The Carolina Hurricanes find themselves in an unusual but enviable position: they have too much goaltending. With rookie Brandon Bussi bursting onto the scene and Pyotr Kochetkov continuing to solidify his role, Carolina is currently carrying three NHL-caliber goalies. While depth at the position is usually a luxury, it can quickly turn into inefficiency — and that’s why veteran Frederik Andersen may be the odd man out.
Bussi’s arrival has totally flipped things around. After the Hurricanes picked him up from the Florida Panthers in October, this rookie quickly made his mark by winning his first 10 NHL starts. With his cool demeanor, .911 save percentage, and 2.05 goals-against average, he’s given the Hurricanes something they’ve been missing in past playoff appearances: dependable, solid goaltending.
Because of his success, Carolina now has a challenging but important decision to make about their goalie situation.
Andersen’s Health and Inconsistency Loom Large
Andersen’s a good goalie when he’s not hurt, but that’s been a huge issue. After playing 52 games in 2021-22, he hasn’t played more than 34 games a year. In the last two seasons, he’s only played 38 games total.
Frederik Andersen trade Hurricanes
This season isn’t helping. His save percentage is .875, and his goals-against average is 3.15, which isn’t great compared to Bussi and Kochetkov, who’ve been much better.
Andersen makes $2.75 million until 2026, which isn’t star money, and he’s playing like it. For a team like the Hurricanes trying to win the Stanley Cup, keeping a third goalie who’s always injured might not be the best idea.
Why Carolina Can Afford to Make the Move
Kochetkov is still young at 26, and his $2 million cap hit is pretty reasonable for this and next season. His .913 save percentage and 1.95 GAA this year show he’s getting better, even if he’s not always consistent. Putting him with Bussi, who’s 27, could give Carolina a good goalie duo for now and down the road.
Trading Andersen would let the Hurricanes use their extra goalie to get help somewhere else—like another defenseman for the playoffs or a lower-line forward who can play tough minutes. Top teams don’t need three goalies; they need to be able to adapt.
Potential Trade Destinations
Toronto Maple Leafs (Reunion)
A return to Toronto would be the most intriguing storyline. The Leafs remain in “win-now” mode and could use a veteran backup behind Joseph Woll as things are not progressing well with Anthony . Andersen’s familiarity with the market, organization, and pressure makes him a logical short-term solution if Toronto wants insurance without a major cap commitment.
Montreal Canadiens
Montreal continues to search for stability in net while developing their young core. Andersen could serve as a bridge option who provides experience and structure, especially if the Canadiens want to avoid rushing a long-term solution. His contract and veteran presence could fit a rebuilding timeline.
Anaheim Ducks (also reunion)
The Ducks are committed to Lukas Dostal as their starter, but a dependable backup remains a need. Andersen could slot into that role, helping stabilize a young roster while limiting his workload — something that may help keep him healthier.
A Logical Next Step
Bussi’s strong play means Carolina has to make a move. Keeping three goalies doesn’t make sense anymore, and given Andersen’s past health issues, he’s the one who’s most likely to go. Since good goalies are hard to find, the Hurricanes could trade Andersen for something that helps them compete for a Stanley Cup.
Sometimes having too many good players forces tough choices and it seems like Carolina’s finally figured out what to do.
Next: Conflicting Reports That Danault Demands Trade Out Of LA: 3 Frontrunners
