Calgary Flames Roster Changes
In recent years, the Calgary Flames have made notable changes to their roster, moving away from several key players. One of the latest names surfacing in trade discussions is defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who may be poised to leave the team. At 28 years old, the Swedish defenseman finds himself featured prominently on Chris Johnston’s trade board, particularly as he enters the final season of his six-year contract, which has a salary cap hit of $4.55 million.
Andersson’s Value in the Market
Andersson’s potential availability is especially intriguing given the anticipated scarcity of elite free agent defensemen this offseason. Right-handed defensemen like Andersson hold significant value in the NHL, and his contract, remaining cost-controlled for another season, enhances his appeal to various teams. Whether acquiring teams absorb his full cap hit or negotiate a retention deal, he remains one of the more affordable options among the upper echelon of blue liners as the salary cap increases.
Performance and Contributions
Over the past three seasons, Andersson has logged approximately 24 minutes of ice time each game and has reached double-digit goals twice, which has allowed him to celebrate in front of fans on numerous occasions. His versatility also leads him to be a significant contributor on both power plays and penalty kills, although he does not specialize in either area. Nevertheless, his all-rounded skill set and ability to shoulder heavy workloads interest many general managers.
Challenges and Injuries
While Andersson’s defensive metrics have seen a decline in recent years, this can be partially explained by the heavy minutes he played against tough opponents, particularly during a transitional period for Calgary. His primary defensive partner was Kevin Bahl, whose performance, while adequate, did not mirror that of a true top-pairing player. Despite his challenges, Andersson’s ferocity remains prominent, although injuries have hampered his form; he played through a broken fibula during the last 12 games of the last season and faced a foot issue during the entirety of 2023-24 but still managed to participate in 78 games. His commitment to the team is evident as he only missed three games the previous season and returned early from a scooter accident.
Potential Trade Destinations
Despite the effects of injuries and changing circumstances within the Flames, many executives around the league are likely to view him as a valuable asset capable of revitalizing his performance in a more suitable role. With teams searching for a defenseman who can balance defensive responsibilities with offensive contributions, potential destinations for Andersson include various franchises.
Candidates for his services could range from the Carolina Hurricanes, who are in need of a solid right-side defenseman to complement Jaccob Slavin, to the Vegas Golden Knights, especially if Alex Pietrangelo‘s status complicates the defense. The Detroit Red Wings could also consider Andersson to alleviate pressure from their star defensive asset, Moritz Seider. Others in pursuit may include the Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets, and even the Florida Panthers, who might be looking to infuse additional skill into their lineup.
Future Outlook
General manager Craig Conroy has indicated that the Flames are in no hurry to part with Andersson unless the offer is right. His recent comments emphasized Andersson’s situation, stating that
“if he remains with the team come training camp, it will be taken in stride.”
As teams strategize during the off-season, the Flames have an opportunity to gauge interest and possibly reshape their roster around Andersson’s uncertain future.
Ultimately, a number of teams could benefit from acquiring Andersson if they believe in his ability to improve in a new environment, suggesting that the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his fate. Potential trades could range from subtle swaps to significant deals, with many franchises eager to bolster their defensive cores in anticipation of the next season.
