The Carolina Hurricanes have reportedly signed unrestricted free agent goaltender Frederik Andersen to a new contract. Terms of the deal are yet to be disclosed. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun first reported the deal.
All signs point to Freddy Andersen signing with the Carolina Hurricanes when the market opens. @TSNHockey @TheAthletic
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 28, 2021
Frederik Andersen Moves On to Carolina
Over his extensive eight-year NHL career Andersen has played for the Anaheim Ducks, However the majority for the Toronto Maple Leafs. In this time, he has put up a career save percentage of.915 and 2.65 goals-against average in 393 career games. He was redrafted in the third round, 87th overall of the 2012 NHL draft by Anaheim Ducks.
Last season he achieved a .895 SV% and a 2.96 GAA, but only played 24 games and started in 23 of them. Andersen was injured for a good chunk of the season and lost his starting spot.
What This Means for the Future
The Leafs owe a debt of gratitude to Anderson for days gone. But in the last few seasons, the injury-prone Danish goaltender has been on a steady decline. The rise of Jack Campbell as likely starter and the Leaf’s limited Cap space made the departure of Andersen a foregone conclusion. The Leafs have relied on Andersen’s work ethic between the pipes, particularly through the playoff games in the last four seasons. The 31-year-old experience will be valuable to his new team.
Toronto will go in another direction to find a backup or future starter to challenge Campbell for the top spot in the crease. The now-former Leafs goalie reportedly didn’t get an offer from Toronto.
Carolina solves its goalie problem somewhat after losing Alex Nedeljkovic in a trade with the Detroit Red Wings. Jonathan Bernier was technically under contract, but he reportedly went to the New Jersey Devils. Either Petr Mrazek or James Reimer may return, but there will be a battle for the top spot in net.
