The Calgary Flames announced that defenceman Rasmus Andersson was involved in a scary accident as he was on his way to a team dinner in Detroit on Wednesday, February 8. He was on a scooter crossing an intersection and was struck by a vehicle. He was transported by ambulance to the Detroit Receiving Hospital where he was evaluated and later released.
Andersson is now listed as day-to-day and will remain with the team on their Eastern Conference road trip.
Andersson’s injury
Flames general manager Brad Treliving met with the media to discuss the event, where he stated the following, which was shared in a series of tweets by the team:
“He was going through a crosswalk. The good news—and the most important thing—is that Ras is doing well. He was transported by ambulance to Detroit Receiving Hospital.
“I want to make sure we thank the medical staff there and specifically Dr. D. Our medical staff was in consultation with them and the folks at the hospital.
“He’s doing well. In good spirits. We’re lucky. Very lucky. It certainly could have been a lot worse. We want to make sure that we thank all those involved (in his care) and let everybody know that Ras is doing well.
“He won’t play tonight and we’ll take this real slow … Not anything that we’re overly concerned about. But he got hit, so we’re going to see how things go over the next 24 hours and go from there.
“I don’t want any speculation out there. There was no alcohol involved.
Brad Treliving, quotes on Rasmus Andersson’s injury during media availability via Twitter
Ending to Andersson’s iron man streak
Andersson has been a long-time staple on the Flames’ blueline. With a sprinkle of luck in avoiding injuries while being one of Calgary’s most heavily relied upon defencemen, he hasn’t missed an NHL game since November 11, 2018. This wasn’t even a result of an injury as it was instead a healthy scratch that night.
Since then, he’s played in 323 consecutive games. However, the Flames aren’t willing to take any chances on the health of one of their most important players, so they will favour his recovery—however minor or major his ailments may be right now—over his iron man streak.
Definitely the right call.
Gilbert recalled from AHL
In having Andersson listed day-to-day for now, the Flames have recalled defenceman Dennis Gilbert from the Wranglers. Gilbert has slotted into nine NHL games for the Flames so far this year, most recently coming in as a replacement when Chris Tanev was injured prior to the All-Star break.
Gilbert has one NHL assist while putting up two goals and three assists with the Wranglers in 26 games this season.
Closing out the road trip
The Flames will face off against the Red Wings tonight, followed by visits to Buffalo for an early matinee the finally Ottawa before returning home to Calgary.
| Date | Opponent | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 9 | DET | 5:00 PM MST |
| Feb 11 | BUF | 10:30 AM MST |
| Feb 13 | OTT | 5:30 PM MST |
We’ll see whether Andersson slots into either of the the games against the Sabres or Senators, or if the Flames will elect to keep him sidelined. Wishing all the best to Andersson in his recovery.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
