The Carolina Hurricanes today announced that goaltender Frederik Andersen is set to resume on-ice activities after a two month hiatus due to what the team called at the time, "blood-clotting issues."
In a released statement, the Hurricanes clarified that Andersen had been diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolisms in November.
Since then, Andersen has been meeting and working with medical experts to work towards returning to game action.
The Canes stated that Andersen has already resumed off-ice activities without complications and so as part of the next step, he will begin on-ice work next.
"I am thrilled that I’m a step closer to joining my teammates and competing on the ice," Andersen said in a press release. "I feel grateful for the help and support I’ve received from my family and doctors, as well as the entire Hurricanes organization.”
Since Andersen's last game, a 2-1 loss to the New York Rangers on Nov. 2, Carolina has gone 22-10-5 with a 0.885 team save percentage.
The Canes have utilized four goaltenders over that time, playing Pyotr Kochetkov (11-7-3; 0.900 Sv%), Antti Raanta (12-7-2; 0.870 Sv%), Yaniv Perets (0-0-0; 1.00 Sv%) and Spencer Martin (1-0-0; 0.929 Sv%), so if Andersen can make it back to playing, it should provide some better stability in net.
However, Andersen's return is still not an assured thing as he and the team will be cautious and take things slow as he ramps back up, but regardless, this is certainly a welcome sign.
Here's the team's official press release:
-‘CANES ISSUE UPDATE ON FREDERIK ANDERSEN
Netminder set to resume on-ice activities
RALEIGH, N.C. – The National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes today issued the following statements regarding goaltender Frederik Andersen:
Don Waddell:
“In November, Frederik Andersen was diagnosed with a deep-vein thrombosis and subsequent pulmonary embolisms. He has been on anti-coagulation medication since that time, and working with a team of experts to obtain medical opinions as to how he can return to playing safely. Frederik has resumed off-ice activities without complication and will now begin limited on-ice conditioning. We will provide additional updates as the process continues to progress.”
Frederik Andersen:
"I am thrilled that I’m a step closer to joining my teammates and competing on the ice. I feel grateful for the help and support I’ve received from my family and doctors, as well as the entire Hurricanes organization.”