Blackhawks Player Grades: Joey Anderson

Rounding out the pending free agents, Joey Anderson is our next player grade for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Anderson arrived in Chicago via the Jake McCabe trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs at the deadline in 2022-23. Although the draft picks naturally garnered a lot of the attention, Anderson was a nice get for Kyle Davidson.

Anderson is only 26 years old (just turned 26) and could still have more in his game moving forward. In a deeper forward group, Anderson is likely a third- or fourth-line winger all the time. That said, his scoring touch while being responsible on the defensive end make him a long-term candidate to remain with the Hawks.

Story of the Season

Anderson saw little time with the Hawks in 2022-23, only suiting up in 24 games at the NHL level after being acquired in the aforementioned McCabe trade. However, in 2023-24 Anderson saw action in 55 games, which would've been more games if not for injuries. In those 55 games, Anderson produced 17 points (five goals, 12 assists).

Anderson spent a large amount of the season with Jason Dickinson in the team's middle-six. Anderson also averaged a career-high 13:32 of ice time per game. The pair became one of the most reliable pairs of teammates on the team to deploy against some of the opponent's best lines. It's easy to assume Anderson will be back and have a chance to continue being a shutdown defensive forward with some scoring touch.

Anderson is a restricted free agent, but many believe he is the one free agent likely to return who remains unsigned. His defensive prowess and age fit perfectly into the Blackhawks' future.

Grades

Jonnie Nonnie's Grade: B-

"Good role players accept and execute," as Eddie Olczyk would say. Anderson did just that in 2023-24 and enjoyed a career-high 17-point season for his efforts. That total doesn't jump off the stat sheet, but it doesn't need to, in my opinion (see above quote). Anderson's defensive awareness and want-to in puck battles push my grade for the Minnesota native slightly above those of my colleagues.

Tony Marchese's Grade: C

Not many Blackhawks were able to find the + side of the +/- this season, but Joey Anderson was somehow able to end the year +5 in 55 games for Chicago this season. While is offensive numbers won't jump off the scoresheet, he was a serviceable bottom-six role player on one of the worst teams in hockey. A little extra offensive flair would easily sway this grade higher, but an average grade (C) shouldn't be looked at as a bad thing in this case.

Ron Luce's Grade: C+

Anderson is the epitome of the perfect role player, as my colleagues above noted. That said, only 55 games left a little to be desired, hence the C+ grade. However, everything Anderson did in 2023-24 should help him build entering 2024-25. He was really good on the defensive end, paired well on a line with Jason Dickinson, and should get a slight uptick in offensive numbers with more talent on the team. I could see Anderson getting an easy B from me at this time next year, assuming Kyle Davidson gets a deal done to bring him back.

What's On Tap Next?

Anderson is young enough where he can still improve on what his season was. In the end, defense and energy fit his game well, with some more offense potentially in the cards. Should Kyle Davidson get a deal done, which is largely expected by many close to the team, then we'll have another chance to see Anderson and Dickinson together.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Joey Anderson? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram !

Related: Blackhawks Player Grades: Kevin Korchinski

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