Frederik Andersen, Edmonton Oilers agree on one-year deal
The Edmonton Oilers have signed goaltender Frederik Andersen to a one-year contract. The agreement, finalized on Wednesday, is valued at up to $2.8 million, including potential bonuses. Andersen, who is 36 years old, joins the Oilers after a season with the Carolina Hurricanes that included a Stanley Cup victory.
Andersen’s contract with Edmonton includes a base salary of $1 million, with an additional $1.8 million available in bonuses if the Oilers win the Stanley Cup and Andersen plays in at least half of the playoff games in each series. This signing marks a significant move for the Oilers, aiming to bolster their goaltending depth as Connor McDavid enters what could be the final year of his current contract with the team.
Andersen’s Recent Performance and Career
During his last season with the Hurricanes, Andersen posted a record of 16-14-5 in 35 regular-season games. He recorded a 3.05 goals-against average and an .874 save percentage. His playoff performance was notable, with a 13-2 record, a 1.89 GAA, a .910 save percentage, and three shutouts in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Andersen did not participate in games after Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights due to a knee injury. Despite his absence, the Hurricanes went on to win the series in six games. His career statistics include a 324-149-58 record, a 2.59 GAA, a .913 save percentage, and 28 shutouts in 552 regular-season games, spanning his time with the Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Hurricanes.
Over 101 postseason games, Andersen has accumulated a record of 59-37, with a 2.32 GAA, a .913 save percentage, and eight shutouts. His average annual value over the past 10 seasons has been over $5 million, making his current base salary with Edmonton a notable shift.
Oilers’ Roster Adjustments and Cap Space
The acquisition of Andersen followed a series of significant transactions by the Oilers. On Wednesday, the team traded defenseman Darnell Nurse to the San Jose Sharks. In return, Edmonton received defensemen Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zachary Sharp. This trade involved Nurse’s entire $9.25 million annual salary, which had four seasons remaining, being absorbed by the Sharks without retention by the Oilers.
This move created substantial cap space for the Oilers, allowing them to pursue additional signings. The team also signed defenseman Ryan Shea to a five-year, $20 million contract, carrying a $4 million average annual value. Additionally, forward Kasperi Kapanen joined the team on a one-year, $2.6 million contract.
With Andersen’s $1 million average annual value, the Oilers have 23 players under contract and approximately $6.4 million in remaining cap space. This financial flexibility is considered significant, offering more room than several other teams, including contenders like Vegas, Florida, and Colorado, as well as other teams such as Los Angeles, Boston, and the New York Rangers.
The available cap space could allow the Oilers to make further acquisitions, potentially at the trade deadline, where $6 million in cap space could equate to approximately $27 million in average annual value. This could enable the team to add a high-value player or multiple players to enhance their roster. The Oilers’ general manager, Stan Bowman, has been active in reshaping the team, aiming to improve their competitiveness.
The team’s efforts to strengthen their roster come after a period of mixed results, including a Stanley Cup Final loss to Florida in 2024. The recent moves on Wednesday, including the trade of Nurse and the signing of Andersen, are part of a broader strategy to position the Oilers for a strong run in the upcoming season.
The one-year term of Andersen’s contract means the Oilers could be in the goaltending market again next summer, depending on their future choices. This short-term deal provides immediate support in goal while maintaining future flexibility for the team.
Source: sportsnet.ca
