Frederik Andersen: Draft Sleeper?
Perusing the results and stats from the IIHF WC, Denmark's 4-1 upset of the Fins immediately caught my eye. Pekka Rinne pulled a crapper for the Finns, giving up 3 goals on 16 shots. But on the other side of the ice, a guy i'd never heard of called Frederik Andersen saved 36 of 37. So I looked the guy up.
Well, this guy's yet to turn 21 (born Oct 1989), which makes him still draft eligible for 2010 (European players who haven't played in North America are still eligible if their 21st birthday is during the draft year). He's also massive, standing 6'4''/220. He had a breakout year and dominated the Danish league, leading it in save percentage, and second only to Alfie Michaud (two games with the Canucks in 99-00) in goals against, though since Michaud's back up had similar numbers to Michaud, I guess they both just benefited from a trap system. Andersen is signed in Denmark for another season.
So, just judging by the numbers, he's one to watch at the WC. Obviously, the Danish league is a pretty weak league - the goalscoring leader was Brett Lysak, former Regina Pat and Canes 2nd rounder who played 2 games in the show - but more performances like this at WC should raise his stock significantly.
But numbers don't tell all, of course. Anyone know more about him or seen the game and can speak to his style, skill etc.?
Rebulding in two lifetime keepers, squads to follow ...