It seems like fans may finally have a bit of clarity regarding Rasmus Andersson’s future with the Calgary Flames…
During the latest edition of TSN’s Insider Trading, it was reported by Pierre LeBrun that the Flames have no intention of trading Andersson this season. Based on those initial comments, it’s likely the Flames view Andersson as a crucial piece to help them push for a playoff spot.
INSIDER TRADING…
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) January 14, 2025
– Klingberg to decide team soon
– How Canucks could be holding up trade market
– Flames not interested in trading Andersson
– Doughty to re-join Kings on-ice next week
– Stars patient ahead of deadline
– Surging 4 Nations snubs
MORE: https://t.co/dcC3cT2OSS pic.twitter.com/3quIUlZV7x
Here’s the full quote by LeBrun:
“The Flames have no interest in trading him (Andersson) point blank. They’re a little confused about why they’re getting calls from other teams checking in on his availability. What GM Craig Conroy has told other teams is that we (the Flames) are not interested in trading Rasmus Andersson. He’s not a player on an expiring deal and the Flames are in a playoff race. In fact, the Flames hope to extend Rasmus Andersson potentially this summer. For now, he’s a Calgary Flame.
Whether they keep him beyond this season is still to be determined, however, there’s a good chance the Flames push hard to get an extension done with the 28-year-old. Andersson is heavily respected within the locker room and is beloved in the market. Therefore the team as of right now likely views him as part of their future plans, which may have mixed reactions from fans.
Flames risk missing a major opportunity by keeping Andersson
Look, I understand that Andersson means a lot to this team and how fans love the guy, and I’m not denying that. Andersson is a great human being who deserves all the success in the world. However, running an NHL team is a business, and it’s up to management to make the best decisions for the team’s future.
In my eyes, signing another player nearing their 30s to a big contract makes no sense, especially when the Flames already have multiple veterans making big money. Additionally, Andersson’s trade value is sky-high right now with him being a right-shot, top-four defenceman only making $4.5 million.
Andersson’s services would be huge for contending teams like Dallas or Toronto. They’d be salivating over acquiring a defenceman of Andersson’s caliber at such a reasonable cap hit.
Therefore, it seems like a missed opportunity if the Flames don’t entertain offers for him at this year’s trade deadline. Despite being in the playoff race, the team’s objective is to build for the future, and more picks and assets would greatly help with that. Maybe the team shops him in the offseason like they did with Jacob Markstrom, but the feeling is that an extension is the the team’s preference. The ball is in Andersson’s court to determine his future.
