Josh Anderson (ice hockey)

Josh Anderson (born May 7, 1994) is a Canadian professional ice hockey right wing. He is currently playing with the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was drafted in the fourth round, 95th overall, by the Blue Jackets in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Anderson was born in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

Early career
Growing up, Anderson played both baseball and hockey. While eligible for the 2010 Ontario Hockey League Entry Draft, Anderson was passed over by all teams and returned to play midget with the Burlington Eagles. Reflecting back on this day, Anderson stated he expected to passed over as he was undersized for 16. During the 2010–11 season, he attracted the attention of the London Knights owners who invited him to try out for the team. His tryout was successful enough that he earned a spot on the 2011–12 season roster.

Professional
Anderson was drafted in the fourth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets. While in his final junior season with the London Knights, Anderson was signed to a three-year entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets. He made his NHL debut on January 16, 2015, against the New York Rangers. During the 2015–16, 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 shortly afterwards where he helped lead the Monsters to the 2016 Calder Cup.

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. He played the entire 82 game season in the NHL and put up a career high 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.

International play
On December 2, 2013, Anderson and teammate Bo Horvat were invited to partake in Canada’s National Junior Team selection camp prior to the 2013 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.