Fansided

Frederik Andersen’s Inevitable Return Poses Questions

By Chris Baker |
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes keeps an eye on an incoming puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Frederik Andersen #31 of the Carolina Hurricanes keeps an eye on an incoming puck against the Toronto Maple Leafs during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Pyotr Kochetkov and Antti Raanta have been serving as the Carolina Hurricanes netminders for the majority of the season thus far since Freddie Andersen’s injury.

Kochetkov has seen major work over the last several games. Raanta played a great game in the against the Calgary Flames, which resulted in a victory.

The Canes face some tough decisions when Freddie Andersen comes back from his injury. Too many goalies, not enough ice time.

The question is “What should Rod Brind’Amour do when he comes back?”

It’s been speculated to trade Andersen now. Additionally, it has been speculated to trade Raanta upon Andersen’s return.

I would like to propose a third option.

If the Hurricanes send Andersen down to the AHL affiliate, Chicago Wolves and Raanta or Kochetkov falter he is available and ready. This is a potentially strong and deep situation.

Andersen will take some time getting his legs under him and can do so in the AHL, with no affect on the Hurricanes record.

Questioning the pair of Raanta and Andersen last year is outrageous as they were the reason(s) Carolina went as far as they did.

That being said, there was an air about Andersen that said to me “Hey this is my job and you can’t take it.” While that confidence is great, we’ve seen some intense play from Kochetkov that can’t be ignored.

Having to play behind a young gun can, and often does light a fire under a veteran that needs that sharp edge back. Some time in Chicago could fire Freddie up enough to get him fully ready for a hard run into the playoffs.

Chicago needs help in between the pipes. Yes, it’s not our concern what the Wolves do necessarily but  that team is the next team to take the ice in Raleighwood.

The Hurricanes have seen several Wolves like Jalen Chatfield already up with the big team this year and the development continues.

A good Chicago team makes for a good Canes team.

At this point Chicago is not doing well. They are currently 5-9-2 and have given up an average of 5 goals in the last three games. A wily veteran in Andersen might just be what they need to get back on track.

Playing with an NHL caliber stopper could free up the Wolves offense and stop the hemorrhaging of goals that’s been plaguing them thus far.

Whomever the Hurricanes decide to keep in Raleigh will be lights out. Period.

This is a good “problem”. Solid goaltending is not something the Hurricanes lack. However, there is a way to keep all three goaltenders in the loop and fresh, without having to trade or release anyone.

I firmly think Kochetkov has earned his spot in Raleigh. Raanta, though wavy at times, played very well in the Calgary game, blocking some top shelf shots at critical junctures.

Time in Chicago might be what the doctor ordered for Andersen on his return to full speed.

It can only help keep the Hurricanes in the playoff hunt this year and moving forward.

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