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Leafs Andersen genuinely excited by trade to Toronto.
Keystone Press.

Leafs Andersen genuinely excited by trade to Toronto.

The young goaltender speaks about the big trade.

HockeyFeed

HockeyFeed

The Leafs made a big time trade yesterday acquiring Frederik Andersen through a trade with the Anaheim Ducks, giving up one of their first round picks as well as a second rounder, and then following that up by signing the young goaltender to a major commitment with a 5 year deal worth $25 million.

While it's too early to tell if this deal will pay off in the long term for Toronto, they can already take solace in the fact that the young netminder sounds genuinely excited to be a member of the Leafs. 

“I was going back and forth a little bit (on contract talks) with Anaheim and it was dragging on a little bit,” said Andersen as per Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. “I figured (a trade) could be a possibility, so I wasn’t too shocked. I was very excited once the deal got done and I knew where I was going to be next year.”

It's not just the money either, Andersen knows that he will be expected to take on a big role in Toronto, and he's looking forward to the additional playing time that comes with being a true #1.

“I like playing a lot,” said Andersen. “I’m excited about getting that vote of confidence and (getting to) be in there more.”

It's exactly what you want to hear if you're the Maple Leafs, and it shouldn't come as much of a surprise at this point, the Leafs have been moving in the right direction, and pundits fans and players are all taking notice, Andersen among them.

"I know they’re focused on winning up there and I know they’re building towards that,” said Andersen. “I’m excited about to be a part of that.”

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