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Island NHL prospect shipped from Cougars to Swift Current Broncos

Avalanche draft pick Josh Anderson heading east
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Josh Anderson is on the move ahead of the Western Hockey League’s trade deadline.

After 177 games over four-plus seasons with the Prince George Cougars, the Duncan-raised defenceman and Colorado Avalanche prospect was traded to the Swift Current Broncos on Sunday evening in exchange for draft picks.

Originally drafted by the Cougars third overall in the first round of the 2013 WHL bantam draft, Anderson scored seven goals and added 21 assists in his career with Prince George. He has seven points (one goal, six assists) in 25 games this season, missing 15 games due to injury.

Anderson was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche 71st overall in the third round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. Primarily a stay-at-home defenceman, the Broncos expect him to add depth to their defensive corps as they head toward the WHL playoffs.

“Josh is a big, tough defenceman that will eat up a lot of minutes for us,” Swift Current director of hockey operations Jamie Porter said. “He’s a solid defender and will be a huge addition to our group.”

With 29 wins, 10 losses, three overtime losses and no shootout losses, the Broncos have the second-best record in the WHL and are hoping to make a playoff run, while the Cougars (15-18-4-3) sit 19th in the 22-team league and are looking toward the future.

The Cougars received first-round bantam draft picks in 2018 and 2019 in exchange for Anderson.

“Josh has been with our organization for the past five years and has been a great leader for us on the blueline and in the dressing room,” Prince George general manager Todd Harkins said. “He’s an NHL-drafted defenceman who is going to a contending team in the East and he’s getting a great opportunity to make a deep run in the playoffs.”



Kevin Rothbauer

About the Author: Kevin Rothbauer

Kevin Rothbauer is the sports reporter for the Cowichan Valley Citizen
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