Frederik Andersen has signed a one-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers, reuniting with head coach Mike Babcock less than two weeks after Babcock was named the team’s new coach. Andersen, a veteran goaltender with 13 NHL seasons on his résumé, joined the Oilers on July 1, aiming to be part of a goaltending rotation alongside Tristan Jarry and recently acquired Devon Levi.
Andersen, 36, who played 66 games in consecutive seasons under Babcock with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2017 and 2018, said he does not anticipate starting as many games in Edmonton. “Those days are probably over for me,” Andersen said in a Monday media conference. “I’m definitely happy to be part of, I think, a good goalie rotation.” He acknowledged changes in the game and schedule, which have increased the physical and mental demands on goaltenders, emphasizing his willingness to support the team in any role.
The Danish goaltender arrives following a Stanley Cup win with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he started 16 straight playoff games before sustaining a knee injury in the final series against the Vegas Golden Knights. Andersen’s offseason was limited to rest, with no significant medical procedures reported.
The Oilers have been actively reshaping their goaltending lineup after recent playoff shortcomings. Edmonton reached the Stanley Cup finals in both 2024 and 2025 but fell short, and was eliminated in the first round in 2026 after failing to re-sign goaltender Connor Ingram, who had started five of six games against Anaheim. Edmonton traded goaltender Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins in December, acquiring Tristan Jarry, who recorded a 9-6-2 regular season record with the Oilers and started Game 4 of their recent playoff series.
Levi, a 24-year-old goaltender with a 17-17-2 record from his time with the Buffalo Sabres, joined Edmonton on the same day as Andersen, further adding to the depth behind the crease.
Andersen’s one-year deal with a base salary of US$1 million, complemented by up to US$1.8 million in performance bonuses, reflects his status as a seasoned playoff performer nearing 37 years of age. “Maybe age had something to do with that,” Andersen noted, describing the contract as an opportunity that offers salary cap flexibility for the Oilers.
The Oilers are keen to capitalize on the prime years remaining for superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. McDavid’s current contract extends through 2028. Andersen said practicing alongside such elite players offers a unique perspective and challenge for goaltenders.
Babcock, who coached Andersen in Toronto until his departure in November 2019, returns to the NHL after a brief stint with Columbus that ended before a single game was coached. Andersen expressed confidence in Babcock’s approach, noting that goalies generally work closely with the goalie coach and experience limited direct interaction with the head coach.
Edmonton continues its pursuit of a Stanley Cup championship, with Andersen’s arrival marking the latest adjustment in their efforts to build a championship-caliber roster.