Broncos acquire Avalanche defensive prospect Anderson from Cougars

The Swift Current Broncos made a big play to bolster their blueline Sunday evening, acquiring Colorado Avalanche prospect Josh Anderson from the Prince George Cougars in exchange for their first-round selections in the 2018 and 2019 WHL Bantam Draft.

Anderson, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound left-shot product of Duncan, B.C. was drafted by the Avalanche in the third round, 71st overall, of the 2016 NHL Draft. In 25 games this season, Anderson has seven points (1G-6A).

Originally drafted by the Cougars third overall in the 2013 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft, Anderson has played 177 WHL regular season games with the Cougars, tallying 28 points (7G-21A), one power play goal and two game-winning goals. He also has 257 penalty minutes.

Giving up two first-round selections is a steep price for the Broncos to pay, but as the race for the East Division heats up, even the second place Broncos need all the help they can get in terms of upgrading any position they feel might help put them over the top.

Anderson will join a defensive core that already includes Colby Sissons (New Jersey Devils), Sahvan Khaira and Artyom Minulin.  Of those three, Sissons is the only other left shot on the Broncos, giving the team a second option on that side.

The Broncos are back in action Friday, January 12th (7:00 p.m. CST) when they faceoff against the Prince Albert Raiders at the Art Hauser Centre. The Cougars are in action Tuesday, January 9 (7:00 p.m. PST) when they host the Vancouver Giants.

TRADE: Cougars acquire two first-round draft picks from the @SCBroncos.

DETAILS ➡️ https://t.co/rxPakW7cOv#WHL #CityOfPG pic.twitter.com/zyEMYBgFLJ

— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) January 8, 2018

#SCB add to defensive depth, acquire d-man Josh Anderson from @PGCougars.

DETAILS: https://t.co/3RY7iAT4vG pic.twitter.com/qTW5RxrXOg

— SC Broncos (@SCBroncos) January 8, 2018