The Edmonton Oilers announced four players will miss next month’s training camp, including NHL offseason goaltending addition Frederik Andersen.
Mattias Janmark and Alec Regula continue recovering from medical procedures. Meanwhile, Matt Savoie and Andersen are rehabbing injuries suffered during offseason training sessions.
The Oilers’ announcement soon drew strong reactions from Oilers fans, with Andersen’s injury creating particular concern.
One fan wrote, “Freddie Andersen injury before the first paycheque hit his account🥀🥀🥀”
Another questioned Savoie’s absence while accepting Andersen’s situation, saying, “Janmark I get, probably done. And Andersen, sure, let him rest. But Savoie?”
A third fan reacted more bluntly: “Holy [expletive] Andersen is already hurt.” These reactions highlight the concern surrounding a veteran goalie who has yet to suit up for his new team.
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A fan understood Andersen’s situation, and wrote, “Andersen likely still hurting after playoffs here…”
Another fan said, “Making sure these guys are ready for when the season starts for real is what’s important.”
One fan reacted, saying, “Crazy how people thought Freddy was a good signing. No team wanted him for above 1M. There’s obviously a lot of concern for where his health is at.”
A fan wrote, simply, “Things off to a hot start for Anderson in Oil Country.”
Frederik Andersen’s absence creates early goaltending question for Oilers
Andersen signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with Edmonton after helping the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup. His experience gives the Oilers another option behind Tristan Jarry and prospect Devon Levi.
His absence from camp means Jarry and Levi could receive more preseason work. From a team-structure standpoint, that gives both goalies an important opportunity before Andersen returns.
The bigger issue involves timing rather than panic. Andersen is rehabilitating an offseason injury, while Edmonton has not provided a specific return date.
I think the Oilers need to favor patience here, especially with a 36-year-old goaltender. The Oilers need Andersen healthy for the season rather than rushing him through camp and risking another setback.
Earlier in July, after signing with the Oilers, Andersen said, “I mean, obviously Edmonton, I think, has been knocking on the door for a while now. Obviously, it’s a team that’s got aspirations to try to win, and like I said, they’ve been close. It would be awesome to be part of the team to get over the hump, and obviously I think they’re very serious about it. So that’s part of it. I’m really excited about that opportunity.”
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Savoie’s absence also matters because Edmonton wants younger players competing for larger roles. Missing camp could limit his chance to establish himself early under the revamped roster.
Still, the Oilers have depth across the lineup to absorb several absences temporarily. The priority should remain getting each player healthy before meaningful games begin.
For Andersen, though, the situation gives Edmonton an early warning that its goaltending plan depends on managing availability. Fans will now watch closely for the next update on his recovery.
