The Chicago Blackhawks, off to a surprisingly strong start this season, made an intriguing roster move on Saturday by placing depth forward Joey Anderson on waivers. The club hopes to sneak him through without a claim.
Joey Anderson, 27, has been sidelined with a lower-body injury and has yet to play for the Blackhawks this season. He is in the second year of a two-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $800,000. A Minnesota native, Anderson was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the third round of the 2016 NHL Draft.
After spending two seasons with the Devils, Anderson played parts of three seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs traded him at the 2023 trade deadline in a deal that sent Sam Lafferty and Jake McCabe to Toronto. Since joining the Blackhawks, Anderson has become somewhat of a regular in the lineup.
Anderson’s best NHL season came in 2023-24 when he played 55 games, scoring five goals and totaling 17 points. However, last season he managed just one assist in 18 games. Given this context—and his current injury status—it is not entirely surprising that Anderson has been placed on waivers.
### What’s Next for Joey Anderson?
The move is likely intended to give Anderson the opportunity to get valuable playing time in the AHL. If he clears waivers unclaimed, he will report to the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s AHL affiliate.
That said, the Blackhawks could still call Anderson back up if injuries plague the team later in the season. As a veteran winger, he could provide depth and experience when needed.
### Could Another Team Claim Anderson?
There is a possibility that the Blackhawks could lose Anderson to a waiver claim. Many NHL teams are already dealing with injuries this season and might be looking to add depth forwards as insurance.
Anderson could fit the role of a reliable 13th or 14th forward on teams that are thin on NHL-ready players. Potential interested teams might include the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, or Buffalo Sabres.
While it is more likely that Anderson clears waivers due to limited recent production, his affordable contract could attract some interest. Other teams have until 2 p.m. EST on Sunday to make a claim. If he goes unclaimed, he will join the IceHogs without issue.
### Why the Blackhawks Had to Make This Move
Currently, the Blackhawks do not have a clear spot for Anderson on their NHL roster. Although he can serve as a depth forward, the Blackhawks might not want him sitting in the press box—especially after returning from injury.
Getting consistent playing time in the AHL would be beneficial for Anderson’s development and readiness.
The Blackhawks’ bottom-six forward group looks set unless the team decides to move Lukas Reichel. Other depth forwards such as Sam Lafferty and Colton Dach could also factor into future lineup decisions. However, given Chicago’s strong start to the season, it’s hard to envision Anderson cracking the lineup anytime soon.
### Looking Ahead
Overall, the Blackhawks currently have a surplus of useful forwards, making a trade for Anderson a possibility if the right opportunity arises. Teams dealing with injuries and desperate for forward depth might take a closer look at him as the season progresses.
For now, Joey Anderson’s future will likely unfold in the AHL, as Chicago manages its roster while keeping an eye on possible needs down the road.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/chicago-blackhawks/blackhawks-waivers-joey-anderson/
