Dec 20, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Anderson (17) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the Bell Centre. Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

We finally have more details regarding the length of the absence of Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Anderson.

The Canadiens confirm: Josh Anderson is being evaluated on a day-to-day basis.

After a day filled with questions, there is now an official answer regarding his immediate status. This comes at the worst possible time, as the lineup is already in flux.

The Habs are describing it as a day-to-day evaluation, which finally provides a clear direction on the situation. Specifically, Anderson was not in uniform against the St. Louis Blues. In that game, Owen Beck took the available spot up front, and the Canadiens had to adjust their lines during warmups.

Josh Anderson’s Status Is Finally Confirmed

On Saturday, Patrick Friolet reported that the forward is dealing with an upper-body injury.

“Josh Anderson is injured in the upper body.”

– Patrick Friolet

Anderson is 31 years old and carries a $5.5M cap hit. His contract runs through the end of the 2026-27 season. The player is being closely monitored, and decisions will be made on a daily basis depending on how the injury progresses.

Later that same afternoon, Mike Matheson also returned to the lineup, a move that directly resulted in Adam Engstrom being left out.

In goal, Jacob Fowler got the start as announced earlier and performed fairly well, despite the Canadiens’ loss to the Blues.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics