Frederik Andersen Sidelined Friday with Concussion, Career Plagued by Injuries Despite Strong Performance

Frederik Andersen (concussion) will not suit up for Friday's game against the Canucks, marking another instance in a career frequently impacted by injuries. The 34-year-old goaltender has played a full season only once in his last four campaigns and appeared in just 50 of 162 possible games over the past two years. Despite his injury history, Andersen posted a sparkling 13-2-0 record with a 1.82 GAA and .932 save percentage in 16 starts during the 2023-24 season. He finished the 2022-23 campaign with a respectable 21-11-1 record, a 2.48 GAA, and a .903 save percentage in 34 appearances, having missed the final six regular-season games and the entire playoffs due to a torn MCL. While a legitimate No. 1 option when healthy, as evidenced by his 35-win, 2.17 GAA, and .922 SV% 2021-22 season, his current situation in Carolina involves a crowded crease with Antti Raanta and Pyotr Kochetkov, potentially limiting him to fewer than 40 starts. His career .915 save percentage suggests a bounce-back is likely, but his age and consistent injury woes make him a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option.