The Maple Leafs will have a third option between the pipes when the playoffs come around. CapFriendly reports (Twitter link) that Frederik Andersen has been activated off LTIR, paving the way for him to return to the lineup. He had been on a conditioning assignment with AHL Toronto, allowing six goals on 46 shots in a game and a half.
It has been a difficult season for the 31-year-old who has battled injuries over the second half of the season as well as some inconsistency. The result has been a career-low .897 save percentage along with a 2.91 GAA, the highest of his career which is far from optimal considering he’s a pending unrestricted free agent. As a result, Jack Campbell started to cut into his playing time and with the run he has been on lately, he likely will enter the playoffs as the starter.
Accordingly, Andersen’s goal at this point is likely to show that he’s ready to dress as the backup ahead of David Rittich who was brought in at the deadline as insurance with Andersen on the shelf. The Maple Leafs have two games remaining in the regular season on Wednesday and Friday so he won’t have much time to show that he’s ready to go.
In corresponding moves to get back to cap compliance, Toronto has sent Rasmus Sandin back to the taxi squad and placed winger Zach Hyman on LTIR retroactive to April 18th. While he technically is eligible to be activated at any time, their cap situation makes it quite unlikely that he’ll play in their final two regular season games. However, with no salary cap in the playoffs, he should be available for the opener with the North Division playoffs expected to start on May 19th.
Pridham earning his money
Hope he plays well bud boys on overdrive said it best even if he gets a 50 save shut out it’s Jacks net to start the playoffs
Soupy earned it! Happy for that guy!