The Calgary Flames have had a very quiet last few months. Compared to last summer, I’m sure that is a welcomed change for everyone in the organization. The same cannot be said for the team up north, as they have been in the news quite frequently.
From a controversial GM hiring, a rumoured Draisaitl extension, offer sheets, to a few trades in the last few days. Things are busy in Edmonton in the dog days of summer.
The most prevalent story is the dual offer sheets that were signed by Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. This morning, Edmonton chose to decline and both players became St. Louis Blues.
Broberg in particular took a step in last year’s playoffs and looked like a fixture in their top four. Losing him for a second-rounder leaves a hole. Trading Cody Ceci and a third-rounder to San Jose for Ty Emberson didn’t change their blueline much. So, speculation has begun about who the Oilers might bring in to supplement their defence.
Enter Rasmus Andersson
Rasmus Andersson has been brought up a ton in the last week by Oilers fans. Radio shows, podcasts, social media, you name it, Andersson to the Oilers has been mentioned.
And it makes sense. Now that the Oilers have lost Broberg, there is a hole on the right side of their defence. I’m not sure if Andersson is the perfect stylistic fit for Edmonton’s blueline, but he’s a cost-controlled RD in a market where there aren’t too many. He would instantly make them the cup favourite if they aren’t already.
By no means do I think the Flames consider trading one of their “core” players to the Oilers. Andersson is a guy who can fetch premium future assets, given his age, contract, and position he plays. Since the Oilers don’t have many good future assets, I don’t really see the fit here.
Friedman pours cold water on the subject
In his latest 32 Thoughts episode, Elliotte Friedman did mention the Rasmus Andersson buzz in the Edmonton market. However, he made sure to note that the Flames have told their players that things are going to be quiet for the rest of the summer. They’re comfortable going into next season with the group that they have.
So, I’m sure you’ll be hearing lots of Andersson to the Oilers talk for the next while. They need an RD, and Calgary is in the beginning of a rebuild. The connection could make sense, but I would strongly doubt they consider moving Andersson right now, let alone to the Oilers. I just don’t see it happening. Could the Oilers turn to an Adam Larsson reunion at the trade deadline, given he’s an unrestricted free agent after this year?
I would imagine the Andersson conversation is one for the deadline or next summer. As for Andersson’s value, I see something similar to the Jakob Chychrun trade to Ottawa a few years back, which was a first-rounder, and two second-rounders.
On Oilers radio, Bob Stauffer suggested Edmonton’s 2026 first-rounder, St. Louis’ 2025 second-rounder, and Brett Kulak to make the cap work. It’s not a terrible offer, but I think Calgary could get more elsewhere. Plus, I think it would cost quite a premium to ship Andersson to their bitter rivals.
