Cardiac Cane
Fansided

Carolina Hurricanes: Full 2021 Free Agency Recap

By Harrison Clark|
May 12, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN;Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (32) stretches prior to the start of the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2021; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN;Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen (32) stretches prior to the start of the second period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
4 of 5
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 27: Goaltender Antti Raanta #32 of the Arizona Coyotes in action during the second period of the NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche at Gila River Arena on February 27, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 27: Goaltender Antti Raanta #32 of the Arizona Coyotes in action during the second period of the NHL game against the Colorado Avalanche at Gila River Arena on February 27, 2021, in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Fresh Look In Net

The Carolina Hurricanes decided to clear out their goaltenders of this past season and go with a completely new look. Alex Nedeljkovic had an excellent end to the season, but he was shockingly shipped out. Petr Mrazek decided to sign in Toronto and steady veteran James Reimer is headed to the Sharks. Who do they lean on now?

Well, it starts with former Maple Leafs goaltender Frederik Andersen. The former Hurricanes seventh-round draft pick in 2010 is back in the organization, signing a two-year deal for $9 million after spending the five seasons in Toronto. Andersen posted a 2.96 GAA and a .895 save percentage last season. You have to wonder if the Toronto media played a part in his poor play last season, as he dealt with both injuries and criticism. Having a solid defense in front of him in Carolina will help him and I think he will have a bounce-back year.

The Hurricanes then dipped their toes back in the free agency market to snag former Arizona Coyotes goalie Antti Raanta on a two-year deal for $2 million per year. The 32-year old Finnish netminder has only played 57 games combined over the last three seasons due to a multitude of injuries. However, if he can stay healthy, he can be excellent. Over the same three years, his save percentage has stayed over .900. Even though Andersen is expected to be the No. 1 goaltender, Raanta will still get a large number of games and have a huge role.

Lastly, they acquired their third goaltender Alex Lyon on a two-year, two-way deal. Lyon has spent the last five seasons in the Philadelphia Flyers organization and has played 22 NHL games. He will likely be the #1 goalie with the Chicago Wolves and similarly to Nedeljkovic in the past, will join the Hurricanes if one of Andersen or Raanta gets injured.

It’s too early to tell if this will be an upgrade over the goaltending regimes of the past. Nedeljkovic captured the hearts of the Caniacs and Mrazek had his moments in the spotlight. The X-factor is the health of Antti Raanta. If he stays healthy, I think he and Andersen can form an excellent tandem.

Home/Analysis

Schedule