Apr 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Mark Jankowski (77) hugs goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) after the game against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Apr 9, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Carolina Hurricanes left wing Mark Jankowski (77) hugs goaltender Frederik Andersen (31) after the game against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Frederik Andersen joined the Edmonton Oilers with a lot of excitement, but one big question followed him. After dealing with injuries in his career, fans wondered if his health could be a problem next season.
During his first media interview on Monday, Andersen talked about his knee injury from the Stanley Cup Playoffs with the Carolina Hurricanes and gave a positive update on his health. He also explained that his knee issue started earlier in the playoffs, not from his Game 2 collision with Ivan Barbashev.
“I tweaked my knee a little bit in the game prior, so it was actually the only thing I dealt with all year,” Andersen said.
Sport Bilder des Tages TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 03: Florida Panthers Left Wing Frank Vatrano 77 crashes into Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Frederik Andersen 31 during the first period of the NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA regular season game between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 3, 2020, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire NHL: FEB 03 Panthers at Maple Leafs Icon2002030522
Sport Bilder des Tages TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 03: Florida Panthers Left Wing Frank Vatrano 77 crashes into Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Frederik Andersen 31 during the first period of the NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA regular season game between the Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs on February 3, 2020, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON, Canada. Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire NHL: FEB 03 Panthers at Maple Leafs Icon2002030522
According to the NHL, reported by Sportsnet, Andersen said his playoff injury was not serious and should not affect his start with Edmonton.
The 36-year-old goalie said doctors confirmed that he would not need any major treatment. He believes that rest and recovery will help him return to full health.
“I did some medicals, and I was assured that I just needed some time to rest,” Andersen said of his knee. “No intervention, surgery or anything was said to be necessary, so that’s very reassuring.”
Andersen’s update comes after he played a key role for the Hurricanes during the playoffs before Brandon Bussi took over as the starter. Even though he did not finish the postseason as Carolina’s No. 1 goalie, he showed he can still play at a high level when he is healthy.
The Oilers need stability in goal, so Andersen’s health will be important. The team will need strong goaltending throughout the season, and Andersen feels he will be ready to help them. The Oilers signed Andersen to a one-year, $1 million contract to add experience to their goalie group.
Frederik Andersen Embraces New Goaltending Role With Oilers
In the same interview, reported by Sportsnet, the NHL said Andersen also talked about Edmonton’s goalie situation. Instead of being the main starter like earlier in his career, he said he is fine with sharing the workload.
“I think I played 66 games (with the Toronto Maple Leafs), but I think those days are probably over for me, but I'm definitely happy to part of, I think, a good goalie rotation and I think we can get a lot out of each other,” Andersen said.
The Oilers are expected to use Andersen, Tristan Jarry, and Devon Levi in a goalie rotation. Andersen believes the competition between them can help the team become better during the season.
Andersen also shared his excitement about working again with coach Mike Babcock, who coached him with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He praised Babcock’s coaching style and feels he can help the Oilers succeed.
After clearing up concerns about his knee and accepting a smaller role, Andersen enters the season focused on staying healthy and giving the Oilers reliable goaltending whenever they need him.
His injury update is a good sign, but the main question is whether Andersen can stay healthy and perform well throughout the full NHL season.
What do you think? Could a healthy Frederik Andersen be the missing piece Edmonton’s goaltending group needs? Let us know in the comments.
Read more at the NHL Fan Central.
Written by
Kapil Manghnani
Edited by
Kaamna Dwivedi