As the Blue Jackets get healthy and ready for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, one name will still be on the injured list: Josh Anderson
In what has been a disastrous season for the Blue Jackets winger, this latest bit of news is another blow.
A source close to Anderson told The Athletic on Monday that “[they] would not expect him to be ready to play until after September, as recommended.”
After only tallying 1-3-4 in 26 games this season, Anderson has been rehabbing his shoulder in the hopes of making a comeback in the playoffs. COVID-19 has made his return possible, but if he suffers another setback, it may be the final blow to Anderson's Blue Jackets career.
He'll be a restricted free agent after this season, and it's likely that the Blue Jackets will try and move him before they sign him to a contract. There were whispers (more like shouts) near the trade deadline that the Blue Jackets were looking to move Anderson, but a deal never materialized due to question marks regarding the health of his shoulder.
As the NHL continues to solidify a timeline for players and staff to return to normal hockey activities and ultimately play games, Anderson will certainly have his eye on the schedule.
Phase 3 of the NHL's Return to Play plan is scheduled to begin on July 10th, which means training camps will begin in each team's home city.
