The Edmonton Oilers entered free agency with one clear objective: finding more stability in goal after a season chock-full with inconsistency in the crease.
Mike Babcock’s arrival behind the bench also influenced that search, and Edmonton turned to a goaltender he knows well from their time together in Toronto. The move immediately became one of the team’s biggest talking points, not only because of the contract but also because of the experience the veteran brings to a Stanley Cup contender.
Oilers Fans Back Edmonton’s Free Agency Move for Frederik Andersen
Frederik Andersen is the veteran Edmonton chose to reinforce its crease, signing the 36-year-old to a one-year contract carrying a $1 million base salary with up to $1.8 million in performance bonuses.
Fresh off helping the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup, Andersen now reunites with Babcock and associate coach D.J. Smith, both of whom coached him during his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The incentive-based structure gives Edmonton flexibility while rewarding Andersen if he remains healthy. His bonuses include payments for reaching ten and 20 regular-season games, plus additional earnings tied to playoff success. The contract also includes a 15-team no-trade list.
Although Andersen’s recent injury history raised some initial questions, many analysts viewed the signing as a worthwhile gamble given the limited financial commitment.
NHL journalist Jesse Courville-Lynch wrote, “Questioned this at first, due to the injury history & -3.3 GSAX (MoneyPuck) last season, but for that price and that term…. it’s a low-risk option. Jarry-Andersen-Levi (or however you want to combine that 3-goalie tandem) is an upgrade from last season. Touché, Stan.”
The signing also fits into Edmonton’s plan of carrying three goaltenders, with Tristan Jarry expected to share duties while Devon Levi continues his development.
This approach received support from Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, who posted, “Frederik Anderson has history with Edmonton Oilers Head Coach Mike Babcock. Very good goalie. Fully expect the team to carry 3 goalies: Jarry/Anderson/Levi. Great growth opportunity for Levi. Bonus-laden contract for Anderson.”
Edmonton’s growing collection of former Maple Leafs also caught attention around the league. NHL analyst Rob Wong joked, “I have never seen a franchise go through so many former Maple Leafs in my life.”
Meanwhile, NHL analyst Jan Eichler believes Andersen’s health will determine whether the move becomes one of Edmonton’s best additions. He wrote, “Freddie Andersen signed a one-year contract with the Oilers. I like this signing. Now it will depend on whether the Playoff Andersen shows up or the regular-season Andersen, who is plagued by injuries. But it should be an upgrade in goal: Andersen + Jarry + Levi.”
Edmonton cleared the necessary cap space by moving Darnell Nurse before free agency, allowing Stan Bowman to strengthen multiple areas of the roster.
Along with Andersen, the Oilers added Ryan Shea, Mathieu Joseph, and Eduards Tralmaks while keeping Kasperi Kapanen and Max Jones, giving the team additional depth as it prepares for the 2026-27 season.
