Rumor: Carolina sends Toronto an offer for Frederik Andersen

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Carolina Hurricanes have interest in acquiring Maple Leafs goaltender, Frederik Andersen.

The Maple Leafs, at this time, are reluctant to move Andersen, until they have a viable replacement to start next season. It doesn't appear any deal for their goaltender will be completed until the draft, or later, when all the teams are open to trade. It's likely they wait until free agency opens so they can get their puzzle pieces in order for their crease.

For Andersen, he would head back to the team that originally drafted him, where Andersen chose not to sign with Carolina at that time. The Hurricanes are a steady goaltender away from putting them over the top in the eastern conference.

The Maple Leafs are only dealing their starting goalie for something of substance, even though Andersen is in his last year of his contract. The team has been linked to forward Vincent Trocheck, who could slide into their 3rd-line center role perfectly, and give them a chance to load up John Tavares on Auston Matthews line, if needed, and move Trocheck up their lineup. He plays a bang and crash style with very good offensive instincts, many feel he would be a perfect piece for the Leafs.

It seems unlikely if the Leafs trade Andersen he would be traded in the eastern conference, however, stranger things have happened. These two teams have completed a trade recently, which resulted in the Hurricanes receiving the Leafs 1st round pick, 13th overall. 

A lot of moving parts here, as the Hurricanes have two goalies under contract for next season. With the goalie market as hot as ever, this appears to be a small hurdle. 

Keep an eye on these two clubs, there's a storm brewing over the trade market. 

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro/Icon Sportswire

Friedman reports the Hurricanes have interest in Frederik Andersen (what Leafs player do the Canes not have interest in?), but the Leafs would want an upgrade in goal if they were to move Andersen.

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) August 31, 2020