Josh Anderson Bio
Joshua Anderson (born May 7, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected in the fourth round, 95th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2012 NHL entry draft. A power forward known for speed and physicality, Anderson became known as ‘the Powerhorse’.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Burlington, Ontario, Josh Anderson played both baseball and hockey. While eligible for the 2010 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection draft, he was ultimately passed over by all teams and returned to play midget with the Burlington Eagles of the South-Central Triple A Hockey League (SCTA). Reflecting back on this, Anderson stated he expected to be passed over as he was undersized for 16. Eventually attracting the attention of London Knights ownership, he secured a roster spot on the Knights beginning in the 2011–12 season.
Path to Hockey
Selected in the fourth round (95th overall) of the 2012 NHL entry draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Anderson was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract with the organization during his final major junior season with London in November 2013. He made his NHL debut on January 16, 2015, against the New York Rangers. During the 2015–16 season, Anderson underwent surgery to repair a small orbital fracture that had occurred during a preseason game, and was expected to miss up to four weeks to recover. Despite his setback, Anderson scored his first NHL goal on January 9, 2016, against Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes. He was returned to the American Hockey League (AHL) shortly thereafter, where he helped lead Columbus’ affiliate Cleveland Monsters to the 2016 Calder Cup championship.
Josh Anderson Career
Early Career (2014–2020)
During the 2017–18 season, Anderson injured his knee in a game against the Washington Capitals and was expected to be out for four weeks. The following season was a breakout one for Anderson, in which he played the entire 82-game campaign, setting a career high of 47 points as the Blue Jackets advanced to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in franchise history. In the 2019–20 season, Anderson was unable to replicate his offensive game, posting just 1 goal and 4 points in 26 games before suffering a posterior labral tear of his left shoulder against the Ottawa Senators on December 14, 2019. With the injury failing to respond to rehabilitation, Anderson had season-ending shoulder surgery on March 2, 2020, with an expected recovery period of 4–6 months.
Breakthrough (2020–Present)
On October 6, 2020, Anderson was traded to the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for Max Domi and a third-round selection in the 2020 NHL entry draft. Two days later, he agreed to a seven-year, $38.5 million contract extension with the Canadiens. Anderson made an immediate impression upon arrival to Montreal, being dubbed a ‘powerhorse’ by teammate Tomáš Tatar, a nickname that was widely adopted soon after. Recording 17 goals and 7 assists during the pandemic-shortened regular season, he was regarded as one of the standouts during a tough campaign overall for the team. Specifically, Anderson was noted for his ability to deliver ‘big game performances’. This was reinforced during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he recorded five goals over the course of the Canadiens’ deep run to the Stanley Cup Finals, including a two-goal performance in Game 3 of the penultimate round versus the Vegas Golden Knights that first gave Montreal the series lead.
Notable Works and Milestones
Anderson’s signature work includes his contributions during the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs, where he played a crucial role in helping the Canadiens reach the finals. He has been recognized for his impactful performances and has established himself as a key player for the team.
Josh Anderson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Josh Anderson has received various nominations for his performances, particularly during the playoffs, where his contributions have been critical for his team’s success.
Josh Anderson Awards Won
Josh Anderson has not yet received any major awards but has been recognized for his contributions to the game and his team.
Josh Anderson Family
Josh Anderson is married to Paola Finizio, and the couple welcomed their first child, a son, in April 2025. Anderson’s family background includes a strong connection to hockey, with his mother’s uncle being a former player for the Montreal Canadiens.
Personal Life
In May 2023, Anderson got engaged to Paola Finizio in Puglia, Italy, and they were married in July 2024. Anderson has expressed the importance of family in his life, balancing his professional commitments with his role as a husband and soon-to-be father.
