According to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, not only is there real interest in Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen, but the level of trade interest seems to be increasing and the netminder knows it.
There’s already buzz that teams like the Carolina Hurricanes might kicking tires on Andersen’s availability, but during a radio interview on SN590, Johnston said the following:
I think there’s a good chance Freddy isn’t playing in Toronto next season. Teams have interest and the Leafs are taking the calls. Even heard from Andersen’s side that Freddy seems to be preparing as if he won’t be back with Toronto.
That’s a pretty big development if accurate. If the belief from the actual player rumored to be traded is that he’s expecting to be traded, there’s got to be fire where there’s smoke.
Recently, Andersen’s agent noted that the netminder hadn’t asked for a trade and speculation surrounded why Claude Lemieux (his agent) would feel the need to share that perspective, but it was likely to squash any rumors Andersen was looking to leave. At the same time, James Mirtle of The Athletic had suggested Dubas was willing to move Andersen and wasn’t asking for much in return, eyeing the trade as a potential salary cap dump.
Where he might be going or what teams have interest beyond Carolina is unclear at this time.
Andersen Is An Attractive Trade Option
Despite the goaltending market being potentially flooded with capable netminders, Andersen is quite appealing as an option because he is only earning $1 million in actual salary. He has a $5 million cap hit, but a $4 million signing bonus has already been paid by the Maple Leafs.
Johnston says everything is pointing the direction that Andersen will be moved. He notes this offseason is setting up as a year to move a goalie and and easily replace one. The key for Toronto will be if GM Kyle Dubas can make it a cap neutral move or come out on better on the back end when all is said and done.
Johnston does caution that a move is not imminent. This probably won’t shape itself out until the league gets into the free agency period.
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