The clock is ticking on Rasmus Andersson’s time in Calgary. As of this morning, four teams are confirmed to be deep in the mix for the 29-year-old workhorse, and the asking price has been set: a first-round pick and a top-tier prospect.
If you are a fan of the Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, or Toronto Maple Leafs, pay close attention. These three heavyweights, along with a mystery Western Conference team, are trying to secure the right-shot defender before the Olympic break. The Flames want this done now, and unless the bidding stalls, Andersson might not even suit up for Calgary today. Here is what I am hearing regarding the offers and why one team might be about to make a massive mistake.
Why The Market for Andersson Is Exploding
It is rare that a defenseman of Andersson’s pedigree hits the trade block with this much tread left on the tires. We are talking about a right-shot blueliner logging over 24 minutes a night, quarterbacking a power play, and sitting on 10 goals and 19 assists in just 46 games. In the modern NHL, right-shot defensemen who can move the puck and play heavy minutes are the most overvalued assets in the league—and Calgary knows it.
From an analyst perspective, General Manager Craig Conroy is playing this perfectly. By leaking that he wants a resolution before the break, he is forcing the contenders to stop “kicking tires” and start putting their best prospects on the table.
The Boston Bruins and Vegas Golden Knights: The Aggressors
Both Boston and Vegas feel like natural fits. The Bruins have been hunting for stability on the right side to balance their pairings, and Andersson brings that exact mix of snarl and skill that Bruins management covets.
Meanwhile, never count out the Golden Knights. If there is a star player available, Vegas is involved. They are the masters of cap gymnastics, and adding Andersson would arguably give them the deepest blue line in the West heading into the playoffs. Sources suggest Vegas is willing to move draft capital, which appeals to a retooling Calgary squad.
The Toronto Maple Leafs: The Easton Cowan Dilemma
Here is where things get spicy. Toronto is the other Eastern team involved, but there is a massive snag. To get a player of Andersson’s caliber, the Flames are reportedly asking for Easton Cowan.
In my opinion, if I’m the Leafs, I hesitate here. Cowan is a blue-chip future piece. While Andersson makes Toronto an instant contender today, mortgaging the brightest spot of your future for a pending UFA (even one you hope to re-sign) is a gamble that has burned Toronto before. This hesitation explains why the Leafs are simultaneously looking at St. Louis Blues veteran Brayden Schenn and Luke Schenn as “Plan B” options.
The Mystery Team
We know there is a second team in the West. While unconfirmed, you have to look at teams with playoff aspirations and holes on the back end. Don’t sleep on teams like Dallas or even Edmonton trying to block a rival, though the intra-province trade is unlikely.
The Verdict
I expect a deal to break within 48 to 72 hours. The scratching of Andersson from a lineup will be the first domino. If Toronto refuses to include Cowan, look for Andersson to be wearing the Bruins Black and Gold or Vegas Gold by the end of the week.
Finding the latest Calgary Flames news
As this fluid situation develops, make sure to add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks. We will have the trade break the second it happens. While you wait, check out our listings on how to watch the Flames game on TV today to see if Andersson takes the warmup. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our Daily Fantasy Hockey Pool where you can win real cash prizes by predicting trade deadlines moves!
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