Goalkeeper Frederick Andersen inks fresh agreement with the Carolina Hurricanes during the playoffs.
The Carolina Hurricanes are riding high after defeating the New Jersey Devils in the opening round of the Stanley Cup playoffs and securing a spot in the second round against the Washington Capitals. To bolster their hopes of advancing further, the team has extended the contract of star goaltender Frederik Andersen.
Andersen, who was set to become a free agent in the offseason, has agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.75 million for the 2025-26 season. He also stands to earn additional $750,000 in performance bonuses based on games played and playoff success. With the free-agent market for goaltenders being thin, Andersen's deal takes another promising talent off the market.
Even with the contract extension, the Hurricanes aren't overspending on goaltender salaries. Andersen serves as their top goaltender, sharing the net with Pyotor Kochetkov. The combined salaries of both goalies remain under $6 million.
Having joined the Hurricanes prior to the 2021-22 season, Andersen has experienced some of his best seasons in Carolina. Team General Manager Eric Tulsky has expressed confidence in Andersen's ability to deliver consistent performance between the pipes.
"Frederik's been doing great for us," Tulsky said, according to ESPN. "He ranks in the top 10 all-time for winning percentage by an NHL goaltender. We're thrilled that he'll be staying with the team for next season."
Andersen on a Roll after Regular Season Success
The Hurricanes are evidently pleased with Andersen's performance during his four seasons with the franchise. This year, he boasted a 22-13-8 record, averaging 2.50 goals against and boasting an .899 winning percentage.
A two-time All-Star, Andersen achieved his best season in 2021-22, posting a 35-14-3 record, 2.17 GAA, and a .922 save percentage.
Andersen played four games against the Devils in the opening round series, ending with a 3-1 record, a 1.59 GAA, and a .936 save percentage.
Facing a formidable challenge in the Capitals, who finished first in the Metropolitan Division, Andersen and the Hurricanes will need to be at their absolute best. While the Caps had a smooth ride in the regular season's closing stages, they turned it up a notch in the opening round against the Montreal Canadiens, eliminating them in five games.
Despite home-ice advantage, the Hurricanes have their work cut out for them, going up against star players like Alex Ovechkin, hard-hitting Tom Wilson, and a balanced Washington attack. Andersen and the team will have to be on top of their game to find a way past this tough opposition.
- The Carolina Hurricanes have extended the contract of their star goaltender, Frederik Andersen, securing him for the 2025-26 season.
- Andersen's one-year deal is worth $2.75 million, with an additional $750,000 in performance bonuses.
- In the playoffs, Andersen will be facing the Washington Capitals in the second round, a challenging but exciting prospect.
- With the extension, Andersen stays with the team that he joined prior to the 2021-22 season, where he has experienced some of his best seasons.
- General Manager Eric Tulsky praised Andersen, stating that he ranks in the top 10 all-time for winning percentage by an NHL goaltender.
- The combined salaries of Andersen and his backup, Pyotor Kochetkov, remain under $6 million, ensuring the Hurricanes remain competitive in both salaries and performance.
