The Carolina Hurricanes announced Monday that starting goaltender Frederik Andersen will be out indefinitely after medical results showed a blood clotting issue that needs to be addressed. There is no timetable for Andersen’s return but General Manager Don Waddell is optimistic on the recovery. In correlating news, the Hurricanes signed veteran netminder Jaroslav Halak to a Professional Try Out (PTO) contract and will likely recall Pyotr Kochetkov from the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL.
An update on Freddie Andersen pic.twitter.com/UDQPHmlEt1
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) November 6, 2023
Frederik Andersen Sidelined Indefinitely
The news of Andersen’s blood clotting issue is certainly scary. While he has had his fair share of injuries over the years, this is different. First and foremost, we all wish the Danish goaltender and full and speedy recovery. While the team wants him back as soon as possible, his health is a priority. With that said, Andersen has been a solid backstop for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Over his almost ten years of NHL experience, Andersen has posted a respectable .915 SV% and 2.59 GAA. This year he has a win/loss record of 4-1. Last season wasn’t his best year ever, but in the playoffs, Andersen was electric for Carolina. As a previous NHL All-Star, the cool, calm and collected netminder signed a two-year contract extension with Carolina over the summer. Andersen has formed a solid goaltending trio with Antti Raanta and Kochetkov the last few years in Carolina and the Hurricanes are looking forward to his return.
Moving Forward
Losing Andersen is certainly a blow to Carolina, but that does not mean they are left out to dry. In a corresponding transaction, the Hurricanes signed veteran goaltender Jaroslav Halak to a PTO. While Raanta and Kochetkov could hold down the fort while Andersen is away, you never know when injury will strike again. And Raanta too has a history with those. Having three ready to go is a smart move considering the goaltending depth after Kochetkov is pretty much just rookie goalie Yaniv Perets, currently in the ECHL.
Halak is a long-time NHL veteran with loads of experience. Over his career, he has posted a 2.50 GAA and .915 SV% with multiple teams. Last season he played in 25 games for the New York Rangers backing up Igor Shesterkin but was a free agent before signing this PTO. While Halak likely won’t become the starting goalie, he certainly provides Carolina depth while they figure out more on Andersen’s status.
Goaltender Jaroslav Halak is joining the Hurricanes as a free agent tryout. Frederik Andersen is dealing with a medical issue and undergoing evaluations. An update will be provided when available, but no further comment will be issued until that time.
— Hurricanes PR (@CanesPR) November 6, 2023
Additionally, Carolina will likely recall young goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov from the Syracuse Crunch. So far with the Crunch, Kochetkov has been rock solid with a 1.63 GAA and .932 SV% in three wins and no losses, including a shutout. Kochetkov is the likely goalie of the future for Carolina and has shown flashes of brilliance. This could yet again be another chance for him to solidify an NHL role.
Kochetkov is expected to be recalled ahead of tomorrow’s game against Buffalo.
— Cory Lavalette (@corylav) November 6, 2023
Main Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
