Don’t let the summer silence fool you; the Rasmus Andersson trade winds are still swirling. While the NHL draft and the initial chaos of free agency have passed, the feeling around the league is that it’s a matter of ‘when,’ not ‘if,’ the top-pairing defenseman is moved out of Calgary. The most likely outcome remains a deal before puck drop in October or, at the very latest, the March NHL trade deadline. The core of the issue is simple: Andersson is an unrestricted free agent next summer, turns 29 this fall, and the Flames can’t risk losing a valuable asset for nothing.
The real intrigue, however, lies in the destination. Sources say Andersson has his heart set on one team: the Vegas Golden Knights. The appeal is obvious, but the logistics are a nightmare. Vegas will be navigating a tight salary cap situation, especially with Jack Eichel’s likerly monster extension kicking in next summer. For a trade to work, Vegas would need to move significant salary out, a difficult task in today’s flat-cap world. This is where things get interesting and the door opens for other suitors.
Why a Rasmus Andersson Trade is More Complicated Than it Seems
This isn’t a standard rental situation. To maximize their return, Flames GM Craig Conroy needs to trade Andersson to a team where he’s willing to sign an extension. His official six-team no-trade list gives him some control, but the real power lies in his verbal commitment to a long-term deal.
It’s believed his list of preferred destinations for an extension is extremely short, as reported by NHL insider Nick Kypreos, which complicates negotiations. Any acquiring team is giving up premier assets—likely a first-round pick plus a top prospect or young roster player—and they won’t do that for a potential one-year rental. This gives Andersson significant leverage over where he ultimately lands.
The Suitors Waiting in the Wings
With Vegas looking like a long shot, the attention turns to the three teams that have been consistently linked to Andersson: the Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Los Angeles Kings. All three clubs have a clear need for a top-four, right-shot defenseman who can log heavy minutes and contribute offensively.
The Kings have a deep prospect pool, the Blue Jackets have been aggressive in their re-tool, and the Senators are desperate to take the next step into playoff contention. Each of these teams has the assets to make a compelling offer, but the billion-dollar question remains: are any of them on Andersson’s short list for a long-term home? That’s the key that will unlock this entire situation.
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