Frederik Andersen appears likely to move once again after just two seasons in Carolina
The writing could be on the wall for former Leaf Frederik Andersen in Carolina after just two seasons as a Hurricane. On Wednesday, the Canes announced that they have signed 23-year-old Pyotr Kochetkov to a 4-year deal, worth $2M per season.
The Canes originally inked Andersen as a UFA in the summer of 2021 after the Danish netminder spent 5 seasons in Toronto. It was originally thought that Andersen could be a potential long-term solution in Carolina, especially after a fantastic 2021-22 season. However, his inability to remain healthy has become a bit of a concern over the past few seasons.
After posting a 2.17 GAA and a .922 SV% in 52 appearances last season, Andersen found himself injured at the most important time of the year, missing the Canes' entire playoff run. After coming into the 2022-23 season healthy and ready to go, Andersen has landed on the IR once again this season and has been limited to just 8 games. His numbers pale in comparison to last season's. In his 8 appearances so far, Andersen has posted a collective 2.72 GAA and a .891 SV% this season. At 33 years-of-age, Andersen isn't getting any younger and there must be at least some concern that his persistent injury issues may make him somewhat unreliable.
Kochetkov appeared in just 3 regular season games and 4 playoff games last year. He posted a 2.42 GAA and a .902 SV% during the regular season but failed to rise to the occasion in the postseason, posting a 3.88 GAA and a .869 SV% in 4 postseason games. This season, however, Kochetkov has been sensational for the Canes, posting a 2.00 GAA and a .914 SV% through 4 appearances.
The Canes originally selected Kochetkov in the 2nd round, with the 36th pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 23 | 331 ANSWERS Frederik Andersen appears likely to move once again after just two seasons in Carolina Where will Andersen sign this summer? | ||
| Carolina | 34 | 10.3 % |
| Edmonton | 128 | 38.7 % |
| Buffalo | 64 | 19.3 % |
| Other | 105 | 31.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
