<p>It has been a long three months for Frederik Andersen.</p>



<p>In early November, after playing just six games, the Carolina Hurricanes netminder was diagnosed with a blood-clotting issue, and has been out of the lineup ever since.</p>



<p>On Wednesday, Andersen spoke to the media for the first time since he was diagnosed with the condition. </p>



<p>“I’ve got to start by saying I appreciate the patience through this last little time,” Andersen said. “It’s been scary times but thankfully, I’ve gotten a lot of help through the team and doctors around me, and my family. My teammates have been really supportive and I really appreciate the help.”</p>



<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="de" dir="ltr">Two minutes with Frederik Andersen <a href="https://t.co/jDiyzDoiVK">pic.twitter.com/jDiyzDoiVK</a></p>— Chip Alexander (@ice_chip) <a href="https://twitter.com/ice_chip/status/1760355097542807848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>



<p>While Andersen’s work load has recently picked up, there is no timetable for his return. </p>



<p>“I’m just focusing on taking things day by day to see how I’m progressing. I’m going to lean on the great team of doctors that we have around here.”</p><div class="injected-ad injected-video" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="0" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="158"></div>



<p>The 34-year-old finally started skate a few weeks ago, joining the <a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/hurricanes-goaltender-frederik-andersen-returns-to-practice-with-team">team’s practice for the first time</a> last Thursday. He admitted how elated he was to be back on the ice and be active with the team.</p>



<p>“I can’t tell you how excited I am to be back with teammates and do what I love, be part of that locker room again. Out there for practice, it’s been really fun.”</p>



<p>Andersen<a href="https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/news/hurricanes-goaltender-frederik-andersen-cleared-to-resume-skating-after-blood-clot-issue"> was cleared to skate back in December</a>, but another setback delayed his rehab. Despite having suffered various injuries in the past, Andersen said the process of dealing with blood clots was a different ballgame.</p>



<p>“Obviously it’s something new, I haven’t dealt with this before. Just trying to get educated about it as much as I can to really understand what situation I’m in, and lean on the great team of doctors that I have seen, taking their advice and recommendations.”</p><div class="injected-ad" data-nn-ad-tech-injection-count="1" data-nn-ad-tech-max-gap="130" data-nn-ad-tech-current-gap="151"></div>



<p>In six games, Andersen was 4-1-1 with a 2.87 goals-against average and .894 save percentage. In 485 career games, the former Toronto Maple Leaf has a record of 286-126-52 with a 2.59 GAA, .915 SV% and 24 shutouts. </p>



<p>In Andersen’s absence, the young Pyotr Kochetkov has taken over the reigns as the No. 1 goaltender. Along with Antti Raanta, the Canes have shown they can win no matter who is in goal.</p>



<p>The Hurricanes (33-17-5) are currently second in the Metropolitan Division, six points back of the first-place New York Rangers.</p>
