After learning of blood clot issues earlier in the season, Andersen returned in March and has been lights out since.
The NHL announced yesterday that Carolina goalie, Frederik Andersen, was named as a finalist for this year’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The trophy is awarded annually by the PHWA to the player who best exemplifies perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.
The other finalists for the award are Connor Ingram and Oliver Kylington.
Andersen missed time from November 4 to March 7 as he was diagnosed and treated for blood clots. When he came back, he returned with a vengeance and put up some of the best stats of his career.
The goalie posted a 9-1-0 record, a GAA of 1.30, and a .952 SV% in the regular season after his return.
Overall for the season he played 16 games for the Canes and had a 13-2-0 record with a GAA of 1.96 and SV% of .932.
In interviews after his return, he has repeatedly mentioned how thankful he is to be playing again. He praises his teammates for their support as well as the Carolina medical staff.
Andersen was nice enough recently to allow me to take a couple of photos of his mask. He told me that he tried to have it be lighthearted as he embraced his “Fredzilla” nickname. On the back plate, he customized it with the Danish flag and a couple of other personal items.