Frederik Andersen: The Goalie's Journey to NHL Stardom

From Herning to the NHL: Andersen's Unlikely Path

Frederik Andersen grew up in Herning, Denmark, a small city better known for textiles than hockey. He played youth hockey for the local Herning Blue Fox, but Denmark was not a traditional hockey powerhouse. At 18, he made the bold move to Sweden to join Frölunda HC's junior program, where he refined his butterfly technique and learned to compete in a faster league. In 2012, the Anaheim Ducks selected him in the fourth round, making him the first Danish-born goaltender ever drafted into the NHL.

Andersen's selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft was a milestone for Danish hockey. No goalie from the country had ever been chosen before.

Played for Herning Blue Fox in Denmark as a teenager
Moved to Frölunda (Sweden) at 18 to develop in a stronger league
Drafted 87th overall by Anaheim in 2012
Made NHL debut in the 2013-14 season, going 20-5-0 with a .923 save percentage

His rapid ascent from a non-traditional market to the NHL set the stage for a career that would challenge expectations at every turn.

Anaheim Ascension: From Backup to Elite Starter

Andersen entered a Ducks goaltending group that included Jonas Hiller and John Gibson. He quickly outperformed expectations, taking the starting role during his rookie season. In 2013-14, he set a franchise record for wins by a rookie goalie with 20. He followed that with a stellar 2015 playoff run, leading Anaheim to the Western Conference Finals while posting a .928 save percentage and a 1.96 goals-against average.

Recorded 20 wins as a rookie, a Ducks franchise record
Posted .923 save percentage in 2013-14 regular season
Led Ducks to 2015 conference finals with .928 SV%
Became expendable after John Gibson's emergence, traded to Toronto in 2016

Andersen's .928 save percentage in the 2015 playoffs ranked among the best of any starter that postseason.

The Ducks chose to build around Gibson, sending Andersen to the Maple Leafs for a first-round pick. It was a move that reshaped two franchises.

Toronto Stardom and Carolina Comeback

Andersen signed a five-year, $25 million contract with Toronto and immediately became the backbone of a rising team. He set a career-high 38 wins in the 2018-19 season, backstopping the Leafs to three consecutive playoff appearances. However, his postseason numbers — a .901 save percentage over 19 games — drew criticism, and the Leafs let him leave as a free agent in 2021.

Signed five-year, $25 million deal with Maple Leafs in 2016
Won 38 games in 2018-19, tied for most in the NHL
Struggled in playoffs with .901 SV% across three runs
Signed with Carolina in 2021, posted .922 SV% in 2022-23

After a disappointing end in Toronto, Andersen rebounded with Carolina, recording a .922 save percentage and a 2.17 GAA in 2022-23 — among the best of his career.

His resurgence with the Hurricanes proved that his earlier playoff struggles were not a permanent decline. Andersen's career save percentage remains above .917, placing him among the top active goalies.

Key Takeaways

First Danish-born goalie to play and succeed in the NHL, inspiring a generation in his home country
Career save percentage over .917, ranking among the best active goaltenders
Known for a calm demeanor and technical butterfly style that ages well
Proved resilience by bouncing back from playoff criticism with a strong stint in Carolina
Represented Denmark in multiple World Championships and the 2022 Olympics
His path — from a non-traditional market to NHL stardom — serves as a model for late bloomers and international scouts

Andersen's story is a testament to how perseverance and technical refinement can overcome an unconventional start. As more Danish prospects emerge, his legacy as a pioneer is secure. Athletes like MJ Melendez in other sports have also leveraged data and work ethic to rise from underdog backgrounds, and Andersen's journey echoes that same drive. His career continues to be documented by sports media, including profiles by Laura Woods and others who celebrate underdog narratives.