Quoting: Richard88
As you say Anderson's value could indeed go up if he has a good start to the season next year, thereby increasing his trade value at the deadline. Conversely, if he has another season like this one then he will hold almost no value.
Even if he has a good season next year his value at the deadline as a rental likely won't be too far off what he can fetch already this offseason, so Columbus are better off moving him now rather than risking having him lose even more value if he doesn't have a good season.
As for the return, I did mention in the comments that it could be a 4th or 5th coming back. Do you think upgrading from 5th to 3rd would be enough? Keep in mind that you're getting a 22 year old NHL'er who is cost-controlled for another 4 years compared to Anderson who isn't cost controlled beyond next season and also coming off a serious injury.
Why do you insist hes leaving? Not every UFA leaves columbus. Hes said in like 2 athletic articles that he really hopes he can extend here. You mention that CBJ has to trade him since hes a UFA but say he'd happily sign in colorado? What makes you think that?
Plus, let's say he doesnt bounce back and his value is even lower at the TDL. It's worth the risk. Him bouncing back is the one thing we need most next season. Not another bottom 6 guy, not a slight downgrade in picks. We need Anderson to bounce back. We will have the space and roster spot for him if he can
And no, upgrading from a 5th to 3rd is hardly better than a 4th to 3rd. I've never been high on jost, I really think at most hes going to be a meh 3C, and I would be shocked if he ever reached the level Anderson was at for 3 seasons before 19-20. If you want Anderson then you have to overpay big time, because we have no obligation to move him until the TDL at least.
Also, I saw you say we should since we are non-contendors. We are in a playoff spot right now.