Quotes of the day: Anderson

MONTREAL - Acquired in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets earlier in the week, forward Josh Anderson inked a seven-year contract with the Canadiens two days later. On Friday, the 26-year-old discussed the new deal with members of the media via conference call.
Read on for some highlights of what he had to say:

Anderson's reaction to committing to the team on a long-term, seven-year contract extension and why he chose to do so with Montreal:
"First off, I'm absolutely thrilled to be in Montreal for the next seven years I couldn't be happier.
"I didn't see it coming with the trade. But when a GM has been after you, it's always a good sign that he wants you and he's committed to having you long-term. I couldn't be happier to be in Montreal for the next seven years, with the group of guys I've heard so many good things about. I'm just looking forward to getting started and meeting everybody once I get the chance to get down there.

"Being in the League for four or five years and going into that building, you get goosebumps coming in as a visitor. So to be on that other side now and to play in front of those passionate fans, I couldn't be more happy."
Growing up in Ontario, Anderson is familiar with the fishbowl nature of a market like Montreal, and believes it can only serve to make him a better player:
"Well, you have to thrive under pressure. You can't hide from it. I think the pressure is accountability; if you're being held accountable night in and night out, doing things right, playing the right way, and being a consistent hockey playero yu're going to do well. If you're not playing well, you're going to hear about it in this market; there's no escaping from it. It's a market that loves to win, it bleeds success, and that's something you want to be a part of. You want to thrive under pressure."

He may have won two championships with the London Knights, but Anderson was never drafted into the OHL, instead earning a tryout after attracting the attention of team owners Dale and Mark Hunter. The 26-year-old on what it means to have come from there to a long-term NHL contract:
"It's crazy to think about, it really is. Not being drafted to the OHL: for all the people out there who haven't gotten drafted or who are going into their draft year, it's never really over until it is. You have to go out there and prove yourself. There's always somebody watching you, wherever that might be. I was thankful to be playing in London with such a great organization and start out my career there. I was taught the right way to play the game under Dale Hunter and Mark Hunter, who formed me into the player that I am now. Then, getting that opportunity to play in the NHL with Columbus, and then now just signing a seven-year deal with with Montreal... you can't write this up; it's, it's very exciting.

"My whole life, I've proven people wrong. […] This year, I've been training so hard for this opportunity and this moment. I just can't wait to get started, have a great year, and prove a lot of people wrong who haven't believed in me."
After missing all but 26 games last season due to injury, Anderson sought to alleviate any concerns over his health moving forward:
"I just want to make something really clear right now: I am 100% recovered. I feel healthy, I feel strong, I'm ready to go. Last year was a tough year for injuries, being hurt a couple times with the shoulder.
"I've told many people this: I've never been more confident in myself as a player where I'm at right now. I'm healthy, which is great; that's what you want. And I know what I bring to the table. I know what I've done in this League. I'm looking forward to just coming out and doing what I can do to win and help the team be successful. I'm not going to change anything just because I had shoulder surgery, I'm not going to be less physical. I'm going to still play my type of game."