Joey Anderson has signed a two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks worth $1.6 million or $800,000 AAV. The Minnesota native was an unrestricted free agent. He could have been restricted, but the Blackhawks did not give him a qualifying offer, letting him test the market and then re-signing him at a lower amount.
The Blackhawks have re-signed Joey Anderson for two years with a $800,000 cap hit.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) July 1, 2024
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Joey Anderson Has Jumped Around In His Career
Anderson was drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the third round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. After playing in 52 games for the Devils before being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In 107 games (spread out over three seasons) with the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs American Hockey League Affiliate, Anderson scored 47 goals. The success gave hope that Anderson was ready to perform at the NHL level. However, Anderson would play in just 19 NHL games in that stretch, scoring just two goals.
A Trade To Chicago Increased NHL Time, But No Results
In February 2023, Anderson was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks. Anderson played in 24 games for the Blackhawks to finish the regular season. Anderson scored four goals in those 24 games.
In 55 games with the Blackhawks the next season, a career high, Anderson scored just five goals. Despite getting extra time at the NHL level with the Blackhawks, Anderson was unable to make the most of the opportunity.
This Year Is A Big Year For Anderson
This off-season was Anderson’s final as a restricted free agent. When his contract expires, Anderson will be 28, which will make him an unrestricted free agent.
A strong season by Anderson could put him on the radars of NHL teams for next off-season, or even a trade this season. Anderson will need to show he is capable of producing at the NHL level. If he can do so, he will have interested teams next summer. If not, Anderson will enter the off-season as an unrestricted free agent, and will have to wait for a team willing to take him on a low-paying deal.
Main Photo: Chicago Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson makes the nineteenth pick in round one of the 2023 NHL Draft at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
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