The Anaheim Ducks are currently in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and Frederick Andersen is sporting a solid record. Andersen has been sensational in these playoffs, and is only 25 years old, yet here we are talking about him being a target for the Oilers this summer.
The Ducks are a goalie factory, and depending on what happens the rest of the way, they could be willing to ship off the young Swedish netminder. It would cost a pretty penny, but the man we are profiling today might just be the best possible option for Edmonton moving forward.
Why Is He Out There:
Let’s get this out of the way now, Andersen is not on the block by any means. This kid is good, and the Ducks have trusted him going into a critical playoff season. Andersen has delivered too, playing lights out for the favorites out west. That said, Anaheim is a goalie factory, and a very solid prospect is bubbling under right now.
John Gibson is seen as the future goaltender of USA Hockey, and is likely the future of the Ducks too. If Anaheim feels Gibson is ready to go next season, they might be willing to move Andersen. It’s a long shot, but it’s happened before with this team, from Ilya Bryzgalov to J.S. Giguere to Jonas Hiller. Anaheim isn’t afraid of moving goalies.
What Does He Do Well:
Frederick Andersen is a calming presence in the net for Anaheim. He handles pressure extremely well, has pretty good rebound control, and sees the puck really well. He’s not an elite goalie by any means, but he never gives up the weak goal and makes the saves he needs to. He’s got a lot of potential and has grown over the years.
Andersen came to North America in 2012, playing the 2012-13 season for the AHL’s Norfolk Admirals. In 47 games for them, he posted a sparkling .929 SV%, and emerged as a real NHL prospect. In 2013-14, Andersen broke through, playing in four AHL games and dominating, posting a .939 mark and earning a call-up to Anaheim to join the Ducks.
With the big squad, Andersen appeared in 28 games, and posted a respectable .923 SV%. For any goalie that’s a good season, for a rookie it’s especially promising. This season, he got a heavier workload, playing in 54 games for the team, aka handling the starter’s load. In that span, he posted a .914 SV%. Not as good, but certainly not bad.
Frederick Andersen dominated the AHL, and proved in 2013-14 that he could more than handle the back-up role at the NHL level. This season he took a step back, but was still around the league average mark. That’s not bad when you consider that it was his first season in the NHL handling a starting job.
Andersen is a solid option who has one season as a starter until his belt, while showing real improvement in most seasons. This kid is going to be very good.
Where Will He Play / Where Should He Play:
If Edmonton trades for Frederick Andersen, the role is obvious. Andersen would clearly be the best option within the organization, and would be starting opening night next year. He’s young, has already handled the starting job for a year, and has posted respectable numbers. No one else in Edmonton can say that, he’d be the starter easily.
Where should he play? This kid is ready to be a starter in the NHL, no doubt in my mind. The need and the player are a perfect match here in my mind.
What Will He Cost:
This will likely cost a pretty penny, probably multiple assets. I could see Edmonton having to send the Ducks the Pittsburgh first rounder and a prospect or two. Would the 16th overall pick and Martin Marincin get this deal done? It’s possible, but I think Edmonton would need to add more. What about a swap of young players, Nail Yakupov for Andersen?
Closing Argument:
If Edmonton decides to go the trade route for a long-term solution this off-season, then Andersen is the avenue to explore. There is a real chance the Ducks don’t move him, but it’s worth the phone call and conversation. Andersen already has one season as a starter under his belt, and is just oozing with potential. This could be a coup for the Oilers.
Again, it’s highly unlikely, but with John Gibson bubbling under and Anaheim’s history with goalies, it’s certainly not out of the question. I’d at least make the call if I were Chiarelli, and put forth a solid offer. Personally, this is my favorite option for a goaltending solution.
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