Craig Anderson Professional American hockey player. Position: goalkeeper. Date of Birth: 21.05.1981 Country: USA

1. Early Life and OHL Career
2. NHL Draft and Early Career
3. Success with Florida Panthers
4. Record-Breaking Season with Colorado Avalanche
5. Success with Ottawa Senators
6. Personal Challenges and Return to Form
7. International Career

Early Life and OHL Career

Craig Anderson was born in Park Ridge, Illinois, and began his hockey career in the Illinois Hockey League. In 1998, he was selected in the 10th round of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) draft by the Guelph Storm, the reigning champions.

During his first season in the OHL, Anderson played 21 games as a backup to Chris Madden, the league's top goalie. However, in the 2000-01 season, he became Guelph's starting goaltender and was named the team's MVP, a First Team All-Star, and the OHL Goaltender of the Year.

NHL Draft and Early Career

Anderson was selected in the 3rd round, 77th overall, by the Calgary Flames in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. However, he failed to come to terms on a contract with the team and remained in the OHL.

In 2001, Anderson was re-drafted in the 3rd round, 73rd overall, by the Chicago Blackhawks. He spent the next five years alternating between the Blackhawks' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, and the Blackhawks themselves, making his NHL debut in the 2002-03 season.

Success with Florida Panthers

In 2006, Anderson signed with the Florida Panthers. He spent his first season with the team's AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, where he had 31 wins.

Over the next two years, Anderson played in the NHL for Florida, posting a league-leading save percentage of 93.5% in 2007-08 and a league record 53 saves in a shutout win over the New York Islanders. The following season, he ranked third in the league with a save percentage of 92.4%.

Record-Breaking Season with Colorado Avalanche

After his contract with Florida expired, Anderson signed with the Colorado Avalanche in 2009. In his first season with the team, he set several franchise records, including games played and shots against.

Anderson was named NHL Player of the Month in October and helped the Avalanche qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. However, the following season was marred by a knee injury that kept Anderson out for an extended period.

Success with Ottawa Senators

In 2011, Anderson was traded to the Ottawa Senators for Brian Elliott. Both goalies had struggled during the previous season, and both went on to regain their form.

In his first game with Ottawa, Anderson made 47 saves for a shutout and was named the team's Player of the Month in March. He had his best season with the Senators in 2012-13, finishing with a league-leading save percentage of 94.1% and a goals-against average of 1.69. Anderson was named the league's Player of the Month in January and was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's top goalie.

Personal Challenges and Return to Form

In 2016, Anderson's wife, Nicole, suffered a miscarriage and was subsequently diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. Anderson missed a significant portion of the 2016-17 season to be with his wife during her treatment.

He gradually returned to the Senators' lineup and helped lead the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in the playoffs. Anderson also became the franchise's all-time wins leader during the regular season.

International Career

Anderson has represented the United States at two World Championships. In 2006, he won three of five games and recorded one shutout. In 2008, he allowed six goals in less than two games.