the Calgary Flames tomorrow night.
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