The Rasmus Andersson sweepstakes is heating up but there is no definitive word that the Detroit Red Wings are still in it.

Darren Dreger is reporting that there are four teams still in the running to acquire Andersson. He says there are two teams from the East and two from the West, and he only identifies the Boston Bruins and Vegas Golden Knights.

There is reason to believe the Red Wings are not the other team in the East because we hear that Swede Andersson doesn’t want to sign with a new team because he wants to explore his free agency this summer. Based on what we are hearing, the Red Wings are not willing to give up significant assets for a rental player.

No one is reporting any confirmation of what the Red Wings are going to do. We do know the Red Wings like Andersson’s game and likely will bid on him as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

The Andersson acquisition is not an easy deal to make for any of the teams.  It has been reported that the Flames are seeking the two first-round picks (or the equivalent) plus another asset.

The Flames are home to play the New York Islanders today. We will know if a deal is close if the Flames scratch Andersson for that game.

Red Wings In Case You Missed it

The Red Wings are hoping they have a confident Marco Kasper for the stretch run.

Captain Dylan Larkin scores milestone goal in win against San Jose Sharks.

Coach Todd McLellan’s team is winning games they should win. That’s how you make the playoffs.

Red Wings Extra

The Grand Rapids Griffins play the Milwaukee Admirals today at  Van Andel Arena after falling 3-1 to Rockford Friday. John Leonard scored the Griffins’ lone goal, assisted by Michael Brandsegg-Nygard and William Wallinder.  Griffins goalie Sebastian Cossa gave up only one goal in the game. Two of Rockford’s tallies were into an empty net.

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