Craig Anderson, G, Senators

When: Indefinitely. What’s up: Anderson last week began a second leave of absence to be with his wife, Nicholle, as she underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatment in New York for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a rare form of throat cancer.

Background: When Anderson was with the Avalanche from 200911, Nicholle Nolasco was here with him, even before the couple was married in Miami Beach in July 2010. She taught at Coyote Hills Elementary in Aurora during Anderson’s first season with the Avalanche, when he was terrific and carried his team more than Patrick Roy ever had to do. Anderson was a regular visitor to her class that year. “I spent a lot of time with the kids, playing kickball and helping them with their homework,” Anderson said in the summer of 2010. For Anderson’s second season with Colorado, after they were married, Nicholle gave up the full-time job, did substitute teaching and was active in the Avs’ Better Halves organization. With his two-year contract coming to an end and negotiations on a new deal at a standstill, the Avalanche traded Anderson to Ottawa for Brian Elliott in February 2011, and he has been with the Senators ever since.

Frei’s take: The hockey world (and more) is rooting for Nicholle Anderson.