Frederik Andersen

Early Career in Europe

Frederik Andersen began his professional hockey career in his native Denmark, playing for the Frederikshavn White Hawks in the Danish Superisligaen from 2009 to 2011. During the 2010 playoff quarterfinals, he demonstrated a rare skill for a goaltender by scoring an empty-net goal in a match against the Rødovre Mighty Bulls. His performance in Denmark caught the attention of scouts, leading to a move to Sweden for the 2011-12 season. Andersen joined Frölunda HC of the Swedish Elitserien, where he immediately made a significant impact. He set a Frölunda regular-season club record by posting eight shutouts, surpassing the previous mark of seven held by future NHL star Henrik Lundqvist. Beyond the shutouts, Andersen led the entire Elitserien in both goals against average and save percentage during that standout rookie campaign. His exceptional play earned him a nomination for the Elitserien Rookie of the Year award, solidifying his reputation as a top European goaltending prospect and paving his path to the National Hockey League.

NHL Breakthrough with Anaheim

Andersen's NHL journey began with the Anaheim Ducks, who selected him in the third round, 87th overall, of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He made his debut on 20 October 2013, entering a game against the Dallas Stars in the second period with his team trailing 3-1. Andersen stopped all shots he faced for the remainder of the game, securing a 6-3 comeback victory and becoming the first Danish-born goaltender to play in the NHL. After a trade moved backup Viktor Fasth later that season, Andersen secured the full-time backup role behind starter Jonas Hiller. His playoff debut came on 16 April 2014, where he made 32 saves in a 4-3 win over Dallas. The following season, with Hiller departed, Andersen formed a tandem with John Gibson but eventually claimed the starting job. On 3 March 2015, he recorded his 30th win of the season and, in doing so, tied an NHL record by reaching 50 career wins in just 68 games, matching a mark set by Bill Durnan in 1944. Andersen backstopped the Ducks to the Western Conference Final in the 2015 playoffs, though the team ultimately fell to the Chicago Blackhawks in seven games after holding a 3-2 series lead.

Toronto Maple Leafs Tenure

On 20 June 2016, Andersen was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for draft picks, and he immediately signed a five-year contract extension. He quickly became the central figure in the team's net, helping to usher in a new competitive era for the franchise. In his first season with Toronto, he posted a record of 33-16-14 with a .918 save percentage and four shutouts, leading the Leafs to their first playoff berth since 2013. The 2017-18 season saw Andersen set and break franchise records for a goaltender. He helped the team qualify for the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, though they were eliminated in the first round twice by the Boston Bruins in seven-game series. On 14 December 2019, Andersen earned his 200th career win in his 344th game, a milestone achieved against the Edmonton Oilers. His tenure in Toronto established him as a workhorse starter and a central figure in the team's resurgence. During his time with the Maple Leafs, Andersen achieved several notable personal and team milestones.

• He led the team to its first playoff berth in four years during the 2016-17 season.
• On 28 March 2018, he earned his 36th win, setting a new career high at the time.
• On 30 March 2018, he tied the Maple Leafs' single-season wins record with his 37th victory.
• He helped the team set a franchise record of 27 home wins during the 2017-18 season.
• He recorded his 200th career NHL win on 14 December 2019 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Stanley Cup Success with Carolina

Andersen joined the Carolina Hurricanes as a free agent in July 2021, signing a two-year contract. He made an immediate impact, starting the 2021-22 season with eight consecutive wins, a franchise record for a goalie beginning his tenure with the team. His stellar play earned him a selection to the 2022 NHL All-Star Game, where he helped the Metropolitan Division win the event. That same season, he and teammate Antti Raanta were awarded the William M. Jennings Trophy for allowing the fewest goals in the league. Andersen's time in Carolina was marked by significant adversity, including a blood clotting issue discovered in November 2023 that sidelined him indefinitely. He made a triumphant return on 7 March 2024, stopping 24 shots in a win. His resilience was recognized with a nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The pinnacle of his Hurricanes career came during the 2025-26 playoffs. Andersen's performance was instrumental in Carolina's championship run, featuring several key achievements.

• He recorded three shutouts through the first three rounds of the playoffs.
• He posted a 13-2-0 record in 16 postseason games.
• His playoff statistics included a 1.89 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.
• He backstopped the Hurricanes to victory in the Stanley Cup Final.
• With the win, he became the first Danish-born goaltender to win the Stanley Cup.
• He and teammate Nikolaj Ehlers became the second and third Danes to win the title, after Lars Eller.

Following the Stanley Cup championship with Carolina in 2026, Frederik Andersen had previously signed a contract extension with the Hurricanes. On 3 May 2025, he signed a one-year, $2.75 million contract extension to remain with the team. After completing that contract and winning the Cup, he departed in free agency the following summer. On 1 July 2026, he then signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

Move to Edmonton and Later Career

On 1 July 2026, Frederik Andersen signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers, joining his fourth NHL team. The move brought the veteran Stanley Cup champion to a Canadian market with a storied history and high expectations. Early in the 2026-27 season, Andersen's statistics demonstrated his continued effectiveness, though specific game logs from the web notes indicate he was listed as injured for a portion of the campaign. His contract with the Oilers was reported as a one-year deal worth $2.8 million, with some sources noting a cap hit of $1 million, making him an unrestricted free agent upon its conclusion. Andersen's role in Edmonton adds experienced depth and a championship pedigree to the Oilers' goaltending corps as the team pursues its own Stanley Cup aspirations.

