Andersen undergoing evaluation for medical issue with Hurricanes

Frederik Andersen is out indefinitely with a blood clotting issue. 

The 34-year-old last played Nov. 2, making 24 saves for the Carolina Hurricanes in a 2-1 loss to the New York Rangers. He is 4-1-0 with a 2.87 goals-against average and .894 save percentage in six starts this season.

“During recent medical testing, it was discovered that Frederik Andersen had a blood clotting issue that needed to be addressed,” Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said. “There is currently no timetable for his return, but we are confident that Freddie will be able to make a full recovery.”

Jaroslav Halak is joining the Hurricanes on a free agent tryout. The 38-year-old goalie is 295-189-69 with a 2.50 GAA, .915 save percentage and 53 shutouts in 581 games (555 starts) with the Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Washington Capitals, Islanders, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and Rangers. Goalie Pyotr Kochetkov is expected to be recalled from Syracuse of the American Hockey League. 

“[Halak has] been out there,” Carolina coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “With Freddie going down, we needed another guy. We’ve got to make sure we’ve got that position covered. We’re covering our bases a little bit.”

The Hurricanes (7-5-0) have won four of their past five games and host the Buffalo Sabres at PNC Arena on Tuesday (7 p.m. ET; BSSO, MSG-B). Antti Raanta made 22 saves in a 4-3 overtime win against the New York Islanders on Saturday. He’s 3-1-0 with a 3.03 GAA, .870 save percentage and one shutout in five games (four starts).

Brett Pesce practiced in a no-contact sweater Monday for the first time since the defenseman sustained a lower-body injury during a 7-4 loss at the Seattle Kraken on Oct. 19. He has missed seven games.

“Obviously him being out is not ideal,” Brind’Amour said. “Being out there  is a good sign. Hopefully it won’t be too long.”

NHL.com independent correspondent Kurt Dusterberg contributed to this report