Alright, Leafs fans...here is your thread on what the Leafs are getting in Joey Anderson:

Anderson comes to Toronto with a chip on his shoulder. He wasn’t really given the chance to develop in NJ for various reasons.

However, when NJ signed him - they viewed him as someone who could be like Blake Coleman.

Anderson was really good in NCAA/WJC, but fell off due to lack of development after that. You can’t write off a player because of his numbers without considering the player’s situation- especially if they are young.

He skates very well, wins a TON of puck battles, makes excellent and quick/simple decisions with the puck, can PK very effectively and has good hands at the net front.

The Leafs have a ROBUST development staff and if he develops to the “Coleman-type” that would be very good for the Leafs.

He’s gotta work on OZP to create more chances. But right now, he’s physical, skates well and makes good decisions with and without the puck.

I firmly believe he can be a strong piece on the 3rd line that can shut down other teams and contribute, too. He won’t make risky decisions like the previous 3L wingers did

FWIW, Devils believed he’s the type of player who helps you win playoff games. For TOR, that’s important.

While TOR gave up the better player, they needed to clear salary. They also needed to add pieces that brought different elements. Anderson is exactly that. Less skilled, but tougher, more defensively sound, better puck mgmt. Leafs needed that, badly.