In yet another dose of joyous news from the Montreal Canadiens family, rugged power forward Josh Anderson has officially announced his engagement to his longtime partner, Paola Finizio. The veteran winger, known for his physical play and clutch performances, took to Instagram on Wednesday morning with a heartfelt message and a dazzling photo of the couple during a romantic sunset proposal. “The easiest yes of my life,” Anderson wrote in the caption, as Finizio proudly displayed her engagement ring with tears of joy in her eyes.
The announcement set social media ablaze, as fans who have followed Anderson’s journey from Columbus to Montreal now get to witness a different kind of milestone—one far removed from the grind of the NHL. The proposal reportedly took place during a getaway to Tuscany, Italy, where the couple had been vacationing for the first time in over a year. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and ancient architecture, Anderson dropped to one knee in a setting befitting the love story they’ve shared for nearly a decade.
Paola Finizio, a Montreal native with a background in fashion and design, has been a constant in Anderson’s life even before his days in the NHL. Friends describe their relationship as built on loyalty, trust, and a shared vision of life beyond hockey. Finizio has often been seen attending Canadiens charity events, quietly supporting Josh while keeping a low profile. Despite the spotlight that comes with being attached to an NHL star, she’s always remained grounded, focused on her own ambitions while standing as a source of unwavering support for her fiancé.
The Canadiens organization celebrated the news with an official congratulatory post across their social platforms, while fellow players and fans alike shared their excitement. Brendan Gallagher, a teammate and close friend, joked in the comments, “Finally! Took you long enough, big guy,” while Nick Suzuki added a more heartfelt message: “Happy for you both! Wishing you a lifetime of happiness.”
For Anderson, the engagement marks a profound moment of personal fulfillment after what has been a challenging season on the ice. Injuries, trade rumors, and questions about his long-term fit in the Canadiens’ lineup have all swirled around him in recent months. But this announcement is a reminder that amid the noise, the 30-year-old winger has found clarity and joy in the most important areas of life. Sources close to the couple say they plan to wed in the summer of 2026, possibly in Italy where the proposal took place.
The timing of Anderson’s engagement, just a day after Cole Caufield’s own surprise announcement, has fans buzzing about what’s in the water at the Bell Centre. With two of the team’s most beloved players taking the next step in their personal lives, there’s a renewed sense of optimism and positivity within the Canadiens community.
As offseason training begins and speculation continues about roster moves, Josh Anderson’s focus seems refreshingly clear. Love, commitment, and a shared future with the person who’s been there through thick and thin. It’s a story that resonates far beyond the walls of the locker room.
For Montreal fans still healing from a disappointing season, these back-to-back engagements offer a different kind of hope—proof that good things are still happening, and that happiness often comes in moments away from the ice. In the case of Josh Anderson and Paola Finizio, it’s a fairytale that’s just getting started.