The Anaheim Ducks made a surprising trade ahead of tomorrow’s NHL Draft. The Ducks sent starting goalie Frederik Andersen to the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 30th overall pick this year and a second-round next year. The Leafs now have their starting goaltender for this upcoming season. What do the Leafs get in Andersen?
Andersen was outstanding as the top net minder for the Ducks this past season. He posted a record of 22-9-7 with a goals against average of 2.30 and a save percentage of .919. With his play, Anaheim won the Pacific Division with a record of 46-25-11 for 103 points.
In the first-round of the NHL Playoffs they faced the Nashville Predators but fell in seven games. Andersen suited up in five of those games going 3-2 with a 1.41 goals against average and a save percentage of .947. After the season, Andersen was hopeful of receiving a new deal with the Ducks. He was a restricted free agent. Anaheim tried to negotiate with him ut couldn’t get it done. They decided it was best to trade him to Toronto.
Once he was acquired this week Toronto rewarded Andersen with a five-year extension worth $5 million a year. Yahoosports.com stated that Andersen said, ”We were too far apart, I think. I’m just happy about being in a big hockey market. It’s going to be a lot of fun developing with this young team that’s very hungry for success.”
According to ESPN, Toronto General Manager Lou Lamoriello said, “When you get a goaltender of this caliber, with the experience he’s had and the success. I think acquiring them is the most important thing,”
Andersen is the goaltender that the Leafs were looking for. He is a proven winner. In his career he has an impressive record of 77-26-12 with a goals against average of 2.33 and a save percentage of .918, helping the Ducks reach the playoffs in three straight years.
Andersen will be the number one goalie in Toronto and contribute by making saves. Those saves could be the difference in wins and losses. The Leafs now will need to focus in the draft and free agency on scoring now that they have addressed their goalie situation. The Leafs though are in better shape than they were last year to become a playoff team with Andersen.
What do you think of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading for Frederik Andersen?
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