Calgary Flames and Rasmus Andersson’s Trade Situation
The Calgary Flames find themselves in a complex situation regarding defenseman Rasmus Andersson. The 28-year-old, who is regarded as a solid top-four right-shot defender, holds a modified no-trade clause and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026. This gives Andersson the power to influence which team he might consider extending his contract with should a trade arise. Sources indicate that his preferred destination is currently the Vegas Golden Knights.
Trade Discussions and Potential Outcomes
As a result, conversations between Vegas and Calgary have ramped up over the past few days, though no agreement has been reached. The Flames are reportedly seeking a more enticing offer from the Golden Knights, especially considering they would like Andersson to sign an extension as part of any trade. Despite being under contract for one more year, Andersson seems particular about where he would accept an extension, likely to avoid entering unrestricted free agency next year.
Other teams like the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Los Angeles Kings have expressed interest in Andersson, but he has not shown a willingness to negotiate an extension with them, stalling potential deals. If a trade were to happen without an extension, the value of the deal could be impacted negatively.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy might opt to retain Andersson and reassess the situation closer to the March trade deadline. The Flames also have intentions of signing a top-four defenseman during the upcoming free-agency window, which opens on Tuesday. If they successfully acquire a new defender, it could rekindle trade discussions with the Golden Knights regarding Andersson.
Other NHL News and Developments
Additionally, earlier talks between the two teams included defenseman Nicolas Hague, but he has recently been traded to the Nashville Predators, adding complexity to any future trade negotiations.
In other NHL news, on the eve of free agency, teams are busy strategizing. The Los Angeles Kings were preparing to send a contingent to meet with Mitch Marner, the coveted unrestricted free agent winger from Toronto. Their plans recently shifted due to reports of a potential trade involving Marner’s rights between Toronto and Vegas, which drew their focus away.
Moreover, teams like the Florida Panthers have shown interest in veteran winger Brad Marchand, while the Montreal Canadiens are pursuing St. Louis Blues winger Jordan Kyrou, who will soon have a full no-trade clause.
Attention is also on the Columbus Blue Jackets and their negotiations with Ivan Provorov, and the Los Angeles Kings seeking clarification on their latest offer to Vladislav Gavrikov.
The Edmonton Oilers are eyeing to bring Corey Perry back but face financial limitations, potentially losing out to other teams. The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to pursue winger Micheal Pezzetta, which could intensify the Habs-Leafs rivalry significantly.
NHL Tampering Policies
Notably, the NHL has reiterated its tampering policies to teams for the upcoming free agency, prohibiting clubs from allowing their pending unrestricted free agents to communicate with other teams before July 1, a traditional practice that has changed since the abolishment of the UFA “speaking period” in 2020. This shift has caught some franchises off guard as they navigate through the pre-free agency landscape.
