Blackhawks Bottom Line: Joey Anderson Seizes His Chance

Over the course of the next month, Chicago Hockey Now will be profiling every Chicago Blackhawks player from the 2023-24 season. Today, will be winger Joey Anderson.

Joey Anderson
Right Wing
Games Played: 55
(Goals – Assists – Points): 5-12-17
Contract Status:  RFA (Arbitration Eligible)

The Short View

Anderson was called up near the end of November after starting out red hot in Rockford. He never returned, spending the next 55 games with the Blackhawks and getting a true, sustained chance in the NHL.

The Long View

Traded away from Toronto in 2023 in the Jake McCabe deal, Anderson established precisely what he never could find with the Maple Leafs–a stable role and appearance with the big club. While he was all but blocked in Toronto, the opportunity was wide open with the Blackhawks. Wouldn’t you know it–he picks up and assist in his first game with the Blackhawks against his former team on November 24th and he never went back to Rockford. Now a restricted free agent, Anderson has a good case to recieve a slight raise as he was very effective on whatever line he was on–but especially in helping acclimate Landon Slaggert when he arrvied in Chicago.

But with a team beginning to rise out of a rebuild, is there still a spot for Anderson?

The Bottom Line for Joey Anderson

On a more improved team, Anderson will slide into that bottom six role but he’s not the typical bottom six guy. He’s always produced at the AHL level, over a point-per-game in Rockford before being recalled, and scoring 26 with the Marlies back in 2021-22. But likely the biggest statement he’ll make is this next season as the Blackhawks look to bulk out the roster with more skill and speed.

Anderson was a critical linemate for Slaggert as he came up, and served well on variations of lines in any role. I wrote last year that he wouldn’t be the guy likely to score 20+ goals in a season–his career numbers define that–but he will be a guy who keeps going at it until the desired result occurs.

If the Blackhawks indeed re-sign him (which seems likely), Anderson should be penciled into Chicago’s opening night lineup. He played well with Jason Dickinson and Colin Blackwell as well, so there’s still a spot unless Davidson goes on a spending spree–which is very unlikely.

Beyond that, well, it’s dependent on what happens next season. Dickinson found his way and a spot after being dumped by Vancouver. Anderson has shown the ability to stick with the Hawks so far. Can he parlay that into something longer term?

Previous Blackhawks Bottom Line Entries

Seth Jones | Connor Murphy | Ryan Donato | Taylor Raddysh |

Find Chicago Hockey Now on Facebook and Twitter

Follow Nate on Twitter

Follow Vinnie on Twitter