Carolina Hurricanes Have Interest In Maple Leafs’ Andersen

During the latest 31 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman weighed in on the rumors that goaltender Frederik Andersen might be available out of Toronto. There’s been talk in recent days that Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas might not only be willing to move the netminder, but could be actively trying to do so as a cap dump to free up space to do other things.

The Athletic’s James Mirtle said recently that Andersen could be acquired for a “useful” but low-cost asset. The talk got to the point where Andersen’s agent felt the need to make comments on the rumors. According to Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun, Claude Lemieux, who represents Andersen, stated that his client has “absolutely not” asked for a trade. 

Whether Andersen has asked out or Dubas is making him available and not asking much, the overall feeling here is that Andersen is available.

Andersen's agent on if the goalie has asked for a trade https://t.co/wgUJ5Zw8uV

— NHL Trade Talk (@nhl_tradetalk) August 29, 2020

Carolina Is Interested

Friedman added to the discussions about Andersen and noted the Carolina Hurricanes have shown some interest in the Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender. “I believe Carolina is the team, ” he said. He added though, “The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t going to make a lateral move.” He notes the team has no desire to make a move just for the hell of it. If it happens, it’s for an upgrade, which means the Leafs could wait to see how the UFA goaltending group shakes out.

Friedman said the Maple Leafs are looking at a few options but the fit in Carolina, a team that drafted Andersen, makes sense.

Two Very Different Takes

Friedman’s take is obviously a little different than Mirtle’s. Mirtle seems to think Andersen could go for a lower asset but the plan might be to upgrade in a separate move. Friedman seems to suggest that Andersen moving would be in a deal where the Leafs get a better goaltender or an asset that fills a bigger need.

Carolina’s goaltending situation has always been interesting and often rather fluid. They currently have James Reimer and Petr Mrazek sharing the duties with Mrazek taking the bigger load last season. Neither was terribly effective, but neither are terribly expensive either.

In summary, the Hurricanes don’t really have a starting netminder. The Maple Leafs are potentially making a starter available. It makes a lot of sense that these two teams might be talking, if, in fact, they are.

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