When the Edmonton Oilers signed Frederik Andersen in free agency, they added far more than another experienced goaltender.
The 36-year-old arrives in Edmonton as a Stanley Cup champion and one of the most accomplished Danish players in NHL history. Known for his quick reflexes and calm demeanour, he has spent more than a decade establishing himself as one of the league’s most dependable goaltenders.
But beyond the résumé and familiar name, who exactly is Frederik Andersen? From his unlikely path out of Denmark to his reputation around the league and the role he now hopes to play in Edmonton, here’s a closer look at the Oilers’ newest goaltender.
A different path to the NHL
Unlike many NHL goaltenders, Andersen did not grow up in one of hockey’s traditional powerhouse countries.
Born in Herning, Denmark, Andersen developed in one of the country’s strongest hockey communities. He played for the Herning Blue Fox organization before continuing his development with Frederikshavn and later earning an opportunity in Sweden with Frölunda HC.
The move proved to be a turning point.
Originally selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the seventh round of the 2010 NHL Draft, Andersen never signed with the organization. Instead, he remained in Europe, continued to develop his game, and significantly raised his stock.
Two years later, Anaheim selected him in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft, beginning the North American chapter of a career that would eventually make him one of the most successful Danish players in NHL history.
His journey also carries historical significance. Andersen became the first Danish-born goaltender to establish himself as an NHL regular, helping pave the way for future generations of players from a country that continues to grow its presence on the international hockey stage.
From workhorse to Stanley Cup champion
Andersen’s NHL career has evolved considerably over the past decade.
After establishing himself in Anaheim, Andersen became Toronto’s undisputed starter. He appeared in 66 games during each of his first two seasons and 60 in his third under then-head coach Mike Babcock.
Looking back on those seasons after signing with Edmonton, Andersen acknowledged just how much the position has changed.
“Those days are over,” he said of regularly playing 60-plus games. “I’m definitely happy to be part of a good goalie rotation. I think we can get a lot out of each other… you’ve got to keep everyone fresh and get the best out of each other that way.”
That philosophy mirrors how Andersen’s role has evolved over the past several seasons. Rather than carrying the bulk of the starts in Carolina, he became part of a strong tandem that allowed the Hurricanes to spread the workload. While injuries occasionally interrupted his seasons, Andersen remained an effective goaltender whenever healthy.
Last season brought the ultimate reward.
After years of coming close, Andersen helped Carolina capture its first Stanley Cup since 2006, adding the one accomplishment that had previously been missing from an already impressive résumé.
Calm, controlled, and technically sound
Throughout his career, Andersen has built a reputation as one of the league’s calmer goaltenders.
Standing 6’4”, he relies on positioning, patience and efficient movement rather than desperation saves or highlight-reel athleticism. His game is built around staying square to shooters, limiting unnecessary movement and allowing his size to work in his favour.
That style has earned the trust of coaches throughout his career.
Whether in Anaheim, Toronto, or Carolina, Andersen has consistently been relied upon to provide stability behind playoff-calibre teams. Even as his role has evolved, his ability to remain composed under pressure has remained one of his defining characteristics.
Built through attention to detail
While Andersen’s calm style has become one of his defining traits, former Oilers goaltender Dwayne Roloson believes that success is built long before the puck drops.
Speaking on Oilers Now with Bob Stauffer, Roloson reflected on working with Andersen in the Anaheim Ducks organization and said the veteran’s natural ability was obvious from the beginning. What separated him, however, was his commitment to improving every aspect of his game.
“When we first got him, when I first met him, he was 20 percent body fat,” Roloson recalled. “We got him leaned down within two or three months… and from that day, from being 20 to what he is now, he’s dedicated himself to getting stronger on and off the ice, doing the right things to have a successful career.”
For Roloson, that dedication has always extended beyond conditioning.
“It’s all about his details—what he does daily, what he does on the ice, what he does off the ice,” Roloson said. “All we did was fine-tune everything… made him a lot more efficient… and gave him a foundation to keep building on the skill sets that he needed to have success.”
Roloson also introduced Andersen to mental performance coach Scott Prohaska early in his professional career, helping lay the foundation for the composed, technically sound style that has defined Andersen’s career for more than a decade. Those habits continue to shape the goaltender Edmonton is adding to its roster.
Why the Edmonton Oilers made sense
For both Andersen and the Oilers, the fit made sense.
In Andersen, they acquired someone with more than 500 NHL games, nearly 90 playoff appearances and, perhaps most importantly, the experience of winning a Stanley Cup. His calm, technically sound style and veteran presence add another layer to an Edmonton team with championship aspirations.
The move also reunites Andersen with head coach Mike Babcock, who coached him during his three seasons for the Toronto Maple Leafs, when he established himself as one of the league’s busiest starting goaltenders.
For Andersen, the opportunity was just as appealing.
“Edmonton’s been knocking on the door for a while now,” Andersen said after signing with the Oilers. “Obviously, it’s a team that’s got aspirations to try to win, and they’ve been close. It would be really awesome to help the team get over the hump, and I think they’re very serious about it.”
Andersen also understands his role may look different than it did earlier in his career.
“I’m ready to support the other guys and obviously play when called upon,” he said. That willingness to embrace whatever role the season requires reflects the team-first approach Andersen has consistently spoken about since signing with Edmonton.
That team-first mindset also extended to his contract, which Andersen said was structured to give Edmonton greater flexibility as it continues building a Stanley Cup contender.
“I think that’s one thing that makes it exciting to go there is that they want to make sure they can put the best team on the ice and try to get over that final hump,” he said.
Rather than speaking about playing time or individual expectations, Andersen consistently returned to the same theme: helping Edmonton do what he accomplished with Carolina last season—win a Stanley Cup.
More than just a goaltender (or beyond the crease)
Away from the rink, Andersen has earned a reputation as one of the NHL’s quieter, more reserved personalities.
Nicknamed “The Great Dane,” he has become one of Denmark’s greatest hockey ambassadors while remaining closely connected to his roots. That connection was on full display this summer when, after helping Carolina win the Stanley Cup, Andersen spent part of his day with hockey’s most famous trophy at LEGOLAND in Denmark before bringing it home to Herning, where hundreds of fans gathered to celebrate one of the country’s greatest hockey success stories.
His love of LEGO isn’t new, either. Andersen has incorporated the iconic bricks into several of his goalie mask designs over the years, making the stop at LEGOLAND a fitting choice for his day with the Cup.
It has been a memorable offseason away from the rink as well. Just days before celebrating with the Stanley Cup, Andersen married longtime partner Annalise in Copenhagen, with several former teammates joining the celebration.
What are the Oilers getting?
The Oilers are adding far more than a veteran goaltender.
They’re getting one of the most accomplished Danish players in NHL history, a Stanley Cup champion, and a goaltender whose career has been built on preparation, consistency and attention to detail.
At 36, Andersen is no longer expected to carry the workload he once did in Toronto. Instead, he arrives in Edmonton embracing a different role—one built around experience, collaboration, and giving the Oilers another reliable option in net as they continue to chase a Stanley Cup.
Whether it’s the discipline Roloson saw in a young prospect, the calm style that has defined his NHL career or the team-first mindset he expressed after signing in Edmonton, Andersen’s story is one of continual adaptation.
Health will ultimately determine how much Andersen can contribute, but the Oilers know exactly what they’re adding: a Stanley Cup champion whose career has been built on discipline, preparation and consistency.
Those qualities won’t guarantee another championship. But they’re exactly the type of traits Edmonton hopes will help it finally get over the hump.
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