Are the Maple Leafs attempting to acquire Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames? Read on for the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
ARE THE MAPLE LEAFS PURSUING RASMUS ANDERSSON?
THE LEAFS NATION: Jay Rosehill recently told host Nick Alberga that a league source claimed the Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to acquire defenseman Rasmus Andersson from the Calgary Flames.
Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson (NHL Images).
Andersson, 29, is in the final season of his contract and eligible for unrestricted free-agent status next July. He carries an average annual value of $4.55 million and a six-team no-trade list.
Rosehill believes the only way the Maple Leafs acquire Andersson is if they can sign him to a contract extension. He also questioned whether they had sufficient tradeable assets to make this deal.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: According to Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun, the two Leafs that other clubs covet the most are winger Matthew Knies and promising forward Easton Cowan. He believes those two must be kept to ensure the Leafs have substance for the future. He also questioned whether success would follow such a significant acquisition.
Unless the Leafs are willing to part with Knies or Cowan, I don’t see them outbidding other clubs for Andersson. They’d be foolish to make that trade. Koshan’s right, they must retain what few young assets they have.