Canadiens’ Josh Anderson nominated for NHL’s Bill Masterton Trophy

Head coach Martin St-Louis has spent the last few days emphasizing that the right mindset is one where you focus on what’s ahead. Forward Josh Anderson exemplifies this mentality, having been able to turn the page on a difficult campaign and rebound with a productive season.

It was for this reason that Anderson was nominated as the Montreal Canadiens’ candidate for the Bill Masterton Trophy, awarded annually to an NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport.

Anderson was elected by the members of the Montreal chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Each team nominates a candidate for this trophy.

“It’s a great honour,” said Anderson. “I had a good season despite some challenges. But, as I’ve said throughout the year, the team has matured, and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

“Hockey means everything to me. Growing up, it’s all you know when you start playing at four or five years old. All your memories are associated with it. You have to remember to have fun. We’ve built a family in this locker room, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us.”

Anderson ended the 2023-24 season by acknowledging that he’d struggled. But after apologizing during the end-of-season review, he got to work and managed to start fresh when he returned to the Canadiens in the fall.

“It was a new season, and you have the opportunity to play the game you love. You have to keep that in mind,” said Anderson. “A lot of people helped me, including Marty (St. Louis). We had conversations during the summer. I wanted to get back to the player I was and help the team every night.”

“I focused on life in general,” added Anderson, who got married over the summer. “I also reviewed what had led to my past success. I reviewed video footage to understand what had happened, and I realized I hadn’t necessarily played poorly. I just couldn’t put the puck in the net. (…) All players are going to have moments where things aren’t working as well. But if you continue to do the little things that help the team win, then you’re going to be successful.”

Anderson was limited to nine goals and 11 assists last winter. He’s rebounded with 15 goals and 12 assists so far this season. Beyond his offensive production, he’s also carved out a niche on the penalty kill. He played that role a bit in 2022-23, but otherwise, he mostly did it during his time with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“It helped me build confidence,” Anderson said. “When you have the opportunity to face the opposition’s best players and have a major impact on the game, it’s a big responsibility.”

Anderson has not only returned to being a key factor in the Canadiens’ success this season, but he’s also done so despite a lower-body injury that has forced him to miss most practices since mid-January.

The 30-year-old from Ontario has missed just one game this season, Saturday, for personal reasons.

“When you’re in the playoff race, you want to contribute,” Anderson said. “You never know how many times you’ll find yourself in this position throughout your career. It’s an honour to be part of this group.”

Anderson received six of the 10 first-place votes and 25 points in the voting. He finished ahead of Brendan Gallagher (three first-place votes and 21 points) and Patrik Laine (one first-place vote and seven points).

Six Canadiens players have already won the Masterton Trophy since it was first awarded in 1968, including goaltender Carey Price at the end of the 2021-22 season.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews