Lack of a good backup killed Fred here. Body just couldn't keep up after 5 straight years of carrying the goaltending especially with that horrible defensive unit when Babcock was here. The guy was playing on one leg and was mentally burned out last season. Covid stuff probably played a role in the mental aspect as well. Piled on to the physical issues.
I don't think Fred was cursed here. He was a beast for us and covered up a lot of our defensive issues. I think if Canes get into that 60+ game range they'll encounter the same problems we had with Fred burning out when it matters. If they can keep Fred closer to that 45-55 range they're good. It's about understanding your assets and using them properly. Fred played 66-66-60 and was on pace for 60+ again in year 4. Yikes. His playoff numbers with that covid break are lights out the forwards let him down.
Healthy fresh Fred is a whole tier on Campbell in my opinion. The question is will Fred remain that way. Let's see how the Canes handle it. They have Raanta there who can handle 30-40 games so odds are high Fred stays healthy and is used properly at this stage of his career. I was hoping for the same here. Fred around 50, Campbell takes 30 and then Andersen gets all playoff games