International Play and Family Background

Frederik Andersen has represented Denmark on the international stage, competing at the 2010 IIHF World Championship. More recently, he played a crucial role in helping Denmark qualify for the ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Over the three qualification games, Andersen was perfect, winning all three contests while stopping 60 of the 64 shots he faced. Hockey runs deeply in the Andersen family, creating a unique sporting dynasty. His father, Ernst, was a goaltender in Denmark's top league for 17 seasons and later became a goaltending coach for the national team and Herning Blue Fox. Andersen's mother and uncles also played hockey in Denmark. His sister, Amalie, is a defenceman for the Danish women's national team and has played professionally in the Premier Hockey Federation. His brother Sebastian is a defenceman who has represented Denmark at junior levels, while his brother Valdemar and cousin Emma-Sofie Nordstrøm are both professional goaltenders. This extensive family involvement in the sport has provided a strong foundation for Andersen's career. The Andersen family's contributions to Danish hockey are extensive and span multiple generations and roles.

• His father, Ernst Andersen, played 17 seasons as a Metal Ligaen goaltender and coaches for the national team and Herning Blue Fox.
• His sister, Amalie Andersen, plays defence for the Danish women's national team and in the PHF.
• His brother, Sebastian Andersen, is a defenceman who has played for Danish junior national teams.
• His brother, Valdemar Andersen, is a professional goaltender.
• His cousin, Emma-Sofie Nordstrøm, is also a professional goaltender.
• His mother and uncles all played ice hockey at various levels in Denmark.

This collective family experience created a rich hockey environment that supported Frederik Andersen's development from a young age. Growing up surrounded by professional players provided him with unique insights and training opportunities. The shared knowledge and passion for the game within his family were foundational to his career path. This supportive background helped shape him into the first Danish-born goaltender to play and win the Stanley Cup in the NHL.

Career Statistics and Milestones

Throughout his NHL career, Frederik Andersen has compiled significant statistics and achieved numerous milestones that highlight his durability and success. He played his 500th NHL game on 20 January 2025, becoming the 84th goaltender and the first from Denmark to reach that benchmark. Just three days later, he earned his 300th career victory. Earlier, on 7 April 2024, he recorded his 294th win in his 494th game, surpassing Braden Holtby for the most wins by a goaltender in their first 500 career games. The following table outlines key seasonal statistics from his tenure with his primary NHL teams, illustrating his consistent role as a starting goaltender. These figures demonstrate Andersen's ability to perform at a high level across multiple organizations, culminating in the ultimate team achievement of a Stanley Cup championship.

Personal Approach and Influence

Beyond his physical skills, Frederik Andersen's mental approach to goaltending has been a defining aspect of his career. He has publicly cited a visit to observe United States Navy SEAL training as a formative experience that shaped his mindset. Andersen described the key lesson learned as becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable, a philosophy he directly applies to the high-pressure environment of professional hockey. This mindset likely contributed to his ability to bounce back from challenges, such as playoff defeats and significant health issues like his blood clotting diagnosis. During the NHL's pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Andersen lived with his then Toronto Maple Leafs teammate Auston Matthews in Scottsdale, Arizona, an arrangement that highlighted the close bonds formed within teams. Andersen's combination of technical skill, proven resilience, and a deliberate mental framework has been central to his longevity and success as an NHL goaltender.

Questions about Frederik Andersen

How did Frederik Andersen make NHL history as a Danish player?

Frederik Andersen made NHL history multiple times as a Danish player. He became the first Danish-born goaltender to play in an NHL game when he debuted for the Anaheim Ducks on 20 October 2013. Later, on 20 January 2025, he became the first Danish goaltender to play in 500 NHL games. His Stanley Cup victory with Carolina in 2026 further cemented his place in history as the first Danish-born goaltender to win the championship.

What health challenge did Frederik Andersen overcome during his career?

In November 2023, the Carolina Hurricanes announced that Andersen would be out indefinitely after a blood clotting issue was discovered during medical testing. This serious condition sidelined him for several months. He made a successful return to the ice on 7 March 2024, earning a win in his first game back. His perseverance through this health scare led to his nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy in 2024.

Which NHL teams has Frederik Andersen played for?

Frederik Andersen has played for four NHL teams. He started his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks from 2013 to 2016, becoming the first Danish-born goaltender in league history. He was then traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played from 2016 to 2021. Following that, he joined the Carolina Hurricanes as a free agent from 2021 to 2026, winning the Stanley Cup with them in 2026. In July 2026, he signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers, where he currently plays as a goaltender.

Did Frederik Andersen play in the Olympics?

Frederik Andersen played for Denmark in the qualification tournament for the 2026 Winter Olympics. He started and won all three games of the men's qualification playoff, stopping 60 of the 64 shots he faced over that span. This performance secured Denmark's spot in the Olympic ice hockey tournament. The notes confirm his participation in this qualification process but do not provide specific details about his play in the main Olympic Games event held in Milano Cortina.

What is Frederik Andersen's contract status with the Edmonton Oilers?

Frederik Andersen is under contract with the Edmonton Oilers for the 2026-27 season. He signed a one-year deal with the team on 1 July 2026, which is reported to be worth $2.8 million. Some sources indicate a salary cap hit of $1 million for this contract. This agreement makes him an unrestricted free agent upon its conclusion at the end of the season, meaning he will be free to sign with any NHL team at that time.

Sources and further reading

• Frederik Andersen (Wikipedia)
• Frederik Andersen on winning the 2026 Stanley Cup (nhl.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-26.