The Toronto Maple Leafs announced via Twitter on Monday afternoon that they have acquired goaltender Frederik Andersen from the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks receive the 30th overall pick in the upcoming 2016 NHL Entry Draft and a second round pick in the 2017 draft.
The Maple Leafs have acquired goaltender Frederik Andersen from Anaheim. #TMLtalk
DETAILS: https://t.co/5IQkDXFz3Upic.twitter.com/GyMTELS00u
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 20, 2016
UPDATE: The Leafs have reportedly agreed to a 5-year contract extension with Andersen.
Frederik Andersen Traded to Toronto
Andersen, 26, was heavily rumoured to be on his way out of Anaheim after it appeared they had committed to rolling with John Gibson going forward. The Leafs were seen as a logical destination, as a rebuilding team with a lot of assets to offer, as well as a serious hole in the depth chart for goaltending.
The 6’4″, 220 lb Danish netminder played 43 games for the Ducks this past season while sharing the starting duties. He posted a .919 save percentage and a 2.30 goals against average. Andersen also appeared in five playoff games this season as Anaheim was eliminated by the Nashville Predators, going 3-2 and posting a .916 save percentage.
The Leafs were widely assumed to be pursuing a goaltender this summer, after subpar performances from Jonathan Bernier last season and the departure of James Reimer. It’s now unlikely Reimer will return to Toronto, as was speculated before. Lou Lamoriello and co. will likely still be looking at taking a goaltender in the draft, with a sparse prospect pool in net, but it’s no longer the pressing need that it was as Andersen is young enough to be in the prime of his career when the Leafs are hoping to be contenders.
The catch here for the Leafs is that Andersen is a pending RFA, and will need to be re-signed this summer. He had a cap hit of $1.15 million on his last deal, but given his performances he is certain to be demanding a significant raise.
Toronto now has 11 picks in the 2016 draft, having surrendered the first round pick they acquired last July in the Phil Kessel trade. They still own the 31st pick, which is their own second. Anaheim’s pick total increases to six; they will also be on the stage for 24th overall pick on Friday in Buffalo.
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