After trading Alex Nedeljkovic to Detroit, the Hurricanes only had three pending unrestricted free agent goaltenders on their roster. They haven’t been able to sign any of them so they’ll be turning to the open market to find their new tandem. One of those is Frederik Andersen. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports Andersen is receiving a two-year deal at $4.5MM per season.
Last season was a tough one for the 31-year-old as injuries and general ineffectiveness limited him to just 24 appearances with Toronto while posting a 2.95 GAA along with a .895 SV%, career worsts in both categories. However, before 2020-21, he had played in at least 52 games in four straight seasons, showing the ability to carry a number one workload. That makes him an intriguing bounce-back candidate and the Hurricanes have certainly had some success with underperforming veterans in recent years with both Petr Mrazek and James Reimer improving after being acquired.
While the start of Andersen’s career came in Anaheim, he was actually drafted by Carolina back in 2010 in the seventh round. However, he opted to re-enter the draft two years later and was selected 100 spots higher by the Ducks at 87th overall. While it took more than a decade, it appears that Andersen will now sign with the Hurricanes after all.
How is he better than Ned and/or Mrazek?
Much much better?
Uh. No?
He’s new. So much of modern sports management is trying new things when you want new results.
If it doesn’t work out — well, they tried. Can’t say they did not try to make significant changes. When you put out the same product and expect new results you are called a fool. Of course, if they miss the playoffs there will be heavy scrutiny and finger pointing. Good likelihood that Anderson gets injured for a stretch and the Canes have to rely on a Zamboni driver again. I don’t know how many teams they can beat that way but I’m sure they can beat at least one.
Get Holtby next.