Contract Negotiations for Rasmus Andersson
Recent reports from Frank Seravalli indicate that negotiations for a contract extension between the Calgary Flames and Rasmus Andersson, the team’s 28-year-old right-shot defenseman, have begun. However, it seems the two parties remain significantly divided over financial terms. Andersson is entering the final year of a favorable contract that carries a cap hit of $4.55 million, which he has held for the past six years.
Andersson’s Performance History
Drafted in the second round in 2015, Andersson has been a cornerstone of Calgary’s defense for seven seasons. Initially known for his defensive capabilities, he has developed into a two-way player with considerable offensive potential. His most productive season came in 2021-22, when he notched a career-best 50 points in 82 games. Although he followed up with a strong 49 points in 79 games the next season, his output declined sharply over the last two years, with totals of 39 and 31 points respectively.
Additionally, he posted a career-low minus-38 last season, raising concerns about his performance. One factor contributing to Andersson’s recent decline may be an injury; he played through a broken fibula during the final stretch of the season while attempting to assist the Flames in their playoff bid. Ultimately, Calgary finished with points equal to those of the St. Louis Blues but lost the playoff tiebreaker.
Potential Impact on Montreal Canadiens
For the Montreal Canadiens, Andersson could represent a valuable acquisition, especially following the retirement of veteran David Savard. General Manager Kent Hughes might consider bringing in Andersson to strengthen the right side of the blue line as the team looks to enhance its roster. The Canadiens showed improvement last season by qualifying for the playoffs, and adding seasoned players could support their youthful core moving forward.
Trade History and Future Prospects
Since taking over management duties in 2022, Hughes has orchestrated multiple trades with the Flames. Notably, he exchanged Tyler Toffoli in February 2022, receiving a package including Tyler Pitlick and a conditional first-round pick that turned into Filip Mesar. Additionally, he traded Michael McNiven for future considerations and acquired Sean Monahan along with another conditional first-round pick. These trades were conducted under the previous Flames’ general manager, Brad Treliving, who has since moved to the Toronto Maple Leafs, with Craig Conroy now at the helm in Calgary.
During Conroy’s brief tenure as GM, he has executed several trades but has yet to engage with Montreal. Notably, he dealt Andrew Mangiapane before the final year of his contract in favor of obtaining draft assets and additional salary cap flexibility. More recently, he traded Noah Hanifin to the Vegas Golden Knights, indicating a potential trend of trading players for capital rather than risking letting them walk in free agency.
Draft Capital and Future Moves
The Flames are not completely devoid of draft picks, holding seven selections in the next three drafts, yet they do not have an abundance to spare. Conversely, the Canadiens are well-prepared for the upcoming draft, with 12 selections available, including two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Should Calgary choose to move Andersson, he is unlikely to come cheap—a precedent was set when Hanifin was dealt for a hefty package consisting of a first and third-round pick along with defenseman Daniil Miromanov.
If the Flames prioritize acquiring future assets, Hughes has the means to craft an attractive offer while knowing that competition for a top right-shot defenseman will be fierce given the scarcity of such players. With a track record of proactive moves during the draft, fans will be watching closely to see what strategies Hughes employs this time around.
Conclusion
Stay updated for further developments and insights.
