‘I’m a great goalie’: Andersen states case
Leafs’ No. 4 in wins wants to be in picture
Frederik Andersen struck a defiant tone on Monday in his first comments since disappearing off the Toronto Maple Leafs’ radar five weeks ago.
But even if he gets a game or two in before the end of the NHL regular season, that’s no guarantee he can reclaim his turf and earn the long-term contract he wants in Toronto — or elsewhere as a free agent.
Certainly he wants his future to be in the city where he spent the past five seasons as the No. 1 goaltender, right up to when a combination of health and holes in his game sidelined him since March 19. He had lost five of six decisions at that stage.
On Monday, his first full practice after being injured and incommunicado, Andersen expressed desire to contribute to the push into playoffs and beyond, not concerned that the lengthy time away might have devalued him. He’s on the last year of his deal, paying US$5 million and during which he shot to No. 4 in Toronto franchise victories with 149.
Before the setback, the 31-year-old was eagerly anticipating this year’s playoffs, after getting a share of blame in three first-round defeats in his Leaf career.
He wanted to cement his No. 1 role and a new contract, but was asked if the lack of playing time played on his mind in that regard.
“Not really, because I know what I’m worth, I know I’m a great goalie. (But) that’s not at the forefront. The biggest part is what’s going on here with the team. I think we have something special this year, the group we have is amazing and has done well.
“The biggest motivator for me is being part of that.”
In Andersen’s absence, Jack Campbell completed an NHL record run of 11 wins to start a season, then after his own hiccups, beat Connor Hellebuyck head-to-head in a first place showdown with two wins last week in Winnipeg. Meanwhile, Toronto added David Rittich at the trade deadline to its goalie stable with Michael Hutchinson and Veini Vehvilainen.
There would have to be some salary cap gymnastics to activate Andersen in one of Toronto’s remaining eight regular season games, though once playoffs begin there are no such restrictions on teams. Andersen could also go down and play for the Marlies on a conditioning stint.
Coach Sheldon Keefe said he’s not going to rush Andersen’s recovery from the knee-related issue. During the goalie’s early absence, a specialist was consulted, but surgery was ruled out and he gradually made it back on the ice. He joined the team on its Western road trip last week for mostly solo sessions with assistant coach Steve Briere.
“We want to get Fred feeling comfortable for a game, whenever that is, and make a plan for him at such a time he deems himself ready to go,” Keefe said. “Until then, obviously Jack and Dave are going to go for us.”
Andersen’s injury, among a couple of nagging lower body issues that arose in previous seasons, got exacerbated by the up-and-down, side to side pushing required of a goalie.
“There are some stressful positions my body gets into and they created some problems,” Andersen elaborated. “I reached a point where I just didn’t feel confident in the net (he was pulled in his last start after allowing two goals, sinking his save percentage under .900 for the season). I wasn’t being as aggressive as I needed to.”
LINEUP FORECASTING
Sheldon Keefe’s first full home practice in two weeks, featured three goalies, nine defencemen and 15 forwards, but they’re all either regulars or been mentioned by Keefe as very much in the lineup picture for the final eight games.
For defenceman Ben Hutton and forward Stefan Noesen, it was their first team workout in Toronto since they and Nick Foligno came aboard during the Western road trip following the trade deadline. But Keefe’s conundrum is that no one on his first place team deserves to come out.
“I’d like to get them in, but as I’ve explained to them, there are some challenges,” Keefe said. “The biggest are health, not wanting to make too many changes to guys who are (fit and productive).
“The Zach Hyman injury (the first-line winger is out a minimum two weeks with a sprained MCL) changed things a bit up front, but you have a guy such as (fourthline centre) Adam Brooks who has played so well and Pierre Engvall as well.
“On defence, Rasmus Sandin has come in and played exceptionally well and is really going.”
Foligno filled in for Hyman with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. While Brooks is smaller than his former Marlies teammate Engvall, he looks to have better offensive skills.
When Zach Bogosian banged up his shoulder last week in Winnipeg and is lost for at least a month, the defensive pairing of Sandin and Travis Dermott, the latter moved to his unfamiliar right side, was impressive.
So former Anaheim Duck Hutton will have to wait as will Noesen, picked up from San Jose as part of that team’s role in the Foligno deal with Columbus. Already waiting their turn are defencemen Timothy Liljegren and Martin Marincin.
“We want to get those guys involved for sure,” Keefe said of the spares and taxi squad, “but right now, it’s just about patience, working hard in practice and continuing to stay ready.”
MAY NOT FAR AWAY
Of the Leafs final eight games, only one is against a team higher than fourth in the division — the Jets on May 14 when Toronto is likely to rest some playoff starters.
But the team has had late-season breakdowns that cost them playoff seeding those bad habits sometimes seeped into playoffs.
“We want to hone in our game, peaking at the right time, playing well in all facets,” said forward Alexander Kerfoot. “We’re still jockeying for position, so every game counts.”