Freddie Andersen Out Indefinitely, Halak Signed To PTO

Hurricanes goaltender Freddie Andersen is out indefinitely due to a blood clotting issue, the team announced in a statement on Monday.

“During recent medical testing, it was discovered that Frederik Andersen had a blood clotting issue that needed to be addressed,” said general manager Don Waddell. “There is currently no timetable for his return, but we are confident that Freddie will be able to make a full recovery.”

An update on Freddie Andersen pic.twitter.com/UDQPHmlEt1

— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) November 6, 2023

Andersen was dressed for Saturday’s contest against the Islanders, but will now be sidelined as he is on the road to recovery.

The 34-year old netminder has appeared in six contests this season, amassing a 4-1 record with a .894 save percentage. Andersen also missed time earlier in the season after taking a puck to the mask in the first period of a contest against San Jose on Oct. 17th.

With Andersen’s absence, goaltending questions surround the Hurricanes and the position has quickly become an area of concern in Raleigh.

To help mitigate the loss of Andersen, Carolina has signed goaltender Jaroslav Halak to a professional tryout. The 38-year old has spent 17 seasons in the NHL, most recently with the Rangers last season.

In 25 games with New York, Halak recorded a 10-9 record, while recording a .903 save percentage.

Halak has spent time with seven different teams as a professional and was a ninth round pick of Montreal in 2003.

For his career, he has appeared in 581 games, compiling 295 wins and 53 shutouts with a .915 save percentage.

“Obviously you never want to see anyone get hurt or anything, but at the same time, I was excited I got the call,” said Halak following Monday’s practice.

Prior to earning the opportunity in Raleigh, Halak had been prepping for a return to the NHL and was staying in game shape.

“I’ve been skating, I’ve been practicing, I’ve been trying to stay in shape. But, you know, team practices are different than goalie practices,” said Halak. “Timing and all that, that’s the only thing that’s missing now, but that will come back.”

Halak currently sits five wins away from eclipsing the 300 mark, a milestone that only 39 goaltenders have reached in the league’s history. He admits that has been a driving force for his return, and it may come to fruition in the near future.

To also assist the goaltending situation, Rod Brind’Amour announced that Pyotr Kochetkov would be returning to Raleigh from the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch. Kochetkov had struggled early on with the Hurricanes, tallying an 0-3 record with a .836 save percentage, but with the Crunch, he has had a solid start to the season.

He is a perfect 3-0 with a team-high .932 save percentage and 1.63 GAA.

Addressing the goaltending situation, especially without an AHL affiliate, is pertinent for Carolina.

Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, scoring 42 goals in 12 contests, but their goals against has left a lot to be desired.

The Hurricanes rank 29th in goals allowed, also surrendering 42 goals. Seattle is tied with Carolina, while Minnesota and San Jose, the two teams below them in that category, have combined for a 4-15 record.

Antti Raanta, Pyotr Kochetkov, and Halak are the three goaltenders currently with the Hurricanes.

It is unclear who will be in net for Carolina on Tuesday, as they return to PNC Arena for a matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.